The interview dress code
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Pistol Pete,
What's wrong with black suits?
I may not have many great-looking clothes, but I do have a really sharp black suit. I know that as long as you look smart and professional you're halfway there, but is there something I should know?
-abracadabra
What's wrong with black suits?
I may not have many great-looking clothes, but I do have a really sharp black suit. I know that as long as you look smart and professional you're halfway there, but is there something I should know?
-abracadabra
Join Date: Sep 2001
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When I used to sit on a selection board we always looked at the dress standard of the candidates. A suit, or at the very least a dark blue blazer with matching dark blue or grey formal trousers, sober tie, well pressed shirt and well polished shoes were essential. White socks were a complete, total NO, NO!
Join Date: Mar 2001
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DoMePlease,
Why don't you keep a (clean!) hanky in your right trouser pocket (assuming you are right handed) in order that you can covertly wipe your palm immediately prior to walking through the interview door (withdraw your hand before entering the room). Then, before you've a chance to get sweaty again, the initial handshakes are over.
In all probability, handshakes are required at the end, so towards the conclusion of the interview rest your palm on your leg. As you get up, the movement will automatically wipe your palm dry - and will be disguised to the interviewers. Do not sit there wiping your hand on your trousers though, or obviously wipe your palm on the side of your leg before shaking - very off-putting.
This technique has got me through many a summer meeting!!
Why don't you keep a (clean!) hanky in your right trouser pocket (assuming you are right handed) in order that you can covertly wipe your palm immediately prior to walking through the interview door (withdraw your hand before entering the room). Then, before you've a chance to get sweaty again, the initial handshakes are over.
In all probability, handshakes are required at the end, so towards the conclusion of the interview rest your palm on your leg. As you get up, the movement will automatically wipe your palm dry - and will be disguised to the interviewers. Do not sit there wiping your hand on your trousers though, or obviously wipe your palm on the side of your leg before shaking - very off-putting.
This technique has got me through many a summer meeting!!
Join Date: May 2002
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abracadabra:
I didn't say anything about black suits. I did say something about a guide dog though
I haven't got anything against black suits. I use them myself for interviews and funerals too. Saves money that way
.
abra, black suits are sharp but with a black tie you could look like an undertaker.
I didn't say anything about black suits. I did say something about a guide dog though
I haven't got anything against black suits. I use them myself for interviews and funerals too. Saves money that way
.abra, black suits are sharp but with a black tie you could look like an undertaker.
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2BBA: I have tried wiping on a hankerchief or casually doing a quick one as I stand up, but it doesn't work. Your palms are still moist and sticky. There is no way to completely wipe 'em dry.
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I own and wear lots of suits. The best colour is most definitely dark blue (not a shiny silk one), a light blue shirt, and a dark blue tie. Make sure it looks good, but also that you feel comfortable in it. What you feel like will affect your confidence. If you feel embarassed by what you are wearing, or are thinking "I look ridiculous in these baggy trousers and ill-fitting jacket" you won't be on your best form.
M&S will do you fine: £200 for the suit, a non iron shirt (which does need some ironing) - avoid the all cotton shirt which creases extremely easily - for £20, and a tie for £15. It's best to choose a suit where you can mix and match the trousers and jacket, so you can select, for example, a 36 short trousers with a regular jacket. Avoid getting clothes altered if you can, they never sit well.
I suppose, that bearing in mind there's many ex-military types about in aviation, clean shoes are a must, but avoid buffing the fronts so that you can see your face in them (this is strictly reserved for those who think they are still in the forces). Its worth taking an old toothbrush to the sides of the shoe to remove dust that has built up between the sole and the leather material, else your polishing will be pointless.
You could always get a cheap airfare to Hong Kong and get a number of suits and shirts made for less than a hundred pounds. If you are lucky, you might persuade someone to make you a pin strip with a horizontal stripe. Now, that would be a good ice-breaker for the interview...
M&S will do you fine: £200 for the suit, a non iron shirt (which does need some ironing) - avoid the all cotton shirt which creases extremely easily - for £20, and a tie for £15. It's best to choose a suit where you can mix and match the trousers and jacket, so you can select, for example, a 36 short trousers with a regular jacket. Avoid getting clothes altered if you can, they never sit well.
I suppose, that bearing in mind there's many ex-military types about in aviation, clean shoes are a must, but avoid buffing the fronts so that you can see your face in them (this is strictly reserved for those who think they are still in the forces). Its worth taking an old toothbrush to the sides of the shoe to remove dust that has built up between the sole and the leather material, else your polishing will be pointless.
You could always get a cheap airfare to Hong Kong and get a number of suits and shirts made for less than a hundred pounds. If you are lucky, you might persuade someone to make you a pin strip with a horizontal stripe. Now, that would be a good ice-breaker for the interview...
