Is this appropriate interview attire if I don't have a full

LambDev · 12-02-2018 9:34pm #1

Hi

I have an interview coming up with a newspaper for a software development position on a grad program. I don't have a full suit, I can't afford to buy one, and I probably can't borrow one.

What I plan on wearing is a Shirt, Slacks, and a zip neck jumper. Would I get away with this?

Also, what would be better to wear shoe wise with black slacks. Brown fake leather dress shoes, or my brother's black slip-on shoes for school.

Indricotherium · 12-02-2018 9:35pm

hit up a charity shop you will get a suit for a tenner.

Dev84 · 12-02-2018 9:36pm

LambDev wrote: »

Hi

I have an interview coming up with a newspaper for a software development position on a grad program. I don't have a full suit, I can't afford to buy one, and I probably can't borrow one.

What I plan on wearing is a Shirt, Slacks, and a zip neck jumper. Would I get away with this?

Also, what would be better to wear shoe wise with black slacks. Brown fake leather dress shoes, or my brother's black slip-on shoes for school.

Buy a shirt in penneys and a tie. Thise with slack will be fine.

Just buy a tie and wear in underneath the zip jumper but ensure it showm

Berserker · 12-02-2018 9:36pm

Black shoes with your black slacks. Wear a tie with that shirt and slacks.

12-02-2018 9:42pm

This is one of those topics that you'll get opinions on left, right and centre, but in reality, I don't think anyone really cares.

So long as you're not dressed in a 'couldn't give a fcuk' way (tracksuit or pyjamas, etc.) i doubt most people will pass any remarks. Just look presentable.

feylya · 12-02-2018 9:44pm

Email the person you've been talking to in the company, and ask what their dress code is. If it's a newspaper, it's probably very relaxed, and since you're going for a software dev position, slacks and a shirt would work.

Richard Hillman · 12-02-2018 9:44pm

V Neck jumper with a shirt and tie underneath plus slacks

KERSPLAT! · 12-02-2018 9:46pm

Slacks, shirt and tie will be fine. I'd wear a suit myself but I'd see no issue with no jacket.

_Brian · 12-02-2018 9:49pm

I’ve been hiring for years.
I wouldn’t consider that role would require a full suite for the interview.

Black shoes sound good, wouldn’t go with the jumper.
A suitable tie with your own shirt or like others said get a cheap shirt/tie set in Dunn’s or pennies.

Dev84 · 12-02-2018 9:49pm

KERSPLAT! wrote: »

Slacks, shirt and tie will be fine. I'd wear a suit myself but I'd see no issue with no jacket.

Plus 1. Anytime I get into the interview i always ask can i take my jacket off anyway. Much more comfy.

Boom_Bap · 12-02-2018 9:51pm

Wear the black slacks and black shoes, shirt and a tie.
Do you have any jackets that you can wear into the interview room and just take off and put on the back of the chair?

If you feel comfortable, you will give a comfortable appearance to the interview panel.

Also, it's about what you know, not what you look like.

TheBeach · 12-02-2018 9:55pm

I agree shirt, tie, slacks or a suit. The only jumper I think you could get away with is the ones that have the fake shirt collar attached. Good luck

NickNickleby · 12-02-2018 10:00pm

Shirt : freshly washed and ironed
Slacks : clean and ironed
jumper/cardigan/whatever : clean and not a rag.
Shoes: preferably black, but if they still look crap after a good polish, wear the brown ones. Make sure they're polished.

Hair, nails clean.

there's a gap here. Are you walking the streets like that? Have you no jacket?

In the main I'd say as long as you don't look sloppy you should be ok - which is why I wouldn't completely rule out the brown shoes. There is , after all, no accounting for taste. And I'm sure no one expects a grad recruit to have an Armani suit yet.

Finally, best of luck. If you're not sloppy, then they'll just focus on your competencies/knowledge/experience.

Tiddlypeeps · 12-02-2018 10:47pm

I've been in software dev for almost a decade. Companies that have even the slightest care about what you wear are very uncommon, assuming you don't go looking like an actual hobo. Casual dress is the norm and pretty much expected at interviews. The very few that do care are generally going to be soul destroying environments so worth giving a miss anyway.

