Interview clothes, What do you think?

Savvy_Sue

Well, unless you are very lucky in these first interviews, this is going to be an ongoing problem, so one way or another you need to see if you can sort out some smart clothes.

But there are very few shops where the staff wear jeans, even smart black ones, and it's better to dress up rather than down for interviews.

Many moons ago, DH borrowed a jacket from a friend to go to an interview. He then had to hang onto it when he started the job, because he didn't have anything else smart enough to wear. No way could he have afforded to buy a new jacket, but we got round the difficulty.

[Deleted User]

BERFFRO wrote: »

I'm trying to cause any offence, It's just shocking the way people think! It's coming across as there is no point in me going to the interview as i don't have a suit.

It doesn't have to be a suit.. do you not have a relative you can borrow a shirt, tie and trousers from? You do not need a suit jacket to look smart.

Sunshine12

BERFFRO wrote: »

How could what someone wears actually show what sort of person they are? So if i wore an Armani suit to an interview with you, Had no skills or experience you would give me the job over someone with skills, experience but no suitable attire for an interview!

First impressions in interviews are essential. If you wore a suit or a smart pair of trousers and a nice top then my initial impression of you would be higher than if you turned up in jeans and a t shirt. Its got nothing to do with designer labels its got to do with first impressions. You have to look like you are making an effort and jeans to an interview would not be doing so. It would make me question how much effort the person would apply to the job if they could not do so for an interview.

Edit: Definately dont need a suit. As I said in my previous post, a pair of black trousers and a nice top would do fine. Only trying to help as you asked for advice. Do you have any charity shops you can maybe go to? I know its not easy if you are on benefits so you could maybe pick something up in one of them? (Sorry OP, Im not sure if you are a woman or a man. If the latter then replace my "nice top" comment with a shirt and preferably a tie.)

Hermia

BERFFRO wrote: »

I'm trying to cause any offence, It's just shocking the way people think! It's coming across as there is no point in me going to the interview as i don't have a suit.

I don't think that is the message that is coming across at all. I think people are just pointing out that wearing jeans could be a big problem with a lot of interviewers. You have to think about it from an interviewer's perspective. Recruitment is an expensive business and an interviewer wants to see that the applicant is really keen. I was recently interviewing some school-leavers for a junior position. They obviously did not yet have much on their CVs so I had to base it on attitude to some degree. One boy turned up in a smart shirt, black trousers, polished shoes with neat hair etc. Another boy turned up in a t-shirt and jeans. He looked like he had dropped in on the way to see his mates! As his CV wasn't 100% brilliant either he was rejected. We wanted someone really enthusiastic for the role and at least we knew the smart boy was keen.

The other thing you have to bear in mind is that an interviewer needs to see that an applicant would be willing to make an impression if needed. Even if a job requires casual dress it's nice to know that an applicant would know how to look the part if necessary.

I can't remember whether you mentioned how old you are, but do you still have your school uniform? I have interviewed a fair few young job hunters who have worn their school shirt/blouse and skirt/trousers to interview. As long as it isn't covered with school logos I think that is fine.

DKLS

Mr_K wrote: »

I'd concentrate more on what you're going to say, rather than what you're going to wear.

Smart casual should be fine but depends on what the job is. If you're a whizz kid computer programmer they won't care if you're in rags as long as you have the skills.

I have interviewed more code monkeys than I care to remember, and I haven't hired any that turned up in jeans.

The only candidates I would expect to dress smart casual are creatives, everyone else has to wear a suit.

Sues48

BERFFRO wrote: »

I'm not eligible to this as i've only been unemployed for a few months.

It doesn't matter how long you've been claiming JSA, you can claim ADF from day one of your claim.

emmell

I would go smart casual, sometimes (depending on the job) a suit can be over egging it.
When I worked in Retail even the Managers didn't wear suits, when you go in supermarkets the Managers usually have black trousers, shirt and tie, the shop floor workers usually have black trousers and a polo shirt with the company logo.
Smart casual is better than an ill fitting cheap suit in my opinion for retail work.
ML.

DCFC79

If you wear a suit or dress as smart as you can then it will enhance your prospects alot, it will show you have taken care or pride in your appearence which will show that you will take care in your appearence for work

DCFC79

emmell wrote: »

I would go smart casual, sometimes (depending on the job) a suit can be over egging it.
When I worked in Retail even the Managers didn't wear suits, when you go in supermarkets the Managers usually have black trousers, shirt and tie, the shop floor workers usually have black trousers and a polo shirt with the company logo.
Smart casual is better than an ill fitting cheap suit in my opinion for retail work.
ML.

the store managers, deputies, section managers wear suits albeit not all the time

emmell

DCFC79 wrote: »

the store managers, deputies, section managers wear suits albeit not all the time

Then if that is the role he is applying for then wear a suit.
The op should take note (before the interview) what the staff in the shop are wearing,
some of the trendy clothes shop staff wear jeans and T shirts (I don't advocate doing this) but you don't want to overdress.
I know someone who went to an interview as Trainee Assistant Store Manager, he wore a very smart suit and tie and was interviewed in the staff canteen by the Assistant Manager (female) who was wearing an overall with a cardigan over the top.
ML.