Have an interview Monday-dress question?

[avedwards]

I see no reason why you shouldn't wear a hat. But I think black shoes to go with a combination like that.

I'm afraid that the hat may make a negative first impression as some people don't appreciate hats or would view it as unprofessional given that hats are no longer thought of as normal businesswear. My interviewer may not think that way but I'd rather not risk it, especially since I'm on thin ice already.

Depends on the brown, dark brown or reddish brown is fine, light tan not so much (looks a bit to casual), brown shoes go fine with a grey suit IMO.

I bought a pair of dark reddish brown suede brogues today, which will go perfectly with the suit I pictured but may be too casual for the interview. My question wasn't so much about colour-combining anyway (as I know most brown shoes go very well with a grey suit), rather about appropriateness.

 

[JimWagner]

Middle of the road conservative is almost never a bad option for a white collar job interview. Except for the most conservative organizations the sartorial details aren't really all that important to an interviewer compared to your qualifications, overall manner, and ability to talk intelligently and establish credibility.

In the IT field where I've conducted interviews I've been a lot more interested in establishing that the interviewee actually met my job requirements, did not exaggerate his qualifications, could think on his feet and exhibit problem solving abilities and talent, and had a personality that would fit in well with the group. Brown vs black shoes with a gray suit wouldn't have even registered with me.

That said, showing up for an interview in any outfit deviating too far from the middle would cause me to dig quite deep to determine just what would cause that person to show such a lack of good judgement.

 

[avedwards]

Middle of the road conservative is almost never a bad option for a white collar job interview. Except for the most conservative organizations the sartorial details aren't really all that important to an interviewer compared to your qualifications, overall manner, and ability to talk intelligently and establish credibility.

In the IT field where I've conducted interviews I've been a lot more interested in establishing that the interviewee actually met my job requirements, did not exaggerate his qualifications, could think on his feet and exhibit problem solving abilities and talent, and had a personality that would fit in well with the group. Brown vs black shoes with a gray suit wouldn't have even registered with me.

That said, showing up for an interview in any outfit deviating too far from the middle would cause me to dig quite deep to determine just what would cause that person to show such a lack of good judgement.

The job itself isn't in IT, it's in recruitment and will involve dealing with a German IT firm at some point though knowledge of IT doesn't appear to be necessary. My only qualification is being able to speak fluent German which is also the only reason I was given the interview. Since I therefore have very little to show I at least want to show that I can dress appropriately. However I don't want to be overdressed, and this could well be a company where very few employees where a tie, hence brown shoes could be used to dress down the suit without looking unprofessional; but on the other hand they might be considered too casual if it is not as casual an environment as I suspect.

 

[Shangas]

If it's a matter of appropriateness, then I still say wear black shoes. Every man should own at least one pair of good, black leather shoes. Show them that you do.

 

[avedwards]

So I have another interview...

I've got an interview for a vacancy at the German Embassy in London next week. It's only a very minor role but I still want to dress smartly for the interview so I can make a good first impression. The problem is that I'm away from home at the moment and only have access to the two suits I brought with me.

Dark grey with check pattern:

Or this one:

I won't wear my hat or a pocket square and I'm wearing a pair of new black brogues so accessories shouldn't be an issue. I think I'll wear a white shirt but I'm open to tie suggestions. Any advice on which suit I should wear?

Any advice from the German loungers would be appreciated too as the interviewer will probably be German.

 

[Stanley Doble]

Best manual for business dress is Dress for Success by John T Molloy. It is based on extensive research and testing of peoples' reactions to different types of clothing around the country. Some of his findings are surprising.

Research was specific to the US so of limited use elsewhere.

 

[Tomasso]

Any advice on which suit I should wear?

The most innocuous look would be the grey sans vest.

 

[avedwards]

The most innocuous look would be the grey sans vest.

That's what I've been leaning towards so far. I'd have to keep it buttoned up the whole time though as visible braces could look too attention seeking in this day and age.

Do you think that a plain burgundy knitted silk tie would be OK?

 

[DJH]

I would agree, the grey suit without the vest and (as much as I hate to say it) leave the hat off as well.

This last year I've been interviewing a bunch of people for sales/marketing/customer service jobs and I don't like it when people are overdressed for what is a small pretty casual business. It's interesting that anyone invited back a second time, always dresses down a little - usually to a sport coat rather than a suit.

