So I'm going to an interview next week...

[Aerosteam]

And I have no idea what to wear.

Yeah, that's my biggest worry. It's no secret that what you look like in the interview plays a big part in the impression you give, that's why I'm asking what interviews my fellow Escapists have been in and what you guys wore to them. (This being interviews for further education and jobs alike (even if you weren't successful (you don't have to mention that though))).

[small]If anyone wants to know, high school just ended for me and my interview is for an HND in Computing Software Development at college.[/small]

 

[Marter]

I've had one in-person job interview ever and it was to work at a golf course. So I wore a (nice) golf shirt and some good black pants. I figured that'd be more appropriate than a suit and tie or whatever.

Got a job. Not the one for which I was applying, but it was at golf course, just in a different (and, IMO, better) position.

 

[Thaluikhain]

You might want to specify (in general terms) where you live.

Pop by the place beforehand, and see what other people are wearing?

 

[Aerosteam]

You might want to specify (in general terms) where you live.

Pop by the place beforehand, and see what other people are wearing?

Err... Scotland. In a small village.

The college is in a city 3 hours away.

 

[Esotera]

If it's a 6th form college interviews are generally formalities, same with university in my experience (if you already have an offer). As a general rule, it's better to dress too smart than too informal.

 

[shootthebandit]

All I can say is suit up. Every time i hear the word interview the first image that springs to mind is a suit. I would suggest (if you havent already) spend the next week getting a suit. If you are on a budget try outlet retailers or places like matalan (you could get a decent one for £50 or even less), they can save you a lot although its a case of looking around for one that you like and trying them on to see how they fit. I know even a cheap suit (£50) can be expensive but its a good investment when it comes to getting a job. Id recommend asking your parents/grandparents to lend you some money (if you dont have it) its hardly as if you are asking them to give you money for booze or videogames

Ideally you want one that isnt to baggy and you want your trousers to sit nicely on your shoes without being at half mast or being too baggy. A dark grey would be ideal with some black shoes (you can pick them up in asda for a couple of quid)

I went for an interview for seasonal work at argos in a suit and I guess i shouldve felt out of place but I didnt care...why? Because i was wearing a goddamn suit

P.s have a shave, a haircut and put some aftershave on (not some nasty lynx stuff)

Good luck buddy, hopefully you wont need it

 

[x EvilErmine x]

Ware a suit, you simply cant go wrong with wearing one for an interview. They look smart and make you look professional. Plus they make you feel awesomely debonair and that will help your confidence which is very important when you will be under scrutiny form the interviewers.

If you find wearing a suit uncomfortable and restrictive then the reason they feel like that is because you don't have the correct fit or cut to match your body shape. A well fitted suit feels light as air and should not restrict your movement. Go get measured at a tailors and they will tell you the exact size you need. Most decent high street retailers offer a free measuring and fitting service (Debenhams, John Lewis, Selfrages, or Next for example and most if not all men's clothing shops) click here for an awsome guide to getting the right fit [http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/09/25/good-fitted-suit-visual/]

And now for something a little tangential...

In most face to face interviews you will have the opportunity to ask a few questions to the interviewers at the end. A lot of people either ask the wrong questions or non at all. Do not underestimate how important this part of the interview can be, it can make or brake your chances of getting the job, so here's a few tips.

Some good questions to ask.

- Why is this position available?

To an interviewer asking this show an interest in the company. It's also your opportunity to sound out possible routs of progression or what the employer values in a worker. For example if they say that the job is available because the previous occupant was promoted it's a good sign that if you do well then you have a chance to climb the ladder as the employer will recognize and reward good work.

- What are the current goals of the company and how do they plan to achieve them?

This shows that you are really interested in workings of the company. It demonstrates that you are aware of the future and are proactive. However if they have previously told you for example that they have just opened a new office or are expanding into new markets then you can skip this one. You don't want to give the impression you weren't listening in the interview.

- Are there any reasons that you can see which would make you feel that I am not stable for this position?

This is your ace. It'll floor em so save it for the end. It gives one last opportunity to address any concerns the interviewers may have but have not voiced already. Also it makes you stand out as you will most likely be the only person to ask it.

Anyway good luck with the interview and let us know how you get on

 

[Frezzato]

If you don't already know your shirt measurements, I suggest you find out immediately and acquire a decent dress shirt to wear at the very least. You might already know your inseam length and waist, but a good shirt measurement is vital. I would go to a tailor if possible, but even a dry cleaner might be able to do it for you. Basic sleeve and collar measurements should do because most store-bought shirts will provide only that basic information on the packaging.

Knowing your basic sleeve/collar measurements allows you to buy a dress shirt almost anywhere. I go for button-down collars myself, despite how they're considered more 'business casual'.

 

[Nickolai77]

Assuming this is for a 6th form college interview....

I would say a shirt and a nice pair of trousers. If you have a posh pair of jeans you get away with those. Basically, dress how you would if you were to go a posh restaurant. You don't need to wear a suit for a 6th form college interview, but I doubt it would do you any harm if you did decide to wear one though.

