MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
For job interviews, who would wear a suit and who wouldn't?
Interviews are for IT work, software developer & consultancy, currently working but time for a change, north of england, none of this city 8ull$h1t.
Thing is I think suits often look stuffy and that a snappy modern shirt, tie, trousers, shoes, are much more appealing. When I interview in my current role I dont discredit anyone who doesnt wear a suit, but would you?
Suit, definitely a suit.
Your showing you're serious about the role and you are also showing respect for your future employer..
(If your suit is scruffy get a smarter one!)
[i]a snappy modern shirt[/i]
Thanks, don't call us, we'll call you.......
😉
Suit up. Make an effort.
agree - must be a suit but not one that makes you look like 'The Accused'
Smart is good that's all I looked for on first appearance when doing interviews, just because you wearing a suit don't mean you good at your job.
No but if your not wearing a suit you may not get the opportunity to prove the latter!
I wore a suit on my wedding day but never have since, including job interviews.
Smart shoes, trousers and a shirt. I wear a tie for interviews too, but don't for anything else.
No but if your not wearing a suit you may not get the opportunity to prove the latter!
I wouldn't want to work anywhere that made their recruiting decisions based only on whether someone was wearing a suit.
SUit without a doubt in that field of work. Bar job, fair enough but for IT etc, defo decent suit. Asda have one in fo £19 at the minute and it's a reasonable cut! If you'll only ever use it for interviews, why not?
This is just me but I would wear a suit. They do not have to look stuffy in my mind.
miketually, you would be instantly rejected from a very large number of jobs, so there's no need to worry about if you want to work for them or not!
a £19 suit 😯
uplink - Member
a £19 suit
WTF? £19? It may well be a [i]"reasonable cut"[/i] but WTF is it made of? Binliner?
I wear a tie for interviews too
Well, in fairness, if you wear a tie, you might as well wear a suit. Things change and I know not a lot of people wear a suit these days but for an interview, I'd definitely wear one. I've been in situations where I've felt both overdressed and underdressed (Jeez, haven't we all) and I know which feels a hell of a lot more embarrassing.
Oh and hello everyone, happy new year and all that. Just getting over the jetlag.
[i]I've been in situations where I've felt both overdressed and underdressed (Jeez, haven't we all) and I know which feels a hell of a lot more embarrassing.[/i]
Well put! (and, welcome back, old chap!)
What I don't understand is why you're happy to wear a tie, but think suits look stuffy. Personally I'd far rather put on a jacket than throttle myself.
When I undertake interviews I think a suit looks smart whereas a shirt and trousers doesn't IMO.
It's what you're comfortable with but professionally speaking a suit is the way to go 🙂
But it shows that you've made an effort and you understand the rules! A future employer will be looking at you and thinking, hmmm he's not bothered wearing a suit for this, what will he wear to turn up on a customer site..
A clean well fitting suit is a must...
And what deadlydarcy said...
The only time I've not worn a suit to an interview was when I wasn't fussed if I got the job or not. I still got the job so that proves nothing. If I wanted the job I'd wear a suit as it's not just about being smart but unfortunately employers can base your attitude on what you wear.
I would never, ever wear a snappy, modern shirt. Does that have a big collar and geometric prints? Anyway classic, undertstated works best.
I had the embarrassment of turning up to my grandfather's funeral in Taunton last year having left my suit jacket in a hotel in Leeds. I ended up popping into Asda and buying an entire dark suit for £25. It may not last, and I wouldnt want to wear it week in week out, but was absolutely fine for a day and looked like any other suit really.
Ah, got to love this country, with it's anachronistic customs...
Personally, I wouldn't risk not wearing a suit, or at least a shirt, tie, jacket and smart trousers and shoes. It's almost the law, really, for most jobs. The only interview I've ever gone for, casual, was for a retail position, and i'd already had a good chat with the boss, so virtually had the job anyway. Wore just a short-sleeved shirt, casual trousers and sandals. It was middle of summer, and 90+ degrees. The boss was wearing t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops! I think only in scorching heat, could you be excused a jacket, reallly.
Silly, though, isn't it? that most people wouldn'tgive a toss whether you wore a 'suit' or not, yet it's still not a good idea not to.
'Making the effort' is the key, really, and wearing the 'uniform' displays that.
theres always the jacket and tie option with co-ordinating trousers....not a suit but a good halfway house and potentially smart!!!!!!...............unless you wear cords!!!
Everytime I interview someone in a shirt,tie and trousers I always wonder where the hell the jacket is ...especially if its cold....if you have to wear a coat at least make it a jacket but I too prefer someone in a suit!!!!
