For some reason, they conducted it in the HR department of a modeling agency.
Calling all HR Professionals-Need 1st Professional Interview attire advice
- Thread starter Mr. O
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For some reason, they conducted it in the HR department of a modeling agency.
I would say that avoiding over-dressing is almost as important as avoiding under-dressing, particularly for the government jobs to which you are applying. You obviously don't want to come across as a shlub, but you don't want to look like a preener, either.
Check out this thread ...
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=105206
for ideas on what suit to wear.
Generally I'd +1 the advice above, although a mad bomber hat might be a tad excessive for a first interview ... save it for the second interview if you get a call-back.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=105206
for ideas on what suit to wear.
Generally I'd +1 the advice above, although a mad bomber hat might be a tad excessive for a first interview ... save it for the second interview if you get a call-back.
Oh, while I'm on it, the subject of a call-back attire ...
... if you get a second interview with the same company, as they narrow down their list of candidates, yes you can wear the exact same suit &c to the interview.
I would suggest a noticeably different shirt though ... so they don't wonder if you washed the shirt or not since the last interview.
My first suggestion would be light blue. Either that or something with a thin pinstripe
light blue ... http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/ym-gbpdef...=Relevance&page=1&back=False&canned=&browse=Y
stripe ... http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/ym-gbpdef...=Relevance&page=1&back=False&canned=&browse=Y
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/ym-gbpdef...=Relevance&page=1&back=False&canned=&browse=Y
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/ym-gbpdef...=Relevance&page=1&back=False&canned=&browse=Y
(these are just examples ... you don't have to shop here)
... if you get a second interview with the same company, as they narrow down their list of candidates, yes you can wear the exact same suit &c to the interview.
I would suggest a noticeably different shirt though ... so they don't wonder if you washed the shirt or not since the last interview.
My first suggestion would be light blue. Either that or something with a thin pinstripe
light blue ... http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/ym-gbpdef...=Relevance&page=1&back=False&canned=&browse=Y
stripe ... http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/ym-gbpdef...=Relevance&page=1&back=False&canned=&browse=Y
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/ym-gbpdef...=Relevance&page=1&back=False&canned=&browse=Y
http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/ym-gbpdef...=Relevance&page=1&back=False&canned=&browse=Y
(these are just examples ... you don't have to shop here)
I don't know how it is where you're at, but here (I work for the state) HR only screens applicants initially before passing them off to the manager to further screen and then interview, so expected attire/style will vary by taste. For example, my boss is a 25 year old female who dresses very casual. She's not going to pay as much attention to those details as if it were someone like me, who spends hours each week pressing my clothes and shining my shoes, would.
For state & county levels of employment, I honestly believe you might be overdoing it in a suit. They're a little more business casual so nice slacks, nicely pressed shirt, tie (maybe a sport jacket, considering the time of year), and clean/buffed shoes would impress. Trust me... we're hiring for a position in my dept and only 30% of the people coming through seem to have given any regard to their appearance. Even our CIO only wears a shirt & tie. Most of the other higher-level managers wear chinos & a polo or sport shirt.
My personal approach to that situation would be to wear a suit anyhow, of course making sure not to "overdo it" and look like a preening peacock, and during the earlier part of the interivew ...
... steer the conversation toward the workplace's dresscode. Maybe you mention how you liked the relaxed but professional atmoshphere you noticed as you were waiting for the interview ... "of course, I'll wear a suit when I'm going for an interview and asking you for a job, but that doesn't mean I have to wear a suit when I'm shopping for groceries, and I certainly think I can 'fit in' to your dress code here in a positive way."
Asking for a job and daily attendance at the job you already have are two different things, and the asking is usually more formal in behaviour and appearance for the interviewee.
I agree with that. My office is business casual, and I frankly hate wearing a suit and avoid it whenever I can, but if someone showed up to an interview here without a suit, it would be a big negative in my view.
[Disclaimer - I don't interview that many people, so I may not be your best authority on any of this.]
Only take in a copy of your resume, certificates of accomplishments that may pertain to the position, or any certifications. I'd take 3 copies for the interviewers. Do not take a planner. If they offer you a second interview just say yes. Some may take it as if you, the interviewee, has to squeeze them in.
I'm going to disagree with this one right here. You should carry a bag of some sort, or at the least what we call here a "Padfolio" which is a professional, er, binder for lack of a better word, that holds a legal pad and has small pockets for pens, business cards, and other little do-dads.
