To suit, or not to suit?

[Jovan]

I'm interviewing for a position at UF, where I'd be working with computers mainly. This is a full time position. My friend's father is the one interviewing, and she suggested dress pants, shirt, and tie. Should I just go ahead with a suit? I'd hate to be overdressed, especially with the fact that I pocket square and tie clip it every time I do.

Opinions appreciated, especially from those in the field of computers.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I'm interviewing for a position at UF, where I'd be working with computers mainly. This is a full time position. My friend's father is the one interviewing, and she suggested dress pants, shirt, and tie. Should I just go ahead with a suit? I'd hate to be overdressed, especially with the fact that I pocket square and tie clip it every time I do.

Opinions appreciated, especially from those in the field of computers.

I wore a suit to my last interview in the incredibly casual field of behavioral health where jeans and t-shirts dominate the daily wear. Interview for me means a suit. I don't care what their norms are.

 

[Alan Eardley]

I'm in computers...

...from my experience in the computing field, I'd suggest wearing something their staff can identify with and appreciate. Go for empathy. Aim to provide a topic of conversation, something at their level. How about going as Mr. Spock or Luke Skywalker?

Alan

 

[ITG]

For an interview, you're making a first impression. If someone else wears a suit and you don't, they may go for the other guy. I wouldn't put full faith on the fact that the person interviewing you is a friend's family member. Always dress to impress in interviews. It shows you care about yourself.

 

[J. M. Stovall]

...from my experience in the computing field, I'd suggest wearing something their staff can identify with and appreciate. Go for empathy. Aim to provide a topic of conversation, something at their level. How about going as Mr. Spock or Luke Skywalker?

Alan

lol lol lol lol
I think he's got the right idea, probably a Star Fleet dress uniform would be best!

 

[Joie DeVive]

I say go for a no-nonsense suit. Keep the accessories to a minimum. It makes an impression but isn't flashy. An interview is an interview. Dressing nicely shows that you take the interview and job seriously.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[The Wingnut]

A full suit might be overkill. Sport jacket and contrasting trousers, tie and pocket square should be fine. Use a tie that could pass for modern, try a '30s brocade instead of a '40s print. Keep the shoes subtle. Have fun with the socks.

...the students will probably think you're one of the teaching or administrative staff, which is spot on.

 

[happyfilmluvguy]

You could always wear a suit (or sport coat and contrasted pants) and decide to leave the coat in the car. Then all you have left is what was suggested to you originally. You could even bring the coat with you, but do not necessarily have to wear it.

Keep it simple. A dress shirt, tie, and pants will show your respect for the job.

 

[Feng_Li]

IT is one of the most casual work environments in existence. Many geeks recoil in horror at the thought of a collar, let alone a suit.

 

[Tomasso]

A full suit might be overkill. Sport jacket and contrasting trousers, tie and pocket square should be fine.

I agree, though I'm not sure that I'd lay a PS on an university interview. Actually, a blue blazer and khakis would seem most applicable to the situation.

 

[Feraud]

Wear a suit.

 

[Rooster]

I'd wear a suit and comb my hair.

 

[luvthatlulu]

A good question, but...

I think you've asked a question that has an obvious answer if you really think about it! But, at least you asked before a mistake was made.

Answer: You're asking someone for a job. Show respect to them and for the job by dressing in a suit at least for the initial interview. Just don't go overboard by adding any unnecessary flash and glam (French cuffs, white collars on colored body shirts, collar pins, pocket squares, etc.) and you'll do fine, I don't care who the schmuck is interviewing you. A simple grey or navy single-breasted suit, clean and pressed white or blue shirt, with a too-the-point tie (leave the Tommy Bahama hula girl print at home for once) and shined shoes (not spectators) says you mean business and that's probably what they're looking for regardless of what anyone else thinks. Now, you should know these folks better than anyone; and, if you feel an odd jacket and contrasting but dressy slacks (khakis not included) will work, go ahead. I think that you risk subliminally saying, "This is the manner of dress I think your firm or group deserves and no more" and that can backfire in a heartbeat. My two cents.

 

[Jovan]

lol lol lol lol
I think he's got the right idea, probably a Star Fleet dress uniform would be best!

"Doing that salute hurts even more than this dress uniform..."

Thanks for the opinions guys. Right now, the only shirt that really fits me is the one with french cuffs. (My other shirts are too small in the neck now.) I'll have a look around thrift stores for a white barrel cuff shirt tomorrow. Maybe I won't do a pocket square, but would a tie clip would be subtle enough?

 

[luvthatlulu]

My gut reaction is no to the tie clip unless you can insure it never shows. Believe it or not, conservative business people detest any form of jewelry on a gent other than a watch (no diamond encrusted Rolexes unless its the CEO position you're after) and wedding ring.

All bets are off if the "conservative business people" happen to be wise-guys, though.

Oh, yeah...and GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[Jovan]

Gotcha. I'll feel naked without either, but I'll get over it.

 

[luvthatlulu]

Think of the interviewer as nekkid...it helps calm you down.

 

[reetpleat]

I think it depens on who is doing the interviewing. If they re administers in a fairly formal environment, then a uit might be appropriate. But if you are talking to a tech person or administrator in a casual office, you do not want to come off as a stiff. If they can't relate and think you are a stiff who they would not want to work around due to your wearing a suit, then you may not get the job.
You can be overdressed as well as underdressed. Gone are the days when a suit was safe. People sometimes are put of by such formality.

 

[BellyTank]

I'm interviewing for a position at UF, where I'd be working with computers mainly. This is a full time position.
My friend's father is the one interviewing, and she suggested dress pants, shirt, and tie. Should I just go ahead with a suit? I'd hate to be overdressed, especially with the fact that I pocket square and tie clip it every time I do.

Opinions appreciated, especially from those in the field of computers.

Interesting-

You AND your friend's Father are both interviewing and he is a Woman..?
This "interviewing" thing is a problem in contemporary American English.
Being interviewed/interviewing.

I hope there's no proof-reading in the job description.

Anyway-

Suit- but plain not Dandy.
Do not over combine/accessorise.

B
T

 

[MK]

.

Gone are the days when a suit was safe. People sometimes are put of by such formality.

Any place that would that would have a problem with someone wearing a suit to a job interview is most likely a place you wouldn't want to work at.

I think a suit can always be worn....as long as it doesn't look like a uniform, ceremonial robe or costume. If you look like you are going to rip it off as soon as you get back to the car, it is a loser. On the other hand, if you look comfortable and confident it can be a winner. You will out class the competition, get the job, receive more more pay and be Fortune magazine's man of the year. Well perhaps not the magazine, but you get the idea.

A suit that is bought only to wear to an interview....or a funeral.... will communicate exactly that. Since Jovan enjoys his clothes, I don't think this is an issue here.

A subtle personal touch usually conveys that your suit is not a uniform. What that should be depends on the field you work in. Just having a well fitting suit can be enough.