I have a sneaking suspicion that in an environment where suit wearing is mandatory people are able to tell that a suit cost £19 and react accordingly. But that may not be right.
Personally I'd far rather put on a jacket than throttle myself.
Get a shirt that fits properly then.
it's about creating a great first impression rudeboy
Aleigh, would you give me the job, if I wore my....
....Birthday Suit?
Yup, I would always wear a suit for an interview. For my current job I had one of my interviews on a saturday morning in a local hotel because that was the only time my interviewer could do, but I still wore a suit.
theres always the jacket and tie option with co-ordinating trousersWhat you mean like a suit?
Wore just a short-sleeved shirt
A mate of mine started a job where all the blokes were a bit Nazi about what everybody wore. If you were a bit "underdressed" you'd better not have been the sensitive type. On one particularly hot day, he wore a short sleeved shirt with a tie to work. The first thing that was said to him was "Morning mate, where'd you park your bus?". Now I'm not saying it was right to say this but it was bloody funny and I've never worn a short sleeved shirt with a tie since I heard it.
PMSL @ Darcy.....!
I'm sure rudeboy if you were to attend an interview for a nudist camp, that choice of (non) attire would go down a treat - but in answer to your question I wouldnÃt interview you full stop!
[i]The first thing that was said to him was "Morning mate, where'd you park your bus?"[/i]
Yeah, but he could have responded by saying 'in your mum's crack', and they could have had a proper vicious fight, using sharp office equipment, and it might have resulted in some quite serious injuries.
But you'd guarantee, no-one would ever be an arse over someone else's dress sense, again.
Suit as no one will NOT give you the job because you wore a suit they might NOT give you a job because you did not wear a suit though.... ignore this if you do not want to work with such shallow people.
Think it is nonesense but been on a panel where the best candidate did not get the job due to attire nonesense but so is work really.
[i]I wouldnÃt interview you full stop![/i]
(runs away sobbing) 😥
Heartless woman.
Truth is, you know I'd take your job, innit?
No point denying it, love.
I'd let you stay on as my secretary though. I'd let you make me tea. 😉
(Runs away as fast as possible, before Aleigh can find a heavy or sharp object...)
But you'd guarantee, no-one would ever be an arse over someone else's dress sense, again.
I think the comment was taken in the spirit in which it was intended.
using sharp office equipment
I believe a paper cut may have been delivered using some A4
After being the worst dressed person in my office for some years, I have recently been relieved by another member of staff who has decided to cultivate the appearance of Mr Tumnus, right down to the little horns.
Wear a suit, if you're over dress then so be it, but much better that than being under dressed.
As someone who interviews a lot of people i would rather someone was in a suit with an open shirt and no tie than trousers, shirt and a tie. A suit just looks better however you wear it.
Mike
Nobody should ever base their recruitment decisions on whether somebody wore a suit or not and that is not what I said.
It may however put you at an unnecesary disadvantage by not wearing a suit and imo its naive to think that recruiters/employers will ignore your dress and focus solely on your experience and qualifications, although we all know that these are the most important factors.
Its a box that you need to tick however If you feel strongly about it make your own choice.
"Heartless woman. Truth is, you know I'd take your job, innit? No point denying it, love. I'd let you stay on as my secretary though. I'd let you make me tea"
Yeah dream on rudeboy - you couldn't do my job!
And as for being your secretary and having a boss like you, firstly I'm not a skivvy to anyone and secondly you'd probably end up wearing the cup of tea 😆
It's not just ticking a box though anyway. Not wearing one conveys all sorts of messages about unwillingness to fit in, not being prepared to put in that bit extra, etc.
A nice suit can be had for £100 from M&S, it'll fit well and look good. Dress up, polish your shoes, wear long black socks and ensure clean nails.
If they wanted to see your Panama shorts and t-tank top they would've asked.
You can easily dress down, it's less easy to dress up. Is something my Gran used to say, I guess meaning if you arrive for a job interview without having researched the dress code of the organisation, then you can easily take off your jacket and tie, but if you're not wearing them, then you can't 'magic' them from somewhere. I've rarely worn a proper 'suit' for an interview, but then I'm female and it's easier for us to do 'smart' without necessarily wearing a full on matching jacket and skirt/trs.
I dont think it conveys those messages at all. We can all give examples of suit wearers who are not team players and pony tailed "wacky" types who are.
