Job interviews... what to wear, etc.

steve-in-kville

steve-in-kville

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Dec 25, 2001
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I'm going for a few job interviews this week. The one company I really like to get hired onto, the other is okay. Its a construction job, working in the field.

Given the position I'm applying for, I plan to wear dress slacks and a polo shirt. I really don't see the need for suit/tie. Maybe I'm wrong. I was always told to dress how the interviewer would be dressed.

Also, since I havn't been to an interview in several years, are there any new "commonly expected" procedures that I should follow? Are there any wrong questions to ask a potential employer? Any other helpful tips?

Thanks!!

steve
 
Unless you'll be trudging out to construction sites during the interview, you really can't over-dress for a job interview. The hiring manager has one hour -- typically -- to decide what he thinks of you and so he is going to look at everything including dress.
 
Even if it's construction, your interviewer will be foreman or above, correct? I'd recommend at least a tie. I was always told that whatever you're gonna wear day-to-day on the job, dress one step higher for the interview.

And for the sake of all that is good and pure, remember to shine your shoes that day. Good Luck.
 
I second the above posts. Dress it up a notch, it can't hurt.

Also, pay close attention to your shoes and belt. Make sure your shoes are freshly polished and your belt is void of wear marks or a streched/worn hole(s). No need to go out and drop $100+ on shoes. But at least polish and shine them up unless they are beyond maintenance. If that's the case, get yourself some new shoes.

A crisp, new black classic leather belt will set you back $30 from your local department store. It's worth it.

Andy
 
steve-in-kville said:
Given the position I'm applying for, I plan to wear dress slacks and a polo shirt. I really don't see the need for suit/tie.
steve
Click to expand...

Steve,

I'm sure that dress slacks and a polo shirt would suffice. I think I would take it a step further and wear a shirt/tie. Not fancy, but basic. Just shows a little more respect and also that you value the job. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't go with the slacks/polo shirt. And yes, a suit would be a little "over" I feel.

In my job, well not MY job, the guys are basically doing construction trades work. I don't usually see what the applicants wear to the interview, but I hear that some dress for it, then bring a change of clothes for the practical exam.

My boss, and the Maintenance Trades Supervisor, both dress for the interviews with slacks/shirt/tie - to demonstrate professionalism, and out of respect for the applicants. They don't wear them at any other time of year.

I'm sure that there are many construction trade supervisors here who can better tell you what they expect.

As far as answering questions, what I've been reading lately is that you should not just jump into answering a question. It's okay to take your time to think about your answer.

Obviously, honesty and eye contact are important. Don't ramble on. Answer the question and shut up. Be prepared for the standard questions, which you can probably research on the internet. You can also search for questions to ASK a potential employer. One question not to ask, of course, is, "When do I get to take vacation?" :D

I think it's fair to consider some of the following questions:

1. Why is there a vacancy or why did the last person who held this position leave?
2. If I am the successful candidate, what will you have expected me to accomplish in 6 months, 1 year, etc.
3. What benefits come with this job? (If not already advertised)
4. What type of promotional opportunities exist?

There are more questions that are good to ask, but can't think of them right now. You should make a list of real-life questions that you do have, or some of them you can ask after you are hired.

I used to have a lot of books on this subject, but sent them to a nephew who was job-hunting.

Judy
 
I am one of the senior technical interviewers at my job -- so I interview a lot of candidates for various teams. I totally agree w/the tie recs above -- it never hurts to dress up. A few other interview tips:

1. Don't pad or BS on your resume. Just give an honest assessment of your abilities/experience.
2. Don't BS if you don't know the answer to a question -- but it does help to suggest where you would look to find the answer
3. Don't put down your previous employer

good luck!
 
Excellent suggestions on the shoes and belt. I would not have thought of these.

Oh, make sure your fly is closed. That is pretty important. You don't want them to be distracted by your crotch.
 
I was told by a motivational speaker from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to 'dress up to the level of the people you would like to work for, and expect to work with'. It is always preferable to be better dressed than everyone else. You will stick in people's minds, even if you don't get the job on the first interview.
 
I agree with everyone on dressing to a level above the job you are applying for.

It is important to be on your best behavior as well. Don't go in there reeking of cigarettes and, if you are being interviewed by a woman, don't spend a lot of time trying to peek down the front of her shirt - go for a single good look when you both first sit down and then keep your eyes off the girls.
 
I think it depends on the job position, who you're meeting, and where you're meeting.

If you're interviewing with the president at the corporate office for a professional position, like Project Manager, Engineer, etc., then you should should dress professionally - shirt and tie, shoes and belt, etc.

But if they asked you to "meet the supervisor" at the job site for a laborer position, you should dress like you're ready to work - work pants and shirt (no holes on the first day), hard hat, gloves, lunch bucket, safety glasses, and steel toe boots. Three guys show up for the job, one is ready to work but the others have to go home to change or go to WalMart for boots, guess who gets the job?

If you're hiring for an in-between job, like Equipment Operator, Lead Carpenter, etc. then the polo shirt and non-jeans should be suitable, depending of course on where and who you're interviewing with.

Keep in mind, in the construction field they're going to care most about how hard you work, how reliable you are, and whether or not you have skills. How pretty your mom dresses you, how expensive your watch is, and whether you follow the advice in Queer Eye... is not going to impress them.

Good Luck!
-Bob
 
steve-in-kville said:
I'm going for a few job interviews this week. The one company I really like to get hired onto, the other is okay. Its a construction job, working in the field.

Given the position I'm applying for, I plan to wear dress slacks and a polo shirt. I really don't see the need for suit/tie. Maybe I'm wrong. I was always told to dress how the interviewer would be dressed.

Also, since I havn't been to an interview in several years, are there any new "commonly expected" procedures that I should follow? Are there any wrong questions to ask a potential employer? Any other helpful tips?

Thanks!!

steve
Click to expand...


I say go completely tactical....
 
I firmly believe that coming in new kit and new haircut says desperate. Dress for the role but neat with quality clothes.

Field work good black Levis with office quality longsleeve shirt and plain tie. Black boots that would not look out of place in an office well polished.

Pen, don't bring a very expensive pen or a cheap disposable. Parker jotter.

Black blazer.

Do your homework on the company beforehand and ensure your projected visions do not clash with the company vision.
 
I've hired a lot of people over the years, first impressions are very important. When meeting the interviewer the first thing you'll do is shake hands. BE FIRM with the handshake, look him/her in the eye. A limp handshake and you were pretty much off my list.

A good clean appearance will help, no matter what the job. Easy on the cologne, please.

Win
 
I've been on both sides of job interviews a few times. Dress how you like as long as it's decent, clean and not worn out. A deep cleavage helps too (oops, your username says Steve, forget about it) ;)
Listen carefully and don't do chit chat. Answer honestly and to the subject whenever possible. The worst is when the employer thinks you're lying.
 
If you suck at ironing shirts (like me) I suggest you have your dress shirts done at a professional cleaner. Put them away until you need them and they'll be all set to go.
 
I went for one yesterday, I wore black levis and a white polo I got from a vendor for free. And trail-hiker shoes.

I did well. I'm confident I nailed it. I should hear in a day or so.

steve
 
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