What to wear for job interview?
 

I have a few interviews coming up in the next week or so, and I need some advice on what to wear. I've only held retail jobs, and they dont care too much about what you wear, but this isnt a retail job.

They're data entry jobs. So I guess I'll be working in an office type environment. Ill be on the computer most or all of the time. Just entering data, messing around with word and excel.

These aren't high paying job's. Im looking in the range of 13-15 bucks an hour.

If it was a high paying job, I'd run straight to a conservative suit.

But what do you guys think? Should I just wear some nice khaki pants, and a long sleeve polo shirt and boots? Or wear a suit? I dont have a suit, so I really dont want to spend a few hundred bucks either. And I dont wanna appear "too professional" in a working environment that isnt, I'd look pretty stupid.

Thanks.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

At least do business casual which would be considered dress pants and a dress shirt (button-up with collar). Toss a tie around your neck if you have one. I really don't think a suit would hurt though, for an office-based job its pretty tough to overdress for the interview. The worst thing that can happen is that you come in underdressed which is a big no-no.

From what you've said, I'd go with dress pants, dress shirt, and a tie. Remember, your belt should match your shoes and your belt buckle should match any other jewerly you are wearing (watch, ring, etc.)

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Dress pants or at least a pair of black Dockers, dress shirt and a tie with nice black shoes. Dress to impress. Over dress. First impression is everything. And you don't need to spend THAT much money on your first suit. Dress pants, dress shirt, a tie and a matching suit coat won't cost more than $200-300 depending on where you shop. I've worn those clothes to every interview that has involved submitting a resume and only once did I get a second interview without getting the job.

And it's not only about your clothes, but your appearance as well. Ironed pants and shirt, nice hair, shaven, don't go overboard on cologne. Just look your best.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Agreed... I'm a guy and I fucking HATE other guys who can't match belts, socks and shoes. Silver watch and silver belt buckle for me.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Hmmm.. sounds good.

Soo...

I have black dress pants, blue dress shirt, black tie, black belt, and black dress shoes.

Those should work, right?

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

That will work nicely, but you might want to spice things up a bit with a colored tie (red always works, pink is "in", etc.) rather than wearing so much black.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

A pink tie? huh... are you serious? Or are you trying to make me look funny. Haha.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Spandex (zebra pattern of course) with a stuffed sock, leather "fairy" boots, teased hair, ripped white "pirate" shirt that shows your naval and overly hairy chest. Guaranteed to get you the job.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Silver tie.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

It worked for me!

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Do this:
Blue shirt (find a nice shirt, and iron it before you wear it)
Yellow tie in a DOUBLE windsor. There's faq's online on how to do this, practice several times before the day-of. Shit, I live in NW minneapolis off of brooklyn blvd, come over and I'll show you how to do it. ;)
Black pants and black shoes (and BLACK SOCKS)
or khaki pants, argyle socks, and brown shoes (this is my style, aww yea)

Get good directions and study them before-hand so you're not late.
Don't be late, don't be early, be right on time. Show up a few mins early and stand outside if you have to.
Chew gum until immediately before the interview, but spit it out before you get there
bring a pen and notepad or folder and extra copies of your resume,
silence your cell phone

and my favorite, which probably landed me my current job, to be used ONLY if your interviewer is into cars: show up in your DSM, talk some respectful smack about the interviewer's car of choice (mine happened to be Audi bitches), and then talk their ear off on your way out to the parking lot...get them to come with, and then get them to go for a ride in your car. If at any point during the drive you can evoke a 'WOOHOO!' from said interviewer, you're golden!

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Is that an animal, vegetable or mineral?

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

You wouldn't believe how many top-level executives wear pink, I am serious.

The double-windsor tie knot is a good idea b/c it looks nice, but probably won't make a difference considering the level of job you are applying for. The Men's Wearhouse website has a decent animated video tutorial on how to tie various knots.

Want to clue us in to what companies you are interviewing with? Make sure you at least know the general background of each company, and if its publically traded, be up to date on their stock activity.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

I actually saw our VP of Finance in a Pink tie the other day. When you are making 200+ a year in just salary you can do that though and no one will laugh at you.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

In my opinion you should dress one level ahead of the position that you are applying for, since they are probably the ones that are going to be interviewing you.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Ah yes, make sure, absolutely sure that at the end of the interview when they ask you, 'do you have any questions?' that you have a question. Ask as many questions about the company as you possibly can. What do they use for this or how do they do that. The more you can get them to talk to you, the more they'll like you.