_Brian · 12-02-2018 10:53pm

I had a young lad in once wearing a suit he’d obviously never had on before, tie as tight as a hangman, I could imagine the mother thghtening the damn thing to the last.

He was uncomfortable to the point he was awful.

I told him to take off the jacket and tie and relax, I was in a casual shirt and black jeans myself.

He actually did a good interview and got one of the places open.

embraer170 · 12-02-2018 11:05pm

I work in a rather formal place and have interviewed quite a few people.

Plenty of people come in wearing all kinds of clothes, and it doesn't matter one bit.

Dev84 · 12-02-2018 11:09pm

I honestly feel a suit is a must for an interview unless otherwise stated on the interview invitation

limnam · 12-02-2018 11:34pm

Dev84 wrote: »

I honestly feel a suit is a must for an interview unless otherwise stated on the interview invitation

Not for IT IMO. "these days" Maybe 20 years ago.

You in your fancy suit, him in his donkey kong "retro" t-shirt. :pac:

Dress smart and comfortable. No one really gives a sh|t unless you look like you made no effort. One's who do give a sh|t you're probably better off finding somewhere else to work anyway

Dev84 · 12-02-2018 11:54pm

limnam wrote: »

Not for IT IMO. "these days" Maybe 20 years ago.

You in your fancy suit, him in his donkey kong "retro" t-shirt. :pac:

Dress smart and comfortable. No one really gives a sh|t unless you look like you made no effort. One's who do give a sh|t you're probably better off finding somewhere else to work anyway

Ah donkey kong retro tshirt! Thats not stero typing in anyway!

Id go with the suit for the interview.

KERSPLAT! · 12-02-2018 11:57pm

I agree that IT in general seems to be smart casual but I'd still be wearing a suit/shirt and tie for an interview

fritzelly · 13-02-2018 1:00am

In general the rule of thumb is if the job requires you to wear a suit or three piece then wear that at the interview else smart casual as others have said is perfectly acceptable (not a jumper tho)

LambDev · 13-02-2018 5:06pm

Thanks all for the replies and the tips.

I'm going to Dunnes tomorrow to buy nice fitted slacks, and a new pair of laced black shoes. I'll wear these with a blue shirt.

Some people were asking about a jacket. I have my winter puffy type of jacket which is going to have to do.

Hopefully this goes well, I'm so nervous.

Professor Moriarty · 13-02-2018 5:11pm

LambDev wrote: »

Thanks all for the replies and the tips.

I'm going to Dunnes tomorrow to buy nice fitted slacks, and a new pair of laced black shoes. I'll wear these with a blue shirt.

Some people were asking about a jacket. I have my winter puffy type of jacket which is going to have to do.

Hopefully this goes well, I'm so nervous.

FWIW if I am interviewing you, then I expect you to respect me and the interview by wearing a tie and jacket. Maybe that's not how it should be but that's how it is. Best of luck

LambDev · 13-02-2018 5:19pm

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

FWIW if I am interviewing you, then I expect you to respect me and the interview by wearing a tie and jacket. Maybe that's not how it should be but that's how it is. Best of luck

If I could, I would. Not wearing a suit does not mean I don't respect the interview panel and the interview itself.

If that's not acceptable, than so be it. I have to the best with what I've got.

Thank You

KERSPLAT! · 13-02-2018 5:25pm

LambDev wrote: »

If I could, I would. Not wearing a suit does not mean I don't respect the interview panel and the interview itself.

If that's not acceptable, than so be it. I have to the best with what I've got.

Thank You

Exactly. Best of luck with it

Dev84 · 13-02-2018 6:01pm

LambDev wrote: »

Thanks all for the replies and the tips.

I'm going to Dunnes tomorrow to buy nice fitted slacks, and a new pair of laced black shoes. I'll wear these with a blue shirt.

Some people were asking about a jacket. I have my winter puffy type of jacket which is going to have to do.

Hopefully this goes well, I'm so nervous.

Just throw a tie on kid also.

It could make all the difference.