In your bag/padfolio, you should consider having:
- Copies of your resume (bring 15 in case you do several panel interviews)
- A portfolio showcasing relevant work, awards, certifications (ONLY if applicable - don't just whip this out for a job that doesn't require these things)
- A notepad on which you have written prepared questions for the interviewers, that you take out at the beginning of the interview and use to keep notes of your own about the interviewers, their questions, and responses. Refer to these notes when doing thank you cards, formulating follow up responses and questions, and considering job offers.
- Pens, so you don't have to fumble with them in your pockets. In fact, give up keeping pens in your pockets altogether. If you have a button down shirt on, slide the pen into your shirt, hooking the it over the top part of the button down section. This keeps it from falling out when you bend over and you'll always have on handy. Also keeps them from leaking as they are "heads up," and you'll never search in your bag for one.
- A small bottle of water, if you have a bag and it's reasonable. This helps with the "chokes" associated with nervous drymouth. A good interviewer will offer you water, but come prepared.
This isn't a lot of stuff, and should not look 'heavy,' if you know what I mean. A simple messenger or nylon briefcase style bag will suffice; no need for a classic leather briefcase. The padfolio is probably a more elegant solution for someone on the go.
As always, YMMV.
As for nervous hands, habits, etc - there is a lot of research that works in your favor in interviews.
1. Only about 10% of your perceived nervousness is perceived by others. Don't focus on how nervous you "look" or "sound," as that will only make you more anxious. Most people can't tell how nervous you are.
2. Even if they think you're nervous, that works in your favor. The empathetic response to public speakers is such that we actually provide them with some measure of both credibility and room to make mistakes because we don't envy their position. Capitalize by taking confidence in the idea that the people in the room are giving you a break mentally.
4. Verbal interjections and pauses (um, ands, ers, etc) have actually been found to be an important part of auditory processing for the audience. In short, it gives their brain time to process what they've heard and cues them to listen to what comes next. You're not presenting to the UN, you're talking to other human beings, so don't obsess about the "ums." If you like use them like every other like word like, then you should like, you know, reduce that, like, but don't try to like eliminate them. You'll sound weird. You know what I'm saying?
3. Here is the thing we don't teach you about interviewing: everyone is coming there to listen to you, which means YOU are in charge. If you can understand that it is YOUR show, you'll feel much better. Very rarely, in office position interviews, is there a "check off the box" type of answer script the interviewers are expecting. They're looking for fit, and the best way they can tell if you'll fit is if you're telling them the truth and they are listening to you. By them accepting the listening role, you've assumed the talking, or dominant role. You're in charge during the interview, so take what confidence you can from that.
Good luck!
+1 to this.
When I was interviewing to a job, I definitely carried one of those "padfolios". I carry about 10 copies of my resumes and maybe 5 copies of references. I also bring a copy of the job description so I can refer to it when I talk about how my experience matches the job's qualifications.
This is sound advice right here and goes hand in hand. Remember, interviews are two way streets. You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. You should try to come prepared with at least 5 questions to ask the interviewers and the pad is a great way to write them down as well as their responses and contact info for thank you cards (when they don't have business cards).
At most workplaces, I'm pretty sure they will not based their hiring on what you wear. However, what you wear will directly influence the first impression others will have on you. So for instance, wearing tennis shoes with your suit may not be the specific reason why a company didn't hire you. But it probably influence their first impression of you, which might have influenced their responses to your interview.
Other tidbits:
- It's okay to wear cologne, since you don't want to smell bad. But only use a little! Normally, I give myself about two spritz, but for an interview I would just use one.
- Don't feel like you have to respond right away. Take a moment to think about your response before you speak, as it shows you are actually "thinking" of what you want to say. If you prepared well, you shouldn't have to think that much.
- Here's my number one pet peeve when I interview people. DON'T TALK TOO MUCH. Some people go on and on and leap into a tangent that has nothing to do with the question that was originally asked. Don't be that person, because it shows you're beating around the bush and you don't know the answer. Be efficient and concise. When someone asks you a question about your experience, just think CAR. Context, Action, Result. Give the context of a situation that is relevant to the question. Talk about the Action you did to accomplish the task or overcome the situation. Then talk about the Results and how they were beneficial.
I've always dressed to impress - a dark high quality two piece suit with a heavily starched white shirt, dark tie, thin wrist watch, freshly polished dark belt and matching dark shoes, dark socks and everything spotlessly clean. Also, freshly shaved with a crisp haircut, trimmed nails and cuticles, freshly brushed teeth and the whole nine yards. Not flashy - just quietly understated.
All but once.
For my current job, I had an inside source (my wife) who told me to sharply dress down for my job interview. So I showed up in what I was accustomed to being business casual - freshly pressed khaki pants, lightly starched white shirt without a tie (sleeves partially rolled up), freshly polished semi-dress shoes with matching belt, dark socks and sharply groomed. Never felt so naked for a job interview in my life.
