What is the proper male interview attire?

[golfgal]

One step above what the job dress code requires for the most part. If you can wear jeans and t-shirts to work, then khakis and a polo for the interview should be fine. If you are "business casual", dress pants, dress shirt, tie. If you have to wear a suit, then wear a suit to the interview. You will never be "wrong" wearing a suit to an interview though.

 

[MrsPete]

I'm trying to make my bf understand the importance of first impression, which also includes appearance, for a job interview.

Please state the good, the bad, the ugly about each selection. I guess I'm just not coming up with the right way to put it, that wearing jeans and a t-shirt will automatically get your application in the trash can. BTW, this is for an entry level position possibly in retail or warehouse type job. That's the kind of job he's been applying to.

Shirt:
Button down dress shirt - short sleeve
Button down dress shirt - long sleeve
Polo shirt
T-shirt

Pants:
Suit slacks
Khaki pants
Jeans

Shoes:
Black dress shoes
Sneakers

A couple occasions, I've had to go out and buy a new interview outfit because I gained some weight and no longer fit into my interview attire. I did manage to convince him to get a pair of dress shoes, without waiting till the last minute. Since he's a size 14, it's a bit harder to find his size without going to a specialty store and spending $200. JCP had one pair of size 14, with a sale/coupon he got them for $40.

Rule of thumb: You have a feeling for what you'd wear if you were hired for that job, right? Dress "one notch up" from that for the interview. So if a retail job'd require a man to wear dress slacks and a button-down shirt, wear the suit to the interview. If it's job where jeans and a polo are acceptable for everyday wear, choose khakis for the interview.

If it's a job that requires a wide variety of dress (for example, my husband wears khakis most days, but when he speaks at a conference or has guests at the office, he wears a suit; on days he's visiting plants, he wears jeans), go for the highest dress code level.

I disagree that jeans are always wrong for an interview, but it's rare that they'd be correct. For example, say you're going for a seaonal job selling hot dogs at the ballpark -- jeans'd be okay there.


Perhaps most important is that he arrives well-groomed, wrinkle-free, alone, and ready to make a good impression. I occasionally hear my students talking about going straight from school to the mall to look for a job -- straight from school with hole-y jeans and flip-flops, toting a soda, walking with friends. That's a recipe for failure.

It's also important that he brings along a crisp, clean copy of his resume to the interview, and it's important that he writes a thank you note immediately after the interview.

 

[Eljay]

All great advise.
Imagine you are the one making the decision to hire or not. It comes down to 2 applicants, both identical in qualifications and both make a great impression. Chances are, they will chose the applicant that is dressed the best.
You've gotta play the game.

 

[pixiewings71]

Here's my experience, when I interviewed for a job at Target I wore nice black pants and a red shirt. I wanted them to know I was aware of the dress code (at that time black pants were as used at khaki, especially as a new hire because no one really wore khakis then) and able to follow it, it worked, I was hired on the spot and told that after I received my first check I would be expected to buy 1 pair of khaki pants to wear to work.
For my job interview for the mfg company I was with for 8 years I wore a nice skirt, nice top and flats. I was offered that job by noon that day, my interview was at 8:30 am.
For the job I just started last Monday, I wore a nice black sweater, fancy black slacks and heels, had my hair up and wore light makeup. I was told after the 3 hour interview that if it wasnt for background checks and drug testing I'd start the next day, as it was I had to wait the 2 week waiting period. Both my last job and my current job are warehouse jobs.....I wear jeans to work every day, that's the dress code. On Friday we were busy enough I was in the warehouse breaking down and rebuilding pallets so it's good I wasn't wearing a dress, skirt or open toed shoes.

That said, one of the jobs I interviewed for in the past few months I wore the same basic outfit I wore for my current job, I was told in the interview I was over-dressed and it reflected poorly on me. I let them know (this was the second interview) that I was unaware of any dress code, which was true, the person who interviewed me the first time and set up the interview did not inform me of any dress code.

I think your DBF should wear khakis and a nice shirt (button down or polo) for ALL interviews, it makes him look good! Even if their official dress code is jeans it's always good to show he can look good and he takes care and pride of how he looks every day.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

Dress for the job you want, not the one you're interviewing for!

I want whatever job it is where everyone wears jeans to work. It's entirely possible that I don't even care what it is they do!

All great advise.
Imagine you are the one making the decision to hire or not. It comes down to 2 applicants, both identical in qualifications and both make a great impression. Chances are, they will chose the applicant that is dressed the best.
You've gotta play the game.

The way the person was dressed would NOT be factored into my decision... but I still play the game. And hate it with a passion.

 

[Witch Mountain]

It's not as big an issue now, because many job applications are done online, but if he's filling out a paper application he should go in alone. It makes a better impression. Same for the interview.

I can't tell you how many applications my nephew filled out with sister in law (not his mom) tagging along. She'd ask questions along the way and walk him through the process, even though he's in his 20's and didn't need the help.

If they'd lived a bit closer to my store, I knew they'd be asking me to give him a job They asked if I could put in a good word for him at the location a mile from their house. That's when I asked where he'd interviewed, how he was dressing and if he was going solo.

They got the instructions that I have a hard time seriously considering a candidate if they had someone with them, and even harder time if that person started asking me questions that the applicant themselves should be asking.

Hmm, next job he applied for (by himself), he was called in for an interview, then got the job...

 

[CF'er]

It depends on how bad you want the job.

 

[crazelion]

I got job wearing bike shorts and t-shirt at restaurant once. It was my first real job not working my seasonal job. I went in the restaurant to eat after swimming. The GM at the time had fired the whole staff on the restaurant and brought a temporary team in.

The only thing he ask me did food service experience.

On my seasonal job it no telling how come work that day. It depends on if raining or not. It some days we look hot mess. But do have dress code. I logo polo shirt and kaaki pants or shorts. Put on important days we do dress up nicely. If have not fell in the mud.

I do have a interview out fit. I have black slacks and kanki blouse, dress shoes for my interview out fit.

I on this latest job. I was picking up a foster child from daycare because it was emergency placement and the director ask me did I know anyone looking for job for a cook. I was looking for a job. She give a job application on the spot and interview me to. I just happen to have a resume and my job history in the car. She call me back said I was hire on the spot after the background check. The way dress shorts and t-shirt and crocs. I soaking wet and mud all over me because I just came from the stadium.

I think as look clean and talk like got sense. I have the skills and work ethic that should be hire the job.

 

[dngnb8]

Depends on job really. Manufacturing I wouldnt get all dolled up, but for anything admin.

Shirt:
Button down dress shirt - long sleeve

Pants:
Suit slacks

Shoes:
Black dress shoes

And wear a tie. Clean shaven or facial hair trim not a birds nest, hair kept. If you have long hair, dont have it mussed and loose.

I work in HR

 

[Disney Doll]

Yup.

That said, my dh went to his interview for his new management job wearing khaki shorts, his company polo from his then current job and sneakers. The new job wanted to get him interviewed and hired asap, so they met him near his work & did the interview on his break.

Slightly different scenario. When they are seeking you out and meeting you someplace during working hours, they get you dressed how you are dressed.

 

[SandrA9810]

My last job was a shorts and T-shirt interview because the manager told me he'd give me an interview after I got done eating. I only went in to eat lunch with a friend.

I want him to understand this is serious stuff if he really wants a job on a payroll. He lacks in experience and needs to do well in other areas that he can control.

Thanks everyone.