What to wear to a job interview??

[yer_averagejoe]

This is OCUK GD so you should be prepared for answers like "If I was interviewing someone who didn't turn up in a suit I'd spit in their face and call security"

To me it sounds like trousers, shirt and tie would be fine (and smart shoes), all of which you can bag and bring into work easily, unlike a suit.

 

[Ascendancy]

Change in the bogs before you go?

 

[twist3d0n3]

clown suit with your chopper dangling out

 

[Gambisk]

My current place is very laid back concerning dress code so even a shirt gets a raised eyebrow banter. Turning up in smart trousers would be incredibly obvious that I was going to an interview or funeral.

To be honest I really don't want to have to work in a suit so if that gives me a bad mark so be it I really don't see the point of them. But as its just for the interview I could take my suit and change in the toilets before I leave.

 

[Steampunk]

Take a suit and get changed before going to the interview. It shows a certain level of respect, shows you're taking the interview seriously, and it plays safe. While you're at the interview, you can ask what the company dress code is.

 

[neil_g]

Take a suit and get changed before going to the interview. It shows a certain level of respect, shows you're taking the interview seriously, and it plays safe. While you're at the interview, you can ask what the company dress code is.

dont see whats disrespectful about contacting them pre-interview and explaining your current employer has a relaxed dress code and as it would raise eyebrows as the OP put it ask if it is okay to turn up smart-casual.

sure, dont just rock up in some shorts and a hoody..

 

[Ekim]

My current place is very laid back concerning dress code so even a shirt gets a raised eyebrow banter. Turning up in smart trousers would be incredibly obvious that I was going to an interview or funeral.

To be honest I really don't want to have to work in a suit so if that gives me a bad mark so be it I really don't see the point of them. But as its just for the interview I could take my suit and change in the toilets before I leave.

Can you ask your recruitment consultant (assuming you are using one) what the dress code is at the new place? If its smart casual just wear some smart jeans and a shirt for the day. If any one at your current place mentions it just say that you are going for dinner after work or something.

 

[Bunka]

Rock a suit and say to colleagues that you're taking the Mrs out for dinner somewhere fancy. I've done this a couple of times before, nobody really bats an eyelid if you hang your jacket on the back of your chair.

 

[AJK]

Suit up for an interview. Always. No exceptions.

This. Can't believe it's a question.

 

[Sudden]

My current place is very laid back concerning dress code so even a shirt gets a raised eyebrow banter. Turning up in smart trousers would be incredibly obvious that I was going to an interview or funeral.

Same here.

That still doesn't mean I wouldn't wear a suit for an interview.

Last time I wore a suit to office, 5 people asked me from reception to my desk why I was so dressed up.

The only time I haven't worn a suit to an interview is when I interviewed internally so knew what the dress code was. I still dressed up though. Smart shoes and shirt instead of a regular t-shirt.

Somewhere outside? Suit no question.

 

[Efour]

brown or black shoes with the suit ?

 

[MooMoo444]

Wear it underneath your normal clothes, it'll look fine

 

[FinglisHobbit]

Suit up for an interview. Always. No exceptions.

Pretty much this.

The suit could be the deciding factor between you and another candidate.

 

[Schlong&Stable]

To be honest I really don't want to have to work in a suit so if that gives me a bad mark so be it I really don't see the point of them. But as its just for the interview I could take my suit and change in the toilets before I leave.

They might not even interview you if you turn up without a suit. I'd send such a person home personally.

 

[Fenris]

Is it acceptable to go to a interview in smart casual clothes e.g. smart jeans, shirt, shoes as I would wear this in the office or should it really be suited and booted?

No, wear a suit to an interview unless you are specifically told you can do otherwise.

 

[Sunbed]

I would make every effort to wear a suit, but if it's going to be impossible to change and it will negatively impact your current role (because it's obvious you're going for an interview), maybe call the company and explain the situation. If they hint that a suit would be preferred, just wear one. Most developers I know just wear T-shirts and jeans to work so even smart casual may be considered fine for an interview. It depends on the manager interviewing.

I don't really agree with these old school views of "if you don't wear a suit, you won't get the job". I wouldn't say it's as simple as that. A manager isn't going to override the whole HR scoring system because of clothing preferences.

 

[tom_e]

I don't really agree with these old school views of "if you don't wear a suit, you won't get the job". I wouldn't say it's as simple as that. A manager isn't going to override the whole HR scoring system because of clothing preferences.

Depends on the company, in my place there is no HR scoring system.

 

[Steampunk]

sure, dont just rock up in some shorts and a hoody..

So you agree some clothing is not recommended? Wearing a suit takes the guesswork out of figuring out where the line is.

Even if you're not going to wear a suit to the actual job, you'll be sitting there likely being interviewed by a manager in a suit and tie while your sitting in trainers and jeans. It's like presenting a sloppy CV or turning up late and does you no favours.

 

[Caged]

They might not even interview you if you turn up without a suit. I'd send such a person home personally.

There it is, pure distilled GD in one post.

 

[isonomicjedi]

I would advise to stay away from wearing a feather boa with thigh length leather boots and a tutu.


Damn! I really wanted that job.