Don't Blow the Job Interview by Dressing Down
From the If You Need This Advice You Have Bigger Problems Than Your Wardrobe file: A survey of CIOs by Robert Half Technology says 35% believe a business suit is the "most appropriate interview attire." Khakis and a collared shirt work for another 26%, followed by "tailored separates" at 24%. I don't own a business suit, and I don't know what tailored separates are. I was, however, brought up in the South, and have just a tiny bit of common sense, so I think I would remember to pull together a blue blazer and a clean button-down shirt for a job interview, during the course of which I would remember not to use too many vulgarities or scratch myself in private places. My rule on visiting a company as a journalist is to dress appropriately for the situation. I'm representing my employer, and I want people to feel comfortable. If I'm going to a bank where the suits wear suits, I'll gussy up a bit. If I'm headed to a place where the boss dresses down, I'll go with khakis and a dress shirt. I guess this stuff is harder for some people? |
Comments (3)
I've lost count of how many times I've shown up for an interview in a suit & tie and was interviewed by someone in jeans, a t-shirt, sneakers and 2-3 days of facial hair. Only twice did someone have the foresight--not to mention the decency--to say beforehand, "We're business casual around here, so don't worry about wearing a suit."
Posted by MGP | December 22, 2008 8:06 PM
The last time I was interviewed by the CIO for a developer job was...well, never. I don't own a suit and being unemployed means not having $500 to blow on a suit, so khakis, a collared shirt and tie will have to work for me.
If the company hires the less experienced, suited guy over me (probably for more money since he needs the money to have his clothes dry cleaned), I wish them luck.
Posted by NPD | December 26, 2008 11:11 AM
I don't imaging to go for an interview for a CIO, CTO, or CFO dressed casualy. You are what you are and they are what they are. Needless to say, image is everything, if you want the job, step out of the box showing that you can accomodate to anything; what you or they do within their confines is superfluous, be what you are.
When I got this job 11 yrs. ago, I was interviewed by a bunch of young guys dressed informally for being the interviewers but I came wearing a suit as I always had done my entire life. I was hired 'on-the-spot' and wore suits from day one; three months into my tenure, they came to me and asked me to tone it down and be casual because they were feeling guilty by being under-dressed. This was a kind request that I honor to this day however, the quality of work and the culture I carry remains. I'm happy if they are happy.
Posted by mossar | January 12, 2009 6:18 PM