interview: suit, shirt and tie, or business casual? 9

[sgtlethargic]

I'm having a wardrobe malfunction. I am a Levi's and T-shirts kind of guy, but I obviously can't wear that for an engineering interview. I have a clean suit, and it might even fit, but it seems like overkill. I thought a shirt and tie would be fine. I tried on what I have. I almost feel like I'm choking with the collar buttoned. It's not comfortable. I would feel more comfortable in what I guess is business casual- Dockers slacks and a button shirt, no tie, no chokehold. Is that good enough? Or should I buy a better fitting shirt and wear a tie? Or wear the monkey suit?

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[MadMango]

What position are you applying for? What industry?

Sounds like you need to buy some clothes that fit.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[sgtlethargic]

<<<
What position are you applying for? What industry?

Sounds like you need to buy some clothes that fit.
>>>

Applications Engineer at a fastener company.

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[Twoballcane]

Monkey suit all the way. First impression is very important. For the dress shirt, look for a collar that is one size bigger than your neck size. You can go into any department store where they sell suits and ask them to measure your neck and other parts of your torso so that you get a good fitting shirt, but for the neck one size up will keep that tie from choking you.

Oh depending on the company, you can return to jeans and a polo shirt when you get the job.

Good luck!


Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."

 

[KENAT]

This was discussed in detail a few months back, thread731-183154 I think there's been at least one other related thread in the last year or two. Take a look see if you can find it.

In my opinion, unless you know better (ie the companies very casual everyone in shorts and flip flops), the suit is the safest bet, and at least shirt and tie.

If the shirts too tight get a new one or a collar extender.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[TheTick]

I like competing against candidates that are too lazy or ignorant to wear a shirt and tie.

 

[dvd]

First impressions are really important. If you wear a suit and tie to the interview you are likely to give the impression that you are willing to wear a suit and tie.

 

[ewh]

I agree with the above posts... TheTick's in particular. Don't overlook any advantage that you can get, especially the simple ones, such as dressing for the interview and writing thank you letters afterward. It is amazing how neglecting the little things such as this can really screw people out of a job.

 

[ChrisConley]

If you really want the job:

Suit, tie, dress shoes (polished!), black socks.

Haircut, fresh shave, clean, expensive cologne (relative, not too much).

Arrive early (15 minutes), don't chew gum, dry hands, firm handshake.

People can't help but judge from a first impression. None of the above reflects on what kind of employee you will be other than to say: I really want this job.

 

[MadMango]

Dress to the hilt for the interview. I would avoid cologne, you never know who'll you meet during the interview that might be allergic. Once you land the job and understand the culture of the company you can safely dress-down.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[KENAT]

Can't believe no one's brought up the story of the guy that went for an interview at an IT/software company in jeans and thongs.

Everyone else was in suits.

Supposedly the guy in jeans got the job because he fitted in.

I'm not convinced this is a true story and even if it is I suspect it's an exception.

I agree with what people are putting. Surely a jobs worth the effort of a suit and a new $20 shirt?

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[sgtlethargic]

I'm pretty much set with the suit.

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[MikeHalloran]

I have a small number of custom made shirts. They are _exactly_ my size. The left cuff is a little bigger than the right, to clear my watch. The sleeves are different lengths, because I am a little asymmetrical. They have two pockets, because I like pockets. When I get dressed up, I wear one of those shirts; they make me look about as good as I can look.

That said, at my last interview, I wore a BPS fishing shirt. I had a hunch. Got the job.





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[melone]

Isn't the primary responsibility of application engineers to deal face-to-face with customers? If you don't like "dressing up", how do you plan on dressing when dealing with customers?

 

[swivel63]

a suit

 

[SylvestreW]

From a cost-benefit analysis, in general!
A suit will never hurt your chances and likely will help you.
Casual clothes may not help you and likely hurt your chances.

There are always exceptions to the rule as KENAT suggested, however I'd always err on the side of maximum benefit potential


-
Aercoustics.com

 

[Gymmeh]

A SUIT!

If you dont have one, buy one, if you get a good engineering job, and new suit will be chump change and you will be happy you got one.

 

[Senselessticker]

I always say suit or no suit depends on how well you wear a suit. Some folks simply look silly wearing a suit...

...but if you want the job and can wear a suit.... then wear the suit...

 

[TheTick]

Some folks simply look silly wearing a suit...

Suit and tailor! Get fitted. Bonus points for having a fitted shirt.

Garters to keep shirttails and socks in line aren't a bad idea, either (especially if you are blessed with broad shoulders).

 

[Noway2]

According to a statement that I read, dressing up in a suit shows respect both for the interviewer and the interview process.

In my opinion you can't go wrong with a suit, unless you are given instructions as to what you should be wearing. As an example, as part of an interview I met with the person for dinner and he said that he was wearing shorts and a polo shirt. I opted for nice pants and a button down shirt without the tie. During the discussion, he mentioned that had I worn a tie, it would have made him uncomfortable.