Try_harder · 13-02-2018 6:06pm

Wear a tie, don’t wear a puffa jacket, if you need it for outdoors remove it before you go into the interview room

pilly · 13-02-2018 6:24pm

People are giving tips here as if it's a purely IT job but it seems to me it's in a newspaper? Not the same thing.

Wear the slacks, shoes, shirt and tie and you'll be fine OP. I agree with others, just remove your jacket before you enter the room.

LambDev · 13-02-2018 6:41pm

Just another question.

Would it be OK to even wear a plain crew neck jump over the shirt, or best to leave it?

beauf · 13-02-2018 6:50pm

pilly wrote: »

People are giving tips here as if it's a purely IT job but it seems to me it's in a newspaper? Not the same thing. ....

True. Would a newspaper be different I have no idea.

fritzelly · 13-02-2018 7:01pm

LambDev wrote: »

Just another question.

Would it be OK to even wear a plain crew neck jump over the shirt, or best to leave it?

No to the jumper

GalwayGrrrrrl · 13-02-2018 7:20pm

The stress of the interview will make you feel hot and bothered so you won’t need a jumper. Shirt, tie, smart trousers and clean shoes. Leave the puffa jacket at reception desk if possible or walk in with it over arm. Good luck with your interview.

pilly · 13-02-2018 7:27pm

Try not to worry too much OP. You've put enough thought into that you will come across as smart and well prepared anyway.

_Brian · 13-02-2018 7:30pm

Dev84 wrote: »

I honestly feel a suit is a must for an interview unless otherwise stated on the interview invitation

He only time a suit should be standard is when it would be part of the expected work attire for the job.

Dublinstiofán · 13-02-2018 7:35pm

Slacks, shoes, shirt, tie and a copy of the newspaper under your arm!

Dev84 · 13-02-2018 9:36pm

LambDev wrote: »

Just another question.

Would it be OK to even wear a plain crew neck jump over the shirt, or best to leave it?

No. You'll look like your there to do security or something.

Look smart amd you will feel confident and come across as such.

Save up a few bob for a suit though. Going forward you will have more interviews and any formal interview I have ever been to or board I have seen in operation a suit is mandatory.

Might not state it but Id hedge bets and say you wont get the job if you dont put in the effort.

Professor Moriarty · 13-02-2018 10:28pm

Mr.S wrote: »

Yikes, that's a pretty outdated attitude. Certainly not how is across the board anyway.

Having been both sides of table many times, I can honestly say I've never met someone who based the outcome of an interview on how the person was dressed, once you look smart etc you're golden.

In OP's case - I can 100% guarantee he will look better (and interview better) in slacks / shirt versus a ill-fitted suit that makes him feel awkward.

Some common sense required obviously, you're not going to rock up to your interview with one of the big four in a jumper, for example

Likewise though I've interviewed far more often than been interviewed. It's not outdated in the areas I've been/am involved TBH and I would always wear shirt, tie and jacket as an interviewer (pants optional...). Obviously there are sectors that don't require a shirt, tie, jacket and I have no idea if that applies to the OP's interview.

TBF, I didn't say I would base the outcome of an interview solely on how they are dressed.

If you have been called for interview (in my experience of shortlisting) you qualify to do the job. The interview is then about selecting the right person based on how their interviews go. In that scenario, every advantage counts. All things being equal, a person who makes the effort to present themselves in a businesslike manner scores more in my opinion than someone who makes little or no effort.

limnam · 14-02-2018 12:05am

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

All things being equal, a person who makes the effort to present themselves in a businesslike manner scores more in my opinion than someone who makes little or no effort.

Things are never equal.

If you've got to the point where your choice is going to be swayed one way or another on clothes. There's a problem with your interview technique/process.

Professor Moriarty · 14-02-2018 12:15am

limnam wrote: »

Things are never equal.

If you've got to the point where your choice is going to be swayed one way or another on clothes. There's a problem with your interview technique/process.

