Help with interview attire!

[AshleyW]

Hi all! I need all of your expertise on interview attire.

My DFiance just graduated with his bachelor's degree in finance. He has an interview tomorrow with Verizon Business for a supervisor position. Basically, he would supervise Conference Coordinators - people who facilitate conference calls for businesses.

Anyway, he's not sure what to wear, and I'm not much help, either. I work in quality assurance/training at a call center and I wear jeans and a t-shirt to work everyday.

He's planning on wearing black pants, a white long sleeve button up shirt, and a tie. His question is.. should he wear a suit jacket? It's his first post-college interview, so he wants to look nice, but is afraid of over-doing it.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Here's a good guide...

Step 1 - Research the company you are interviewing with, and find out about the dress code for the employees; then opt to wear something a little dressier to your interview.

Step 2 - Overdress rather than under dress. It is better to be dressed too formally than to be dressed too casually for a job interview. Wearing a suit is always appropriate. It shows that you are serious about wanting the job and that you are professional.

Step 3 - Pick an outfit that fits well and is conservative. Loud prints or bright colors distract the interviewer. You want the focus to be on you and your skills—not your clothing.

Step 4 - Make sure the clothing you choose is clean and pressed. Take a moment to inspect your shoes and clean off any scuffs.

Step 5 - Choose nice slacks and a button down top or a business suit for men. Khaki pants are as casual as you want to wear for a job interview, and you should only wear those if the work environment is very casual.

Step 6 - Wear a business suit, slacks or a skirt with a sweater or button down top for women. Wear nylons if you wear a skirt. Capri pants, skorts and shorts are inappropriate to wear to a job interview.

Step 7 - Tone down your hair, makeup and jewelry. Wear no more than one ring on each hand, no dangling bracelets and only one set of earrings. Camouflage or remove visible body piercings for a job interview. Again, the focus should be on your skills for the job and your outward appearance should not be a distraction.

Good luck to him on the interview.

 

[C.Ann]

I would be more impressed if he wore a suit.. But then I've always had a "thing" for men in suits anyhow.. LOL..

 

[mrs_hower726]

he should wear the suit jacket.

 

[Katy Belle]

Definitely suit and tie.

 

[AshleyW]

Thanks for the help, everyone! Looks like he'll be going with the jacket.

 

[jlima]

Thanks for the help, everyone! Looks like he'll be going with the jacket.

Can I give my 2 cents . . . tomorrow is Friday; if that office is casual Friday he will be WAY overdressed . . .

 

[kydisneyfans]

Wear the jacket, then take it off and carry it over his arm if it seems "too" formal.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You always wear a suit to be on the safe side.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I would strongly suggest a jacket.

 

[mill4023]

Depending on the position, a full suit with jacket might not be necessary, but it also won't do any harm.

Unless he wears a tuxedo, I don't think he has to worry about overdoing it.

 

[Tweevil]

When I interview for my office positions I expect people to wear office attire. During the interview I tell them the dress code and if hired they can report wearing bus. casual.

I have seen the full spectrum of jeans to full business dress and I want to say for me, the business attire is more impressive. It means you took the time to prepare.

Good luck to him

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

When I interview for my office positions I expect people to wear office attire. During the interview I tell them the dress code and if hired they can report wearing bus. casual.

I have seen the full spectrum of jeans to full business dress and I want to say for me, the business attire is more impressive. It means you took the time to prepare.

Good luck to him

I can't imagine wearing jeans to an interview for an office position. On the other hand, here in Florida, I can't imagine wearing nylons with a skirt....it's just something almost nobody does down here.

 

[mjkacmom]

He needs to buy a suit.

 

[mjkacmom]

Can I give my 2 cents . . . tomorrow is Friday; if that office is casual Friday he will be WAY overdressed . . .

It may be regional, but even if everyone is the office is wearing shorts, you wear a suit to a job interview, always (NYC metro area).

 

[OceanAnnie]

Glad he's wearing the jacket. I hope he gets the job!

 

[Piglet843]

I've been to many interviews.

I've been the conductor of many interviews.

I don't care if its Casual Friday at a Walmart Superstore in Podunktown Alabama...

ALWAYS wear a suit.

Go with a nice solid color shirt underneath. No crazy colors - neutral or white is best.

Modest tie for men - no funky shapes or patterns.

Panty Hose and heels for women is ideal (even if its just a 1/2 inch heel...)

If it comes down to 2 people with similar resumes / skill sets
They are gonna take the one who made the better impression.

The Suit is the better impression!

Just my 2 cents. Fwiw!

 

[AshleyW]

Glad he's wearing the jacket. I hope he gets the job!

Thanks, me too! I think he's secretly excited about it, but he keeps downplaying it, probably so he doesn't get his hopes up too much. Worst case scenario, if he doesn't get it - it's only his first interview after graduating, so at least it's good experience.