VI dress for a job interview?

Queue · Apr 5, 2009

I have an interview for a professional position at the University where I am currently paraprofessional student staff and wanted to know if a 'typical' VI outfit (3 piece suit, french cuffed shirt, tie, fedora) would be too much/over the top?

Thoughts are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

MisterGrey · Apr 5, 2009

The fedora? Yes.

The rest sounds fine in principle, depending on the cufflinks-- nothing novelty or over the top (ie, Rat Pat style mesh-linked, giant studs). Stick with something quiet and conservative. Of course, the pattern and color of the suit are also important. Pictures really would be helpful.

mike · Apr 5, 2009

You should judge your level of dress by the environment and average look of the rest of the workers in the office. In my opinion, dress down for an interview with a modern 2 piece suit and modern tie. I would suggest no cufflinks and no hat. I'd say a three piece suit is bringing too much attention to your fashion sense and can take the focus off of your skill set and credentials. Land the job, excel so you are a valued member of the team and then wear what you want. Good luck!

Lefty · Apr 5, 2009

:arated: on absolutely all of what Mike said.

Flitcraft · Apr 5, 2009

Gotta go with Mike on this one- if you want the job, dress as conservatively as possible.
Good Luck!

Torpedo · Apr 5, 2009

Hi,

I basically second Mike's and Lefty's opinion.

Get the work first with a more conventional appearance; too peculiar an image may be a faux pas that can cost you dear at the interview. No fedora, no obviously vintage outfit, etc. Once you have the job, it is different; they will have more elements of judgement when they can gauge your professional skill and efficiency, that will balance any perceived oddity in your image.

At least the more or less reasonable oddities we indulge in...

chanteuseCarey · Apr 5, 2009

Gals as well for all this advice???

I'm looking to reentering the workforce and SOON, after being a stay at home Mom for the last 16 years. DH (and the entire family) has had the Great Depression hit so to speak, and he is currently looking.

Me, I dress pretty much vintage inspired most of the time and am adding more real vintage these days. I'm probably looking at retail or office work, one retail place in particular would be well suited for me to show up in a classy, well heeled vintage look there. I dress 1940s but without the vintage hairdo as I haven't got that piece figured out yet!

I don't have a vintage suit (yet!) though I do have a suit skirt that will have its matching jacket made down the road a piece. Here are some pics of my typical vintage look: day dress or skirt/blouse combo, hat, asstd accessories

Diamondback · Apr 5, 2009

Queue, Ms. Carey, I'd say the name of the game is "infiltration"--dress low-key but professional, and let your qualifications speak the loudest for you.

Then, as Mike notes, once you've completed a successful infiltration, been hired and shown what you can do, then you start showing your true colors. Basic psych: you already have a strike against you for being an outsider and "unknown", so try to look like you belong there, even taking some degree of speech and posture/gesture cues from those around you and make them start to think of you as "one of them" even before you're hired. The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook describes this as a realistic version of the "Jedi Mind Trick"...
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Carlisle Blues · Apr 5, 2009

Depending on where you are in your career dress accordingly. My style dictates that I wear french cuffs and cuff links; always have. Shoes highly polished. My tie always has a dimple in the middle.

I have to be myself. I do not play games. I ask very pointed, in depth questions, as I am planning to spend a certain time of my life with an organization. I expect honest answers.

In return I am giving the best I have to give and be comfortable doing so. I have never been turned down for a position because I dressed to my stylistic comfort level.

However, I can tell you, when I see unpolished shoes I pause and myself what kind job is this person going to do for me? :eusa_doh:

Queue · Apr 5, 2009

Thank you to everyone for your input and please keep it coming. One note: For what it matters--if at all--I have the infiltration. I am on a first name basis with the people who will be interviewing me. I have been a student employee with this department for four years (I'm the third most tenured person in said department, more so than the people interviewing me which is funny to me). I don't know if that changes anything but if the only reason to not dress VI/to the nines is because I don't want to put them off I don't think that will be a concern.

Carlisle Blues said:
Depending on where you are in your career dress accordingly. My style dictates that I wear french cuffs and cuff links; always have. Shoes highly polished. My tie always has a dimple in the middle.

I have to be myself. I do not play games. I ask very pointed, in depth questions, as I am planning to spend a certain time of my life with an organization. I expect honest answers.

In return I am giving the best I have to give and be comfortable doing so. I have never been turned down for a position because I dressed to my stylistic comfort level.

However, I can tell you, when I see unpolished shoes I pause and myself what kind job is this person going to do for me? :eusa_doh:

Thank you!! I totally forgot about my shoes, I'll need to go get those polished tomorrow (and get my own shoe shine kit at some point in the near future).

Diamondback · Apr 5, 2009

Don't forget the soles!
"He who shines only half a shoe is only half a man..."--old Navy Basic chiefs' saying
lol

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Lefty · Apr 5, 2009

Not being a military guy, I'm not sure if that's the same thing that I've always heard:
Shine the backs of your shoes so that you look good coming and going.

Queue · Apr 5, 2009

Diamondback said:
Don't forget the soles!
"He who shines only half a shoe is only half a man..."--old Navy Basic chiefs' saying
lol

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via FoxyTunes

Unfortunatly I don't have shoes whose sole would take a shine. My next pair, however, will.

ex812 · Apr 5, 2009

Isnt it funny that everyone now says to dress conservative for interviews and that means not wearing a hat!!!!!

Diamondback · Apr 5, 2009

Queue said:
Unfortunatly I don't have shoes whose sole would take a shine. My next pair, however, will.

Interesting... per Dick Marcinko, only 1 in 100 takes that literally (he was the one for his class). Don't feel too bad, mine can't be shined either--I have to have rubber soles for electrical isolation. (Still looking for the perfect combo of steeltoe, isolator-sole, lifts and WWII Army-dress-uniform look...

)

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Carlisle Blues · Apr 5, 2009

Queue said:
Unfortunatly I don't have shoes whose sole would take a shine. My next pair, however, will.

I think that means make sure there are no holes and they are in good repair.

just_me · Apr 5, 2009

chanteuseCarey - I think the same advice holds true for you. Dress conservatively and simply. I'd suggest not wearing fur, as many people are turned off by fur. Also, no hat. Your outfits are very nice, but without the hats and fur for a job interview.

Carlisle Blues · Apr 5, 2009

chanteuseCarey My answer was directed at you as well. Hope it helps.

Incidentally, if you are interested I answered your question to tag line.

Paisley · Apr 5, 2009

chanteuseCarey said:
I'm looking to reentering the workforce and SOON, after being a stay at home Mom for the last 16 years. DH (and the entire family) has had the Great Depression hit so to speak, and he is currently looking.

I work in a conservative accounting office in downtown Denver. My suggestions for an office interview:

Wear long sleeves, preferably with a jacket or sweater, depending on the job.
Leave the furs, hats and gloves at home.
The loafers look better than the oxfords.
The black and blue outfit is the best.
Take some classes in Word; online is OK. Sixteen years is a long time to be out of the workforce.

Queue · Apr 5, 2009

Carlisle Blues said:
I think that means make sure there are no holes and they are in good repair.

That makes substantially more sense...

VI dress for a job interview?

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