Context is very important in determining what you wear for an occasion, so I think it would have been a wee bit more helpful if you'd specified what sort of interview it is OP

For future reference, if you get interviewed for any part time work or voluntary work (in say, a supermarket or a restaurant or charity organisation) dress similarly to how you would for the 6th form interview, although don't wear any form of jeans! For anything else, wear a suit unless the company or organisation specifies otherwise. There are some companies don't wear suits as a matter of policy, or at least allow employees to wear what they feel most comfortable in.

 

[beavweav]

think cashual but not too casual - no jeans.

 

[Eamar]

For a college/university interview, wear whatever the hell you feel most comfortable in. Seriously.

I'm at Oxford University, and they seriously couldn't care less what you wear to interview, it's all about what you say. If Oxford can see past hardcore goth/uber casual/overdressed suit outfits (all of which I know successful applicants wore), anyone can.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Depend on the job.

In saying so I had always wear a white button shirt (no tie) with black trouser and shoe. My mate on the other hand (who had more experience at job interview) say that your clothing should relate to the job you got an interview for.

Example I once got an interview at a sport shop and wore the usualy clothing but my mate say that is a tad too desperate and should of worre what the employee wore inside the store (polo shirt with track suit bottom).

 

[shootthebandit]

For a college/university interview, wear whatever the hell you feel most comfortable in. Seriously.

I'm at Oxford University, and they seriously couldn't care less what you wear to interview, it's all about what you say. If Oxford can see past hardcore goth/uber casual/overdressed suit outfits (all of which I know successful applicants wore), anyone can.

Which is why id still say go for a suit (if you have one or can get a hold of one relatively in expensively) failing that ill agree with scarim and say go for black trousers (pressed), a white shirt (preferably cotton) and black shoes (all of which are relatively inexpensive from most places). Haircut (short back and sides) and shave still stand. Have some chewing gum before you go in to ensure you have fresh breath

They will never think less of you for being over-dressed so its a no brainer as a "safe" option

People like yourself eamar will know more about interviews for higher education whereas someone like myself who went straight into employment can only advise on a professional level so I cant give you an insight into what to say or what you will be asked

 

[Hero in a half shell]

+1 for the suit brigade.

Even if they were not expecting formal wear, a suit will make you look cleaner and smarter due to psychology and stuff.

I went for an IT position in a suit, only me and one other guy came to the interviews dressed in suits, but you could tell that everyone else was second guessing their more casual choices because of our presence. We both made it through to the next stage (and I got one of the positions) so make of that what you will.

And now for something a little tangential...

In most face to face interviews you will have the opportunity to ask a few questions to the interviewers at the end. A lot of people either ask the wrong questions or non at all. Do not underestimate how important this part of the interview can be, it can make or brake your chances of getting the job, so here's a few tips.

Some good questions to ask.

- Why is this position available?

To an interviewer asking this show an interest in the company. It's also your opportunity to sound out possible routs of progression or what the employer values in a worker. For example if they say that the job is available because the previous occupant was promoted it's a good sign that if you do well then you have a chance to climb the ladder as the employer will recognize and reward good work.

- What are the current goals of the company and how do they plan to achieve them?

This shows that you are really interested in workings of the company. It demonstrates that you are aware of the future and are proactive. However if they have previously told you for example that they have just opened a new office or are expanding into new markets then you can skip this one. You don't want to give the impression you weren't listening in the interview.

- Are there any reasons that you can see which would make you feel that I am not stable for this position?

This is your ace. It'll floor em so save it for the end. It gives one last opportunity to address any concerns the interviewers may have but have not voiced already. Also it makes you stand out as you will most likely be the only person to ask it.

Anyway good luck with the interview and let us know how you get on

That last question is absolute genius. I am totally using that next interview.

 

[Hero of Lime]

I always go with a three piece suit and tie for important interviews. It is the kind of outfit that can never make you look bad(as long as it looks good of course.) Now if you don't want to spring for an expensive suit jacket, then I would suggest a nice dress shirt/tie/slacks combo.

Also, be sure to ask questions at the end of the interview, make it look like you are more interested in the interview than most other candidates. It also goes without saying, take it very seriously! No checking your phone during the interview for example, I can't believe that is an actual problem these days. >.>

All I can say now is good luck!

 

[Vault101]

what kind of job is it? thats pretty important

if its corporate/office go for the whole shebang...that could mean full suit and tie

if its not.....hmmm I honestly don't know but over dressing is better than under dressing

 

[Ubiquitous Duck]

I've worked in HR for a couple of years now and gotten involved in recruitment during the time.

The advice I've always heard banded around was: You cannot overdress for an interview.

Basically this means, that you can't really overdo it for an interview (bar arriving on horseback in a tux and tophat), so going suited shouldn't be frowned upon, but not doing it 'could' be. It leaves a bad impression if you do not appear to have made an effort for the opportunity, as if it isn't important to you.

You only get that one chance at a first impression and interview outcomes are very subjective (despite how people try to argue it), so you don't want to miss out because you didn't wear a proper shirt and this unimpressed the interviewer.

The possible exception to this can be on what industry you are going for a job for. It is not relevant in any I have been in, but my friend who works in animation said that no one wears a suit in that industry and you'd be 'laughed out the building' if you did. So that could also be something to bear in mind.