Comments on: How to Dress for an Interview

By: fishboyridesagain

fishboyridesagain — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:49:09 +0000

Underdressing is worse, but overdressing does seem to have its own potential to wreck an interview. I have worked for the Forest Service. I would assume that other natural resource agencies (Federal and State) were similar to where I have interviewed. Wearing a suit to an interview, in my opinion, would show a disconnect as to the nature of the job. A tie would be enough to show respect for the interview, but a suit would give the impression that the job-seeker didn’t know who they were talking to.

one more vote for the drive-by

By: Izalot

Izalot — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:29:30 +0000

I think these are really sound suggestions. I’m in nursing and it’s definitely harder to get a job now then it was when I first started. We have had people dress like slobs that we quickly dismissed as potential candidates. Doing a drive by at a hospital wouldn’t be very helpful as wearing scrubs is the most common uniform!

By: saladdin

saladdin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:12:47 +0000

My last interview I wore a tie. They made a point of saying “We don’t wear ties.” I found out later, after getting the job, that I was thought of as being too “uptight” and they were concerned I would not fit in. Because I played the professional cliche I almost was not hired.

saladdin

By: Carla

Carla — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:49:24 +0000

I dont see how wearing a suit when the company is business casual would cost you the job. They should understand that its an interview and that you are making an effort. If they really want to know how the candidate would “fit it” (or not), there are other ways of finding out other than stereotyping just because he/she bothered make an effort.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:43:09 +0000

I agree, while most would not consider it as a big deal there are those that will. Always know your audience.

By: Soccer9040

Soccer9040 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:59:04 +0000

I would typically agree, but from reading the above comments I guess overdressing is possible. I do agree with Jim that dismissing someone for it probably means they are too close minded. Or it could be an arrogant interviewer looking for anything to say about someone they didnt like. I’ve seen it before.

By: CreditShout

CreditShout — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:12:44 +0000

You can NEVER be overdressed, if you feel like you’re over dressed, trust me the person interviewing you probably feels even more under dressed giving you the upper hand. It may sound crazy but it’s true.

By: eric

eric — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:47:12 +0000

That picture had me chuckling

I agree…overdressing is better than underdressing but the tip to check out the company beforehand is great. That way you would know for sure.

By: jsbrendog

jsbrendog — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:47:19 +0000

oh definitely. and since I currently have a job I sometimes get lazy and wait til the weekend to shape it up but I’ve been here long enough and owuld’ve never done that in the first 6 months or so

By: a

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:03:55 +0000

Yes, in this case, if the person did not bother to find out about the company culture, it would make me wonder about the person’s interest in the company. It’s not like this is a secret–very easy to find out that Internet companies have a specific culture. BUT–as far as I know, this ONLY holds true for this particular niche. Other computer jobs/ companies are okay with suits, even if people dress down on the job. Your advice is good overall.

By: Beth

Beth — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:59:10 +0000

It’s a tough market out there right now, and companies are looking for a great fit. They get tons of applications from qualified candidates, so it’s not like passing over an over-dressed candidate means they’re hirer a less qualified one.

@ Thom — just out of curiosity, was this colleague male or female? I wonder if the classic power suit is more damaging to women than men (in certain industries, of course)? We’ve got so many options for career separates that a suit can really stand out.

By: zapeta

zapeta — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:44:16 +0000

I’d personally rather be over-dressed than under-dressed but I never thought about going to the business to see what others are wearing and then you’ll know how to dress for sure. Sounds like a winning plan to me.

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:29:12 +0000

You’re right, the point I was going for was neat and not necessary clean-shaven if you are sporting a beard or goatee or whatever. You just don’t want that 5 o’clock shadow look.

By: jsbrendog

jsbrendog — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:23:27 +0000

I agree on the looking neat but as someone who has a beard at my current job i do not believe that you should shave it off just for an interview. I keep mine nicely groomed and in line and have bene told not only does it look good but it looks professional as well.

Now if they say they have a no facial hair policy then sure i will agree to shave it off immediately, but if it is nicely kept and professional I don’t see the issue

By: Neil

Neil — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:10:39 +0000

Underdressing is worse, but overdressing isn’t a good idea either. You’re better to actually do a bit of research and turn up looking like a person they’d want to work with.

As I said, the business culture here is pretty casual, so unless I knew otherwise, I’d leave the suit at home and wear a button down shirt and nice pants. I’ve yet to be dressed worse than the interviewer.