I dont necessarily think it should be necessary to wear a suit for an interview but I think you are mad not to as in reality if you are in a position senior enough to make recruitment decisions you are likely to be older and probably consevative.
For the position you're applying for I'm surprised you have to ask.
Suit 100%.
A future employer will be looking at you and thinking, hmmm he's not bothered wearing a suit for this, what will he wear to turn up on a customer site.
If it was a job where I'd be required to wear a suit to work, I'd wear one for the interview. I'd probably not apply for that job, however.
I'm very lucky to have a job where I can wear whatever I like. Some people wear suits, others jeans and T-shirts, and most somewhere in between. There is no correlation between dress and ability to do the job.
[i]...you'd probably end up wearing the cup of tea[/i]
[b]Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love...[/b]
(Goes off to practice smoochy dance moves, ready for Saturday...)
Maybe their is no correlation between the two but you are missing the point I fear.
Maybe their is no correlation between the two but you are missing the point I fear.
It was a comment on suits in general, rather than the specific issue of suits in interviews.
since when has a thread ever gone the way it's meant to!
oh and rudeboy - that is just not going to happen (email in profile to take this discussion elsewhere :wink:)
Aw, go on! You'll enjoy it, once you get going.
Got any spare computer mouses at your work? Pinch one for me; I keep smashing them up. 4 gone, recently.
Oh, and a plug-in phone would be useful, too. They don't last long with me, either.
Ta. XX
A nice suit can be had for £100 from M&S
Really? I bought one for £200 in the sale there the other day and only just regard this as an acceptable suit for work (I'm skint, the others are getting wrecked). I shudder to think just how gash a £19 suit is.
Oh, and since you're now going to have to buy a suit, unless you're spending lots, then [b]DO NOT BUY BLACK[/b]. You'll look like you're about to take the central role in court. Navy blue is always the safest bet.
As for other sartorial tips:
*light coloured shirt - white is safest (long sleeved always, top button done up)
*black shoes (leather, polished)
*no "wacky" ties
*tie knot smaller than a baby's fist
*tie "point" to reach top of belt
Do all that and you'll probably look smarter than the person interviewing you.
like i'd get sacked for you over a flaming mouse! 😆
I've only ever had 3 interviews and never wore a suit to any off them just went dressed smart, trousers, shirt,shoes. though none of them were an office based job. I got the jobs on each occasion.
Ourmaninthenorth
I bought one for £200 in the sale there the other day and only just regard this as an acceptable suit for work (I'm skint, the others are getting wrecked). I shudder to think just how gash a £19 suit is
Agreed on:
1. I'm Skint (current suit out of date, last changed jobs 3 years ago)
2. £19 suit must be a pile
3. £200 seems a reasonable amoutn to pay
Additionally:
4. Anything I spend on a suit comes out of the "New Carbon MTB Fund"
5. I'm glad your not interviewing me, all this talk of babies fists and "point"s reaching tops of belts.
I had decided a suit was the way forward after debating it amongst some chums, but their reaction was kind of like this thread (but with more abuse aimed at me), which is why I thought I'd see what peoples expectations were on here.
Scary thing is I've been out out pricing up the cloth today and already calculated the downgrades I will have to make to the new bike for each £50 increment in suit cost, either that or I sacrifice the Haglofs Oz/Ozone until next winter.
I wore a suit to an interview that included a physical assessment and a driving assesment. Imagine 20 mins on the running machine in suit and tie, followed by an hour driving an ambulance!
However, I also wore my "interview trainers" once and didn't get the job. Wear a suit, the ladies love it!
I would always wear a suit, to my mind it shows that you respect the importance of the meeting. In day-to-day work I wear a suit without a tie, but I would interview with the full lot (with a suit preferably in a classic cut - a cheap suit with double vents always looks far better than a same priced suit with only one or no vent at the back).
As someone else has said, when you get there if things are going well you could always take your tie off. Get a shirt though that looks classic without a tie, and not like it was one of your school shirts. Polish your shoes too.
It doesn't matter what the dress code of the firm is, in interview being well dressed is an indication of your attention to detail.
IT ?, go in your jimjams,
I actually picked up a new suit from Jermyn Street the other day, as it happens. Semi-bespoke (Off the peg then tweaked) for about £300. Excellent value.
Saw a bunch of interview candidates at the fairly laid back place where I work. All 4 had turned up in suits of a totally identical light grey. All the shirts and accessories were nearly identical too. I was not involved in the interviewing, but I have to say thier lack of individuality and personality put me right off the bunch of them. They were scary to look at, bit like a male version of the Stepford Wives.
