Shirt AND tie for interview?

py2006

Hi all,

I never wear ties with my suits as I feel extremely uncomfortable with them on. Unless I have the top button open and the tie loose which doesn't always look good!

Anyway, whats the deal with this in interviews these days. Its been a long time since I have had a proper formal interview.

Would it look bad if I didn't wear a tie?

Also, this may sound silly, but is there any relevance given to shirt and tie? I mean in terms of looking professional and impressive for the want of a better word!

Thanks

woolymammoth

py2006 wrote: »

Unless I have the top button open and the tie loose which doesn't always look good!

...

Would it look bad if I didn't wear a tie?

...

is there any relevance given to shirt and tie?

ya, a loose tie does look silly.
It does not necessarily look bad to not wear a tie. Look at richard branson, or tony blair, et. al. That's not to say you shouldn't wear one for the right occasion.
Yes, there is still relevance given to shirt & tie, it's just up to you to decide when's the right occasion.

you, my friend, are just like me. I hate ties. But there is a trick to living with them. That trick is learning how to tie a tie, and using the right knot. Do that, and men will admire your tie tying abilities, and women will love that you can tie a proper tie and look fantastic! ok maybe a slight over exaggeration :pac:

My knot of choice is the proper windsor knot. It looks good, not like the half arsed job most people do at tying a tie. Best of all, you can leave the top button open, and use the tie to hold the collar in and hide the fact it's open. It's win win. Takes a little practice, but learn that knot, you won't be disappointed.

Agent Smith

tenchi-fan

py2006 wrote: »

Hi all,

I never wear ties with my suits as I feel extremely uncomfortable with them on. Unless I have the top button open and the tie loose which doesn't always look good!

It's time to bite the bullet and buy the next size up in shirts.

bbam

Really it depends on both what the position will be and what the company is like... If you're going to be sweeping floors then I probably wouldn't bother with a tie, if it's a more managment position then maybe...

Personally unless somebody turns up in rag order or worse the dreaded BO, I wouldn't pay much attention... that said I usually interview for technical positions which wouldn't require formal dress anyway..

I'd say a good pair of trousers, shoes and a dress shirt, tie optional and only a suit in extreme cases..

Wear a shirt and tie for the interview, it says more if you don't than if you do

wench

RoverJames wrote: »

Wear a shirt and tie for the interview, it says more if you don't than if you do

I'd agree with this.
I was on an interview panel recently, and of the 15 or so men we saw, only one didn't wear a tie. I didn't cop it, but the men on the panel certainly did, and it didn't make the best impression on them.

Eoin

bbam wrote: »

Personally unless somebody turns up in rag order or worse the dreaded BO, I wouldn't pay much attention... that said I usually interview for technical positions which wouldn't require formal dress anyway..

I'd say a good pair of trousers, shoes and a dress shirt, tie optional and only a suit in extreme cases..

I definitely wouldn't say a suit only for extreme cases. I think people should assume they should wear a suit if it's an interview for an office type job. If you're not 100% sure what to wear, then go safe and overdress. I really don't know why people don't do this.

I'm not defending judging on appearance - but it's the reality in a lot of cases.

bbam wrote:

It's time to bite the bullet and buy the next size up in shirts.

Good thinking. An extra inch around the collar, and you should be able to put up with a tie for an hour.

py2006

tenchi-fan wrote: »

It's time to bite the bullet and buy the next size up in shirts.

hahaha, I can't it would be like wearing a tent!

py2006

eoin wrote: »

Good thinking. An extra inch around the collar, and you should be able to put up with a tie for an hour.

Yea but I have tried these on and the shirt looks ridiculous!! They seemed to be designed for men with large bellies! haha

py2006

Interestingly, what colour combination would you go for. I know alot of people don't read much into this but certain colours give off a certain impression.

I was thinking a light blue or white shirt with a dark blue tie, that gives off a professional kind of look.

Maybe it doesn't make a difference but could you imagine walking in with a pink shirt and yellow tie! :cool:

vibe666

py2006 wrote: »

hahaha, I can't it would be like wearing a tent!

then leave it really loose, or just have it tied loosely but not on you and put it on and tighten it in the car before you walk in the door so its not too much of a hassle for you.

unless you're going for a job at a sewage farm, even if you're going to be wearing jeans and a t-shirt every day at your new job, you should be suited and booted WITH tie for every interview you take. you're going there to create a first impression and look like a professional. doesn't matter what the job is, what matters is that you look smart & professional the first time they see you and that's the first thing they will remember about you.

like wench says, they might not notice you wearing a tie, but they'll probably notice you NOT wearing one.