Alan, of course where you are in the UK might be completely different. When I lived there I wore a suit to work just about every day, I don't think I've owned one for 15 years or so here in the US.

Actually, if someone showed up with a fedora at our business, they'd be fine because everyone is used to me wearing one everyday and them thinking it's cool. Unlikely to work at most other places though.

 

[avedwards]

I would agree, the grey suit without the vest and (as much as I hate to say it) leave the hat off as well.

This last year I've been interviewing a bunch of people for sales/marketing/customer service jobs and I don't like it when people are overdressed for what is a small pretty casual business. It's interesting that anyone invited back a second time, always dresses down a little - usually to a sport coat rather than a suit.

Alan, of course where you are in the UK might be completely different. When I lived there I wore a suit to work just about every day, I don't think I've owned one for 15 years or so here in the US.

Actually, if someone showed up with a fedora at our business, they'd be fine because everyone is used to me wearing one everyday and them thinking it's cool. Unlikely to work at most other places though.

As I said, the hat's staying at home. Despite being a very junior role this is still at job at an embassy so I think a smart suit is definitely appropriate. It was just a question of which of the two suits I currently have with me is most appropriate.

 

[Tomasso]

Do you think that a plain burgundy knitted silk tie would be OK?

While I love them, I've always thought silk knits ties (straight bottom) to be a touch on the casual side. I'd stick to a woven or printed silk tie. The idea is to be so vanilla that the interviewer notices only that you are wearing a suit; At least for the more conservative situations, of which the diplomatic corps may top the list these days. Now if one were interviewing for a position as a menswear buyer at Harrods it would be a different story.

 

[avedwards]

I have a second interview for a job tomorrow morning. I'll be wearing a navy blue suit, white shirt and burgundy tie so no problem there.

The problem is the weather forecast is for rain tomorrow and it's a ten minute walk from the train station to the offices of the company. I wouldn't normally wear a hat to an interview but this time I'm considering it just to keep me dry. Would a hat worn purely for functional reasons and taken off the moment I walk into the reception area (and hung up on a coat stand before I meet the management panel) be too much?

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Don't you have an umbrella?

 

[avedwards]

I generally avoid umbrellas as I find them awkward to carry around. I could borrow one though.

 

[dnjan]

Personally, I would consider showing up in the interview room with evidence of having just been in the rain to be less than ideal.
Hat plus raincoat/overcoat as a minimum, large umbrella would probably be better.
You should be able to leave the hat/coat/umbrella in the reception area, and walk into the interview room looking dry and collected.

 

[Hal]

The problem is the weather forecast is for rain tomorrow...I wouldn't normally wear a hat to an interview but this time I'm considering it just to keep me dry. Would a hat worn purely for functional reasons and taken off the moment I walk into the reception area (and hung up on a coat stand before I meet the management panel) be too much?

Personally, I would consider showing up in the interview room with evidence of having just been in the rain to be less than ideal...You should be able to leave the hat/coat/umbrella in the reception area, and walk into the interview room looking dry and collected.

The writer of this excellent advice comes from one of the wettest areas of the USA.
I cannot see how wearing a hat for functional reasons could possibly "be too much" - a hat stands out far less when an overcoat or raincoat is worn because of its functionality. The phrases you use which I have underlined in the quotation say it all, I think. I hope everything goes as you wish it to do.

 

[avedwards]

I wore the hat in the end and hung it up at the earliest opportunity. I even managed to jokingly refer to it when I made the point that I'm an unusual person who would add diversity to the organisation.

Whilst it didn't end up raining on the way to the interview it did on the way back so I was glad I had it with me. It seems to have done no harm as I received a phone call from the company five minutes ago offering me the job...

 

[AntonAAK]

It seems to have done no harm as I received a phone call from the company five minutes ago offering me the job...

Congratulations, Alan!

:eusa_clap

A

 

[avedwards]

Congratulations, Alan!

:eusa_clap

A

Thanks Anton. It was the toughest interview I've ever experienced so I'm quite proud of succeeding. Plus it's my first full time job .

But I'll keep the celebratory boasting to the observation bar now and stop spamming up this thread .

 

[dnjan]

But I'll keep the celebratory boasting to the observation bar now and stop spamming up this thread .

What about the separate thread for the vintage apparel you will now be able to afford ...

and Congratulations!