Always a suit for interviews. I own a 1950's demob suit which I use. Its smart, far better made than any suit I could afford and gives a slight individual quirk without upsetting the dress code. Navy blue /black pinstripe Thin lapels, single button no vent. Worn with white shirt and thin neutral tie. Black shoes.
You don't have to be a clone to fit in.
Anyone being interviewed for a position of responsibility wouldn't take the views of the STW collective into account on dress, decorum, tie size, route, underwear, shoes, helmet, lights, grips or facial hair.
Thats just scientific common sense.
if you are in a position senior enough to make recruitment decisions you are [b]likely to be older[/b] and probably consevative
Depends where you work, I suppose. The top guy at our place is 40. He was 39 when I was last interviwed by him, for an internal post (four of us were interviewed, none in suits).
First impressions play a big part in how someone responds to you and if you don't create a first good impression it can be difficult to make up for it.
They're generally not going to decide who to employ based on who wore a suit and who didn't, but they probably will take small elements into account if they need to quickly whittle down a big list of candidates. I've even seen managers in McDonald's tear up application forms straight away just because they were folded in 4!
There's 27000 Woolworths staff just out of work and countless other layoffs around the country so you can bet they've had a lot of applications.
I have done some interviewing. Never give a job to anyone wearing white socks or loafers - or grey shoes. Or even brown shoes in town. A suit shows you are trying. I did give a job to a chap in a 70s brown suit - partly because he was showing he was trying ( homeless chap trying to get his life together.
I've even seen managers in McDonald's tear up application forms straight away just because they were folded in 4!
We once had over 200 applicants for 3 positions
We really weren't expecting anything like that number
In the end we randomly chose 30 CVs & binned the rest - sight unseen
I wore a brown pinstripe suit with a checked blue shirt and yellow tie for my job interview in IT Sales and got the job.
Agency, said make sure you wear a black suit and white shirt... Not a chance!
I wore a brown pinstripe suit with a checked blue shirt and yellow tie
A wide brimmed purple felt hat & it would have completed the 'Huggy Bear on a night out' look
Semi-bespoke (Off the peg then tweaked)
You mean tailored, Flash.
Agency said make sure you wear a black suit and white shirt...
Quite. Like i said up there^^^, only if you want to look like you're doing your best not to get sent down for GBH....
If you can stand a suit I think you should. Look at most of the comment above, people still think you will need a suit. However if like me you just don't stand wearing one dont, smart trousers and shoes, nice wooly jumper and a shirt will do just fine.
Just been 2 days in York (lovely city btw) for what is the best UK meeting of specialists in my field, and the only 3 people were wearing a suit 2 of them were actually from the state
I am lucky I will be hired from my CV rather than just for my wardrobe.
I'd expect people to turn up looking quite smart, but wouldn't demand a suit.
But impressing at an interview is a layered thing anyway, it's the sum of a number of parts and if wearing a suit is going to give you a little bit extra, why not wear one?
Not wearing one to make a point is certainly going to lose you the job.
Personally I'll always wear a suit to an interview, it can only help me and costs me nothing (assuming I already own a suit). So what if one person doing the interview is the type of person who is impressed by a suit, I'm not getting the job for his benefit, it's for mine.
[i]We once had over 200 applicants for 3 positions
We really weren't expecting anything like that number
In the end we randomly chose 30 CVs & binned the rest - sight unseen [/i]
yeah, that's quite an interesting point. What you've done there is chosen, and presumably employed, a lucky person.
As it happened they put a stop on recruitment before it got to interview selection
We simply didn't have the resource to process 200+ CVs so it was a good idea as any to reduce the number
I wasn't knocking it, choosing an individual at random rather than on merit is arguably beneficial. A lucky employee can often be just as if not more useful than a good one.
Unless of course he spends all his time in the store room getting head off all the good looking girls in the company.
15+ years in recruitment, I would be gutted if any candidate didn't turn up to an interview in a suit. It is an absolute pre-requisite. And apologies and with the greatest respect to anyone who thinks otherwise, but "I wouldn't work for a company that wouldn't hire me for not wearing a suit" utter bollocks. Sure some companies won't care and you will be over-dressed, but never, ever under-dress for an interview, it will get you nothing unless you are very lucky.
Nuff said, go buy something nice, you'll need it for funerals and weddings !
Unless of course he spends all his time in the store room getting head off all the good looking girls in the company.
In which case, he would indeed be a very lucky man!
go buy something nice, you'll need it for funerals and weddings
I don't wear a suit for those either 🙂