Dan_Solo

py2006 wrote: »

Maybe it doesn't make a difference but could you imagine walking in with a pink shirt and yellow tie! :cool:

That would depend on exactly what you were interviewing for.:D

Berty

I would have no issue wearing a Pink Shirt and Black tie with my black pin stripe suit to an interview.

Frankly I have before and been offered the job so it worked for me. I have, however, worn a suit for the past 9 years in my jobs(mostly), so its second nature to me.

A gaggle of Pennys shirt and ties for €9 and you're spoilt for choice in the mornings.

py2006

Berty wrote: »

A gaggle of Pennys shirt and ties for €9 and you're spoilt for choice in the mornings.

Your not going to create an impression with cheap crap on ya! :eek:

tenchi-fan

py2006 wrote: »

Your not going to create an impression with cheap crap on ya! :eek:

I disagree. The quality of their shirt and tie sets isn't that bad and are fine for most office jobs. An obviously expensive shirt and tie may come across as too formal depending on the job.

Having said that, back to the op's point, you're wearing the shirt and tie to an interview to GET the job. It doesn't necessarily mean you need to wear them once you start working. If it feels tight around the collar, get a more fitted shirt in the next size up.

EI111

firstly you can get fitted bodies on shirts so a bigger neck size with a slimmer body is what you are after. you should ask somebody in a shop or else if you are somewhere like TK Maxx etc. where there is no real expert look for 'tailored fit' or 'slim fit'

It is normally recommended to dress conservatively for an interview- thats a white shirt and a dull tie if you are going for a professional position

mikemac

TK Maxx are absolute rubbish for lots of things
But you can find quality shirts and ties in there at great prices. But I'm a fairly standard build, medium everything does me fine. Maybe not for you OP

Once you get the job wear your Pennys gear, it's very cheap
Saying that M&S easy iron can't be beat!

But at least get a good shirt and tie for the interview, if nothing else it may give you some a bit of confidence

And you can get these custom made and fitted if you wish.

seamus

What you wear definitely depends on the type of job that you're going for and the industry that you're in.

A suit & shirt without a tie can look good and stylish, but it's more casual that a suit, shirt & tie. It would probably be appropriate for an interview in an obviously more relaxed or image-conscious enviroment - media or PR for example.

A shirt & tie is still appropriate for an office environment (few people in office environments wear their suit jackets during the working day), but if you're going for any business-type job in finance, sales, marketing, etc, then I would be inclined to turn up at the interview in a full suit.

This can change though - "service" jobs like IT & marketing can span many other industries. IT people in one environment (say a factory) may arrive in wearing jeans and a t-shirt. In other office, they're expected to wear a shirt & tie like everyone else.

For an IT job, wear a shirt & tie and you can't really go wrong.

I think a shirt & no tie never looks good for an interview. It's very casual and depending on the shirt can look plain sloppy.

The general rule is that you can never be overdressed for an interview (although a tuxedo might be overkill), but you can be underdressed. Never, ever wear something that you would wear to the pub - i.e. jeans, cargo pants, runners, football jerseys (:D). If you look like you just walked in off the street, you will make an impression, but not a good one.

Wearing a suit gives the impression that you made an effort this morning - you got cleaned up, had a shave and a shower, ironed a shirt and put on a good suit - and you are therefore very serious about the job & interview.
Wearing casual clothes gives the impression that you're not taking the interview seriously.

As woollymammoth above says - find out how to tie a proper knot. A Windsor or half-Windsor knot is a very classy-looking knot, but is actually very loose and can make it look like you've closed your top button. The schoolboy knot that most of us learned growing up is quick and easy but doesn't look nearly as good.

Scambuster

Some mixed advice here.

You need to get fitted for proper shirt neck size. Add half an inch for shrinkage. You will need to look at the slim fitted range if formal shirts as well it seems. Tm Lewin should do the job for fairly cheap.

For an interview I would say only wear a clean White shirt. Black suits and black ties are highly inappropriate for business wear.
Windsor knots can look clean but they are usually too bulky and should not be used. Learn to tie a proper four in hand with a dimple.

