Interview question

[shade2u2]

Not really related,but looking for feedback to get myself into the 21st century. I'm looking for employment for the 1st time in many years. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
I have an interview for a "supervisory" position at a manufacturing plant in E Ohio. Should a business suite be worn or business-casual? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
What do you guys think?

 

[dummy]

First impression is always a lasting impression. Leave the Rolex on the dresser though. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[RobS]

They always say "dress for the job you want, not the one you have". That aside, I'd dress to the high end of the norm for the particular facility. That may be a suit but it also could be my best dockers and a nice sweater it the suit would be too far out of place /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jinman]

I'd wear a suit and my shoes would shine brightly. I do agree that expensive jewelry should be set aside. While interviewing in an office environment or filling out paperwork, I'd stay in the suit. If they offered me a tour of the facility, I'd peel off the jacket, roll up my sleeves, and say, "Let's go."

The suit says that you respect your employer, but being willing to get down and dirty if necessary is also going to make a big statement about your attitude.

...just another opinion. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Boondox]

Personally, I'd go with a nice pair of slacks, shirt and tie with a sports coat. Be ready to hang up the coat and roll up the sleeves if given a shot at a tour of the facilities. That way you can dive in. Nothing worse than a passive observer!

Pete

 

[Gatorboy]

Years ago, you wouldn't think twice about wearing a suit. Times have changed -- no longer are white shirts and ties the norm, actually they are quite rare in most businesses these days.

If you wear a nice pair of Dockers, with a button down shirt, (sport jacket optional), you can't go wrong.

Unless you wear suits regularly, putting one on will probably make you act a bit stiff because you are not comfortable with it. I think you will be more impressive to the interviewer(s) if you can feel and act more relaxed wearing something comfortable -- than possibly sitting/moving very stiff-like when you have on a shirt, tie, suit jacket on.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[Golfgar4]

Although you don't say what kind of supervisory position it is (front line, middle management, etc.), I agree with the others that you can never go wrong by wearing a coat and tie. I don't think it needs to be a suit, but a nicely coordinated sport coat, trousers and shined shoes will do it.

I used to do the interviewing for our Transit department. The positions people applied for were part time drivers and maintenance department positions. I did not expect anyone to walk in wearing a coat and tie. But when people come in wearing bib overalls with no t-shirt, or any shirt for that matter, I drew the line there.

As Jim mentioned, wearing nice clothes shows respect for the potential employer. But it also shows that you have respect for yourself, and that's important too!

I once attended a workshop about proper interview techniques and procedures. One thing that always stuck with me was when the instructor commented that the interviewer should always look at the back of the applicants shoes as (s)he walks out. If the back of the shoes are shined as well as the toe of the shoe, that is a person who is thorough and well disciplned. If the back is not shined but the toe is, that's indicative of a person who's willing to take shortcuts and probably doesn't have a lot of self esteem.

For what it's worth, based on my experience with the people that were ultimately hired, I'd have to say I agree with that little tip.

So shine the backs of your shoes! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Good luck on your job search. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[MadReferee]

As a consultant, I interview with clients all the time. The absolute rule of thumb is coat and tie, shoes polished, groom neatly and don't use any kind of after shave or smelly cologne.

Plenty of times I have interviewed with managers and supervisors who have been dressed business casual or less (ie. jeans or shorts). However, they have always expected the prospective hire to dress formally. Once you get the job then you can dress like the rest of the employees.

Good luck with your interview.

 

[KubotaSteve]

I would go with the suit. I work in a office where shirt and tie are highly recommended. Most people wear shirt and tie and when in meetings we wear a suit. To me the suit looks much better than a shirt and tie with sport coat. Go the extra mile and spiff up nice. You only get one chance to make a first impression and the first impression is almost always made by sight. Once in the interview, they will realize that you don't mind to get down and work.

 

[bcarter]

There are 3 times in your life when a suit is required:

- Attending a wedding
- Attending a funeral (optional if its your own funeral /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
- Attending a job interview