Well, it's not my process it's a HR driven process. The idea that what person wears will have no impact or impression on the interviewer is naive. No more than their body language, vocabulary, demeanour, tone of voice etc. will have impact. It's human nature to be influenced by these aspects as they present at interview. In fact, if they didn't influence people you could argue that in many ways interviewing would be pointless.

limnam · 14-02-2018 12:19am

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

Well, it's not my process it's a HR driven process. The idea that what person wears will have no impact or impression on the interviewer is naive. No more than their body language, vocabulary, demeanour, tone of voice etc. will have impact. It's human nature to be influenced by these aspects as they present at interview. In fact, if they didn't influence people you could argue that in many ways interviewing would be pointless.

If one turns up in a tracksuit and the other in a suit. Right.

If both are smartly dressed appropriately for an interview but one in a suit and another not then no it shouldn't as I've said. If you're there. Something else is broken.

Professor Moriarty · 14-02-2018 12:28am

limnam wrote: »

If one turns up in a tracksuit and the other in a suit. Right.

If both are smartly dressed appropriately for an interview but one in a suit and another not then no it shouldn't as I've said. If you're there. Something else is broken.

Indeed. A tracksuit is obviously a non-starter. Perhaps it depends on the sector as I said earlier, but jacket, shirt and tie are essential in my experience. And for any sector I've been involved in, they would be essential as every other male candidate would be wearing them. It's just the way it is.

hanky2016 · 16-02-2018 6:38pm

3 interviews done last month, offered all 3. Didn't wear a suit to any one them. Wore the same Chinos and polo top in all interviews. Don't agree with this opinion of always wear a suit to a interview. Your not being judged on your attire after all.

GalwayGrrrrrl · 16-02-2018 7:10pm

hanky2016 wrote: »

3 interviews done last month, offered all 3. Didn't wear a suit to any one them. Wore the same Chinos and polo top in all interviews. Don't agree with this opinion of always wear a suit to a interview. Your not being judged on your attire after all.

Well you ARE being judged on your overall appearance and attitude. If it looks like you’ve made an effort to look business-like it will give a better first impression than sometime who looks like they are on their way to the pub.

Professor Moriarty · 16-02-2018 7:15pm

hanky2016 wrote: »

3 interviews done last month, offered all 3. Didn't wear a suit to any one them. Wore the same Chinos and polo top in all interviews. Don't agree with this opinion of always wear a suit to a interview. Your not being judged on your attire after all.

In your line of work.

hanky2016 · 16-02-2018 7:24pm

xfactorfan23 wrote: »

Well you ARE being judged on your overall appearance and attitude. If it looks like you’ve made an effort to look business-like it will give a better first impression than sometime who looks like they are on their way to the pub.

So One person wears a suit and another wears casual clothing. Suit person has less knowledge then causal clothes person who is better suited to the job. Appearance will not help one bit. None of the managers I saw wore suits or anything classed as business attire. Jeans,chinos, shirts is all they had on which is normal these days. We're not back in the 80/90s anymore

hanky2016 · 16-02-2018 7:29pm

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

In your line of work.

My line of work being the pharmaceutical industry

limnam · 16-02-2018 10:33pm

xfactorfan23 wrote: »

Well you ARE being judged on your overall appearance and attitude. If it looks like you’ve made an effort to look business-like it will give a better first impression than sometime who looks like they are on their way to the pub.

You're saying it like there's only two options.

Wear a suit, or look like you didn't make an effort.

You don't need to wear a suit to look smart.

The days of having to wear a suit for interviews for the majority of industry's/positions are long gone.

Again we're not talking about strolling up in a tracksuit drinking dutch gold.

We're talking about smart clothes, were you look smart.

Not in a stuffy suit.

limnam · 16-02-2018 10:34pm

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

In your line of work.

I can't think of many lines of work where not wearing a suit in an interview would be an issue.

Professor Moriarty · 17-02-2018 12:32pm

limnam wrote: »

I can't think of many lines of work where not wearing a suit in an interview would be an issue.

Think of a job where people wear suits.

pilly · 17-02-2018 12:37pm

How did the interview go OP?

limnam · 17-02-2018 1:15pm

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

Think of a job where people wear suits.

Fascinating insight into the world of interviews.

That's simply not true.

Is this appropriate interview attire if I don't have a full

Comments