Mrs OBumble

py2006 wrote: »

Hi all,

Also, this may sound silly, but is there any relevance given to shirt and tie? I mean in terms of looking professional and impressive for the want of a better word!

Thanks

Others have given good advice re the tie issue.

I think that wearing a shirt is a good idea too ... that is if you want to see the hiring manager rather than the security guards!

If in doubt always overdress OP.
Sure if you wear the tie and everyone else interviewing looks casual, either you'll look better or you can whip the tie off.

py2006

JustMary wrote: »

Others have given good advice re the tie issue.

I think that wearing a shirt is a good idea too ... that is if you want to see the hiring manager rather than the security guards!

I think I meant the colour of the shirt and tie in my original post!

Sugar Free

As others have said, solid white or blue shirt, keep the stripe or check shirts for other occasions.

Same with the ties, solid and nothing too bright. Definitely go with a full Windsor as well, it gives a symmetrical and full shape.

Admittedly a bit dull and conservative but it looks professional.

Make sure the suit sleeves and trouser legs are not too long, otherwise it looks ridiculous, as if you're wearing your dads old suit!

amdublin

Imo 99.99% of the time you DEFINITELY should wear a tie to an interview.

OP what is the job you are applying for (just in case this position falls into the 0.01% that you don't need a tie for)?

py2006

Its a teaching position!

woolymammoth

shirt + tie =


but seriously, white shirt & dark plain tie with decent knot, hard to go wrong. Dunnes, marks&sparks, pennys.. I've gotten most of mine from marks & spencer.

py2006

woolymammoth wrote: »

shirt + tie =


but seriously, white shirt & dark plain tie with decent knot, hard to go wrong. Dunnes, marks&sparks, pennys.. I've gotten most of mine from marks & spencer.

Haha, I think thats the exact tie I got!

EDIT: Actually its not but similar colour!

amdublin

py2006 wrote: »

Its a teaching position!

Without a doubt shirt and tie. When you get the job you can wear what you like.

amdublin

Ps. Good luck!

Thesafetyman

Convention would say shirt and tie. Even a gurrier up on a serious charge wears a shirt and tie in court to impress the judge.

was.deevey

Convention would say shirt and tie. Even a gurrier up on a serious charge wears a shirt and tie in court to impress the judge.

And with their best Nike air max

Any interview I've ever been to I've worn suit and Tie, regardless of the position - you cant overdress for an interview, and if its neck and neck with you and someone who DID make the effort to dress well you'll be kicking yourself.

For me though its black on black on black .. a decent looking shirt does make a difference IMHO, as does a decent looking tie and they don't have to cost fortunes ...

Arnotts basement is bloody great for half decent stylish looking ones that wont make you look like a bus conducter.

Oh and shine those shoes and wear a newish looking belt .. it really can be the lil things that stand out.

py2006

Well guys I went with the shirt n tie combo!! ( I prob would have anyway).

A nice white shirt with a dark blue silk tie!! Top button was open but that was hidden by the tie! otherwise I would have choked and died in the middle of the interview!

By the way, if I don't get the position, I will hold you all responsible! :cool:

Sugar Free

Best of luck.

Atomic Pineapple

What I do is ring up the HR manager and ask what there dress code is, it its casual I'll go with shirt and tie, if they say smart, I'll go with a suit, the job I ended up getting when I asked I was told it was casual and specifically told not to dress up for the interview, so I went without the tie and got the job

I was told this is a good approach as you want to look like you'll fit in at the company, anyone reckon its a good way of doing things or bad?

Eoin

Unless I was specifically told not to dress up in a suit, I would wear one. What you might be wearing day to day if you get the job is irrelevant. It sounds like you still dressed smartly though, which sounds like a good compromise.

py2006

Interview went ok, I was kinda jittery and stumbled on one question but got there (kinda) in the end!

There was a panel as opposed to just the one person!

I got a call back for a 2nd interview!! Should I be scared???

Eoin

Not at all, they're obviously keen enough to invite you back.

Dan_Solo

py2006 wrote: »

Interview went ok, I was kinda jittery and stumbled on one question but got there (kinda) in the end!

There was a panel as opposed to just the one person!

I got a call back for a 2nd interview!! Should I be scared???

Jesus no!
These days employers make candidates jump through fiery hoops because they know they can. Best of luck to you, but most people have gotten well used to repeat rejection these days so don't sweat it.