What to wear for job interview?

94talonawd · 11-14-2006

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.

**Kracka** · 11-14-2006

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.)

Matt D. · 11-14-2006

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.

Matt D. · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by S2kracka

Remember, your belt should match your shoes and your belt buckle should match any other jewerly you are wearing (watch, ring, etc.)

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.

94talonawd · 11-14-2006

Hmmm.. sounds good.

Soo...

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

Those should work, right?

**Kracka** · 11-14-2006

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.

94talonawd · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by S2kracka

That should work, but you might want to spice things up a bit with a colored tie (red always works, pink is "in", etc.).

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

**1ViciousGSX** · 11-14-2006

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.

A//// Guy · 11-14-2006

Silver tie.

Outlaw1 · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ViciousGSX

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.

It worked for me!

**scheides** · 11-14-2006

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!

Outlaw1 · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by scheides

argyle socks

Is that an animal, vegetable or mineral?

**Kracka** · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94talonawd

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

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.

AJ · 11-14-2006

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.

tim · 11-14-2006

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.

**scheides** · 11-14-2006

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:

Jakey · 11-14-2006

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.

94talonawd · 11-14-2006

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.

rst95eclipse · 11-14-2006

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 /\

Jakey · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94talonawd

I have black dress pants....

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?