The interview was a success, but as I was leaving the top boss told me my shirt was too bright and to never be dressed that nice in their environment again. So I haven't!
Any-woo, my point is this - try to get a gauge as to what the dress code may be in that business prior to the interview and dress to that level.
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Agree with the advice - classic business attire: dark suit, white shirt, black shoes, moderate tie. For a gov't position, I would wear a decent off the peg suit, not an obviously very expensive made to measure - you don't want to look too high maintenance. Modest but functional watch and pen - not a solid gold Rolex or a very flashy diver.
Most places the important issue is that you will fit in with the rest of the team and contribute usefully and have some potential to grow over time. The way you appear at the interview also gives an idea of how you might appear when representing the organization which may be an important aspect of the job. If you have dirty nails, dirty shoes, and stubble (not likely in a B&B member) you may not be a good rep for the employer.
Good luck.
Most places the important issue is that you will fit in with the rest of the team and contribute usefully and have some potential to grow over time. The way you appear at the interview also gives an idea of how you might appear when representing the organization which may be an important aspect of the job. If you have dirty nails, dirty shoes, and stubble (not likely in a B&B member) you may not be a good rep for the employer.
Good luck.
+1 to all the invaluable advice in this thread.
Good luck at the interview!
Good luck at the interview!
When the hiring manager is reviewing possible candidates, do you want to be remembered as the guy who dressed down or the guy who dressed well? It is an interview so you should wear a suit, it is expected. Charcoal grey or navy, white shirt and a conservative tie. Shined shoes, dark socks.
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- #35
Thanks guys for all the replies. No call back yet.
I did go the JC Pennys today and purchased a two piece Navy blue suit.
The jacket is at the tailors getting the arms hemmed. I bought the two piece, a plain white collared shirt, a dark but hip red tie (you'll see what I mean when I post pics), and a nice black leather belt. I got it all, out the door for $275. 
I already own a pair of Florsheim dress shoes. They're black and can really keep a shine! Now just have to get some socks. I'll post pics when I get the jacket back. Again, thanks for all the replies. This is an invaluable thread.
I did go the JC Pennys today and purchased a two piece Navy blue suit. The jacket is at the tailors getting the arms hemmed. I bought the two piece, a plain white collared shirt, a dark but hip red tie (you'll see what I mean when I post pics), and a nice black leather belt. I got it all, out the door for $275. I already own a pair of Florsheim dress shoes. They're black and can really keep a shine! Now just have to get some socks. I'll post pics when I get the jacket back. Again, thanks for all the replies. This is an invaluable thread.
I will be taking this advice and looking for a new blue suit come grad school interviews this spring.
Thanks!
Exactly. Don't go overboard on the cologne (if it all) and have a fresh haircut.
V
VR6ofpain
I remember interviewing a lot of members for my current team with my previous boss. She basically asked all the "HR" type questions, while I listened and took notes. I basically was looking for any sense of deception from the interviewee and any topics which they seemed to struggle with. It was interesting when I dug deeper into the areas of concern after my boss finished with the "main" set of questions. I think we both learned a lot about the interviewees by my second set of questions. The funny part was I never was as focused on the answer specifics, but more the way they reacted to the questions and those which caused them the most problems. I felt good reaction time with calm honest answers came across much better than a struggled answer which may have include more "merit" type specifics.
That's why the main goal in preparing to answer interview questions should be self-reflection rather than encyclopedic knowledge of one's resume.
Think about it in the realm of good cooking - you may have the recipe memorized, but what happens when someone asks you to improvise? Knowing how the pieces of a recipe fit together is much more useful than simply memorizing a list of ingredients and instructions. You should know how each piece tastes, and be able to make logical assumptions about how it will taste in conjunction with any other piece. You should be able to create a customized recipe by understanding the make up of the pieces and the needs of the customer.
Good interviewees know the general make up of their pieces, and can craft customized, honest, meaningful answers to your needs on demand, just like a good chef. Plus, if you're not relying solely on memorized answers, there is no way you can freeze up, forget an answer, and choke on the interview.
Go with the flow, I say.
I think you have recieved plenty of great adviceon attire.
I would also say that, as a general statment, the interview should be the least stressfull part. Typically, if you have an interview than you are aleady good enough to work there. At that point it is a matter of making a decent impression and a personal connection with the interviewer.
just a thought
GOOD LUCK!
I would also say that, as a general statment, the interview should be the least stressfull part. Typically, if you have an interview than you are aleady good enough to work there. At that point it is a matter of making a decent impression and a personal connection with the interviewer.
just a thought
GOOD LUCK!
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