And argyle is a cousin of the alygator:
http://www.johnhelmer.com/products/full/78.jpg

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

I would imagine that I've had 25 interviews through my collegiate career and everything mentioned so far is exactly what I would do. Just this afternoon I had an interview with Schlumberger. However, I would not say that black socks are a must if they match your shirt and tie. Also, if you're not 5 minutes early, you're 10 minutes late. Also, on top of having additional copies of your resume with you, bring copies of your reference list as well as a NICE black pen, not some piece of shit. It's not hard to spend $3 or $4 and have a nice pen. I would recommend some sort of leather portfolio for carrying your pen, resume(s), reference list, and paper in. These can be easily found for $10-$15.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Alright thanks guys. All of you were of great help. And now I'll feel much more comfortable walking in there. I'll let you guys know how it goes. :D

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

I don't care how much money a man makes - he should NEVER where pink, salmon, raspberry, or anyother color that even resembles such.

Just black it out and where a color tie. And definately listen to Jakey /\

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

What color are the insides of the pockets? Cheap dress slacks have pockets with white fabric inside of them and they look like shit. Trust me, I was in a bind this summer and bought some cheap Wal-Mart slacks, what waste of money. Are the legs cuffed?

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

All black with a color tie is definitely not a good idea for interviewing.

A leather padfolio is a great idea. In mine I always kept numerous copies of my resume, letters of recomendation, and cover letter; along with a small calculator, business cards, and two nice pens.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Also, in case they decide to conduct the interview in a behavioral-based format, I'd recommend doing a little reading:
http://www.google.com/search?hs=2X9&...ng&btnG=Search

Behavioral-based interviews suck but everyone is switching to them now.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Correct. All black should only be worn the case of a wedding, prom, etc. By wearing all black and then a color tie, the tie is very distractive as it grabs all the attention of the interviewer since it is such a focal point.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

I'd agree. But that is my style. I only have one shirt/tie combo that doesn't have something stand out. Otherwise it's all colored shirts with white collars and a "poppin" tie. As Jim on "Mad Money" would say, "Boo-yah". God, I can't wait to interview for another internship.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Hmmm yes the pockets are white, and yes the legs are cuffed.
I bought it for about 40 bucks at Sears.

Im guessing I'll need something better?

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

I think you guys are confused on the all black part. The shirts is gonna be blue, with black pants and black tie. But I think im gonna get a different colored tie.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Cuffed is good aslong as they are the correct length for you. Standing straight up, the bottom of your pants should be just above where the leather on your shoe meets the rubber sole on the back. Aslong as the pants look decent don't worry too much about them being cheap, just make sure they are ironed properly and look good.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Yellow tie?

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

A yellow tie would work. Something with a faint metallic shimmer to it would look nice too.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

This thread is way over kill for what the guy needs fo rthe interview. A nice pair of slacks with a dress shirt and matching socks, shoes, belt will be perfect. Let us know who it goes.

Dress the part and don't put yourself out there as being "over dressed" cause there is always a chance the person interviewing you doesn't even own a suit.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Wow, this thread was funnier than hell to read, from a girl's perspective. :D

Let us know how it goes!

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

It's just proof that a lot of younger guys out there have no clue about looking good and professional at the same time.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

One more thing I thought of, and it's kind of a curve ball if you're not ready for it. We used to do rotational interviews at my last job. There was one guy that I worked with who insisted on always asking an off-the-wall question like, "If an alien from outer space with no concept of how our transportation system works stops you and asks for directions to Seattle, and ALL you have is a phone book, how would you help them get to their destination?"

It was not always the same question, but usually just as random.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Damm right. Im only 18 buddy. :D

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

That was what I had in mind before posting the thread...

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Oh im good with questions... just unsure of what to wear.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Get a nice white business type dress shirt. Long sleeve. Get a nice tie. Nothing expensive and lavish. One that is also not too distracting and is not a simple / plain color. YOU DON"T WANT a pink tie. Although it is something different, I would not recommend wearing a pink tie. Wear business dress pants black or dark blue. Black preferred. Get black socks for your black business dress shoes. You'll be amazed at how many people i've seen wear white socks / black shoes. If you have a sports coat or whatever to throw it on top, that'd be nice. Or one of them winter business coats. Just don't go wearing some raggy coat to cover it or some puffed up coat.

Dress business professional even if it is just a $10-15 dollar an hour job. It will distinguish you unless the employer contacted you and said that business casual is the setting.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

I wouldn't recommend this.

Re: What to wear for job interview?
 

Just have fun with it and be confident.