Going to an interview from work

MoneySavingUser

If you were going to work in the morning and then to an interview in the afternoon (or at lunchtime) or vice versa and had an interview would you dress differently (i.e. in a suit)?

Would interviewers understand why someone might come to an interview in their usual work clothes if they are coming from/going to work? (I'm assuming people working in an office environment so shirt/trousers)

Hazzinho

I would book the day off, you need to look smart and if you are it's very obvious what's going on if you go to work.

[Deleted User]

I'm going to an interview tomorrow straight from work I hope, only difference will be I'm swapping the cardi for a jacket I think as per usual which go with the trousers to make a suit, just so fortunate we don't really have dress down Fri!

Owain_Moneysaver

How long does it take to change in/out of a suit?

MoaningMyrtle

I did this once and got changed in the car! Needs must and all that. I was successful in getting the new job.

custardy

If times tight. Wear the suit trousers to work.
personally I would prefer to change into a fresh shirt. Tie & jacket take no time.

springdreams

All my interviews have been straight after work.

If your usual work attire is smart, but without a jacket, then all you need to do is add a jacket under your coat so your current employer does not see it. Hang it up under your coat during work hours then remove the coat when you arrive at the place you are having the interview.

If your usual work attire is casual, then change in the toilets (or the car if you drive to work) after work before going onto the interview.

You definitely need to wear a suit. It is the expected thing to do when going for an interview.

DCFC79

I'd book the day or afternoon if you could, if you can't then find somewhere to change or change in your car.

Viberduo

springdreams wrote: »

You definitely need to wear a suit. It is the expected thing to do when going for an interview.

Must vary where in the country and/or position. I remember all my job interviews just turning up with shirt and no tie and dark trousers and wearing dark shoes, if anything this was the norm but my jobs were all like call centres, or shops.

But strangely in the workplace they wanted all men to wear shirt and tie for the call centre ones but women were allowed to be semi casual.

Snakey

I've always changed before/while heading to the interview - I basically put on shoes with a bit of a heel, a necklace and my suit jacket when I get round the corner.

Personally I think it can be counter-productive to show up looking pristine from head to toe as if it's your first day at big school and your mother's waiting in the car. You want them to see the real you. I dress as if I was going to meet a client - smart but not stupidly so. This takes some of the pressure off in the office - it's haircuts, brand new shirts, fresh aftershave etc that people notice.

If there isn't any discreet storage/changing space, it might have to be holiday days, but then you have the problem of whether they'll let you have time off at short notice. I assume you don't feel you can be open with them about it?

brightonman123

wear normal clothes to work, keep I/view stuff (if different) out of sight!