Informal Interview & Dress Code

[tim2100]

I have a interview on Friday. On the initial phonecall and in the confirmation it is stressed as a informal discussion. A job does not exist but can be created.

I really want to work for this company, plus need a job

But as it is an informal interview, what should be the dress code be? I am thinking i should dress up in suit regardless, but I don't want to be overdressed there.

[DarrenL]

smart jeans, shirt shoes and blazer/jacket. Goodluck!

[bonsai]

I would wear a suit, and infer that informal is with regards to the HR processes up to that point (since you say the job does not exist currently), rather than your attire.

[MidlandDan84]

IMO still go in a suit, maybe go for a more interesting shirt (not Hawaiian) and don’t wear a tie, or just stick one in your pocket.

When I meet clients, normally wear a suit without a tie, still looks smart but more 'approachable' so I’m told.

[lestag]

If it is a big company - suit if not smart casual as others have described

[Big Rod]

Any interview, suit all day, end of!

[tim2100]

Cheers all, your right Suit it is!

[Escort2dr]

NO interview is informal IMHO.

[Soovy]

Suit. Always.

1000%

[okgo]

Suit.

I was told to come in smart casual on my first day to work. I wore a suit that day too, just to make sure.

[Soft Top]

As above, if in doubt wear a suit.

We always ask people to come back in casual clothes for second interview and don't stipulate at the first.

I'd be happy with smart casual at the first stage bit whilst I am happy for jeans, T-shirt and trainers for the second stage I would not mark down for a suit - I would be a bit worried if they thought it suitable at the first stage though.

[Frik]

Soovy said:

Suit. Always.

1000%

Agreed.

Except for the maths.

[whoami]

Soft Top said:

I'd be happy with smart casual at the first stage bit whilst I am happy for jeans, T-shirt and trainers for the second stage I would not mark down for a suit - I would be a bit worried if they thought it suitable at the first stage though.

I'm glad that's clear then.

[simonej]

I think I would look to see what their normal dress code is there and try to match it. I went to my last 'informal chat' in smart trousers and shirt and came away with a job and to be honest I'd have felt really out of place in a suit.

[Soft Top]

whoami said:

Soft Top said:

I'd be happy with smart casual at the first stage bit whilst I am happy for jeans, T-shirt and trainers for the second stage I would not mark down for a suit - I would be a bit worried if they thought it suitable at the first stage though.

I'm glad that's clear then.

Fair enough, very badly written but I'm sure you got the idea - I would be worried if someone thought jeans, T-Shirt and trainers were OK for a first interview.

[Kermit power]

I'm surprised by the number of people saying "it has to be a suit" without first enquiring as to what the job is, what industry it's in, and what the usual dress code is at the company in question.

Depending on the environment, a suit could easily be as inappropriate as jeans at a law company.

[whoami]

Kermit power said:

I'm surprised by the number of people saying "it has to be a suit" without first enquiring as to what the job is, what industry it's in, and what the usual dress code is at the company in question.

Depending on the environment, a suit could easily be as inappropriate as jeans at a law company.

Agreed.

What is the job OP?

[Hammer67]

whoami said:

Kermit power said:

I'm surprised by the number of people saying "it has to be a suit" without first enquiring as to what the job is, what industry it's in, and what the usual dress code is at the company in question.

Depending on the environment, a suit could easily be as inappropriate as jeans at a law company.

Agreed.

What is the job OP?

Disagree.

Its not about the dress code of the company, its about showing you`re serious about the job and that you`ve actually made an effort and not just rolled in from the pub.

[whoami]

Hammer67 said:

whoami said:

Kermit power said:

I'm surprised by the number of people saying "it has to be a suit" without first enquiring as to what the job is, what industry it's in, and what the usual dress code is at the company in question.

Depending on the environment, a suit could easily be as inappropriate as jeans at a law company.

Agreed.

What is the job OP?

Disagree.

Its not about the dress code of the company, its about showing you`re serious about the job and that you`ve actually made an effort and not just rolled in from the pub.

A large part of my job involves interviewing and recruiting staff (of all levels).

There are many ways you can demonstrate that you have made an effort without wearing a suit. It's not always necessary.

Some of the worst turned out people I have ever seen have been wearing a suit.

[Nolar Dog]

Hammer67 said:

Disagree.

Its not about the dress code of the company, its about showing you`re serious about the job and that you`ve actually made an effort and not just rolled in from the pub.

If you came to me for a job and you wore a suit, it would go against you.
Why does a suit show you have made an effort?

It's just 2 items of clothing, often ill-fitting and of poor quality.