I’ve been thinking alot this weekend what clothes should I wear for my first interview. Even though, I’ve done alot of interviews[but not for exact jobs that I wanted]. For that, I remained as casual
The job I’ve applied for as a Web Developer[starter] is a good one, provides great opportunities. What I most want is to have a great First Impression with tip-top clothes attractions. Some of my working friends suggested to wear Three-piece suits. Some said be as usual or wear pants with cotton shirt, duh!
I’m no where near for better approach; and decided to have my word with GupShup Community for advice.
PT yara, congrats on getting the interview . Now is it’s time to seal the deal. Remember that at an interview you can never be over dressed. Wear a dark blue (preferable) or black suit. The suit doesn’t have to be a three piece. Just make sure your tie is conservative, I love to go with solid colors and the shirt must be well pressed. And the most important thing will be the shoes, make sure that they are black or ox-blood in color and formal. I like to go with black oxfords because they work with all of my suits.
Do not wear cologne as your interviewer might be allergic to it, but wear plenty of deoderant. A clean shave is essential or trim the moustache/beard. Are you going for a full time position? Then be sure to wear that college ring, it can become a conversation piece or you might find out that the interviewer is an alumni of your school.
I work in the finance industry so my opinions are on the conservative side, but trust me you cannot lose being conservative in this matter. I know you comp sci. people were really casual with the khakis and the button down shirts back in the Internet boom period, but now that the economy and the job market has tightened up, it pays to look as professional and formal as you can.
I remember the first job I had was right after undergrad college and I owned only 2 suits one black the other grey and a few days before the interview for that job, I did a little research and came across what I just told you. I felt a lot more prepared and confident after I was sure that my attire was proper. Hope this helps! Good luck with the interview and do let me know how it goes :k:
Very informative thoughts dude. I liked the way you nailed it down.
No, I’m not going for a full time position. I’m still studying at University; and want to have experience of the Real World, what its about and where it goes.
The choices about clothes and shoes you said, are excellent :k:; and I liked it. I’d prefer to wear a blue suit with blackshoes for interview.
I do have a trimed beard and mustache. Do I have to clean my shave for the interview?
Your welcome I think you can dress formally for even part-time positions as long as they are something that you really want. I don’t remember what I wore for my Internship interview at the NY Stock Exhange but I’m pretty sure it was a suit. I mean if it’s like working in the mailroom or something, no need to go all decked out but this sounds like a position that you want so go all out for it.
About your other question, I don’t think you need to clean shave for the interview. Having facial hair is well accepted even in the most conservative professions. It’s a personal choice and frankly any company making you clean shave without reason is not good place to work for. A good trim should do. For a while I was sporting large sideburns and I would trim them every other day to make sure they look neat. Hope that helps and best of luck!
PT, I am a Human Resources Coordinator for the co. I work for and among others responsibilities in the HR field that I have, the major one is interviewing job candidates for various positions ranging from top-level management down to clerical ones.
Regarding your situation, I must advise that there is no need for you to get overly "decked out", as in a 3-piece suit, etc., provided the type of position you're interviewing for. 3-piece suits and the conservative look seems to do most justice in business-related jobs such as those in finance, management, and accounting. Afterall, it's the Wall St. banker look, no?! Wear a nice (yet not necessarily a 3-piece!) suit with a conservative tie that complements the suit. Don't overdo the cologne bit...I remember interviewing a Credit Manager candidate who was doing just fine until I started itching due to his over-applied "cheap" cologne! Urgh...now THAT was an experience I'd never forget! Anoher thing: wear nice shoes...no, they don't have to be extravagant or very-expensive, just tasteful and complimentary to your suit. Wear a watch, and like RajputFury said, a college (you're an undergrad, right???) ring would be nice. Appear clean-cut (including having your nails trimmed!) and confidant. Please please please bring along a portfolio folder and a few copies of your resume and references...most candidates, even the strong ones, forget to abide by this "rule of thumb." In addition, do some research on the co. in advance (ie. from the co.'s websiite, etc.), and be prepared to "intervew the co." such as in the form of 2 or 3 intelligent questions that target areas such as co. growth, career advancement, and training. Post-interview, don't forget to follow-up with that all-important "thank you" letter.
A suit is a no brainer...and about the moustache Q..a beard is a nono unless ur a 40+ guy. If ur in ur 20s 30s with a beard it seems like u got attitude...a moustashe is fine..but dont get the small stuff. go full blown.
I wore one to my interview, with hijab. When I got the job, they said, we were really impressed by the confidence u showed in yr clothes. :) Alhamdulillah...
btw, I usually do that to check people out. Wear jeans to the masjid, wear shalwar kameez to work, wear saris to pakistani's houses, wear chaddar odhni on head to indian's homes... damn fun irking people no end. My world is really a fantastic place to live in :).
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*Originally posted by hskhan: *
A suit is a no brainer...and about the moustache Q..a beard is a nono unless ur a 40+ guy. If ur in ur 20s 30s with a beard it seems like u got attitude...a moustashe is fine..but dont get the small stuff. go full blown.
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The beard depends. Although people say there should be no bias, there still is and if the beard fits you and your style great otherwise otherwise. Of course would you really want to work at a company that did not accept the diversity that comes with been you. I have been in positions where I have had to wonder, was in that place to meet a number or because of the value I add? Its something to remember.
