Interview Tomorrow! Ahhh

[JetsIn06]

I'm VERY nervous.

It's with a very small (3-4 people) marketing/ad company. Meeting with the two head honchos at Starbucks tomorrow. Any advice for a young, soon-to-be college grad?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Really, just be yourself. That's all I did, and both of the job interview experiences I've ever had turned out to be reasonably successful.

Actually, maybe you should just be me.

Edit: No, be yourself.

[JetsIn06]

:)

Thanks Pumpy.

[Lathum]

good luck

you should probaly go to bed :)

but in all seriousness, male sure you dress well, make eye contact, politely decline any food or drink offer, have a pen with you, bring extra resume copies and have some questions prepared about the company and the role you are applying for.

[JetsIn06]

good luck

you should probaly go to bed :)

but in all seriousness, male sure you dress well, make eye contact, politely decline any food or drink offer, have a pen with you, bring extra resume copies and have some questions prepared about the company and the role you are applying for.

Heh It's not till 2PM so I'm okay with the bed part.

What's making me nervous is the fact that I've talked to these two guys before; I know for a fact that they are young, really laid back guys. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they showed up in shorts and a t-shirt tomorrow. So I'm not going to overdress, but I'm also not going to wear shorts and a tee.

The clothing thing is making me the most nervous, honestly.

[Lathum]

Heh It's not till 2PM so I'm okay with the bed part.

What's making me nervous is the fact that I've talked to these two guys before; I know for a fact that they are young, really laid back guys. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they showed up in shorts and a t-shirt tomorrow. So I'm not going to overdress, but I'm also not going to wear shorts and a tee.

The clothing thing is making me the most nervous, honestly.

what are you planning on wearing?

[JetsIn06]

what are you planning on wearing?

I have a very nice shirt that I'm going to wear. I don't know how to describe it, but it's nice.

I also have a pair of nice jeans and some brown shoes.

[JetsIn06]

Fuck.

Now I'm convincing myself they're going to come in suits and ties. :mad:

[Lathum]

I would strongly discourage you wearing jeans.

As for what they are going to wear I wouldn't worry about it, if the companys dress code is casual they will probably be dressed that way.

The thing is you want to show them you are serious.

I would at the very least wear khakis with a belt and your shirt tucked in.

FWIW this is just my suggestion, you obviously are much more in tune with their expectations, etc...

[JetsIn06]

I would strongly discourage you wearing jeans.

As for what they are going to wear I wouldn't worry about it, if the companys dress code is casual they will probably be dressed that way.

The thing is you want to show them you are serious.

I would at the very least wear khakis with a belt and your shirt tucked in.

FWIW this is just my suggestion, you obviously are much more in tune with their expectations, etc...

Yea...damn it. The thing is, you are right, I am 99.9% sure that I'm going to be fine as is. But there's just that one little part of me that is worried about it.

They are very nice jeans, though :)

[Lathum]

They are very nice jeans, though :)

I'm sure they are and you should wear them on your first casual Friday after you get the job. :)

[Young Drachma]

I'm VERY nervous.

It's with a very small (3-4 people) marketing/ad company. Meeting with the two head honchos at Starbucks tomorrow. Any advice for a young, soon-to-be college grad?


Just be yourself, relax and show 'em what you're made of. You'll be fine. No real need to freak out or even be that nervous. It's natural, but really just accentuate why they ought not pass on you by just answering their questions thoughtfully and it'll be what it ought to be.

[Young Drachma]

I have a very nice shirt that I'm going to wear. I don't know how to describe it, but it's nice.

I also have a pair of nice jeans and some brown shoes.

Khakis? Cargo pants? Anything is better than jeans. Business casual is cool, but..you don't know them yet. So going in jeans says "not ready for prime time." Especially in your field, overdoing it is better than not. Some people care about that stuff. And even they come with a speedo and a tennis racquet, doesn't mean you should come dressed down.

Starbucks implies business casual, so dress like you have somewhere to go...and if you don't wanna overdue it or look like a total novice, that's fine. But..it's important to look the part.

[JetsIn06]

Just be yourself, relax and show 'em what you're made of. You'll be fine. No real need to freak out or even be that nervous. It's natural, but really just accentuate why they ought not pass on you by just answering their questions thoughtfully and it'll be what it ought to be.

Thanks DC.

I've decided that I'm going to stop being nervous about it and just kick ass tomorrow. :D

[JetsIn06]

Khakis? Cargo pants? Anything is better than jeans. Business casual is cool, but..you don't know them yet. So going in jeans says "not ready for prime time." Especially in your field, overdoing it is better than not. Some people care about that stuff. And even they come with a speedo and a tennis racquet, doesn't mean you should come dressed down.

Starbucks implies business casual, so dress like you have somewhere to go...and if you don't wanna overdue it or look like a total novice, that's fine. But..it's important to look the part.

Okay. You've gotta be kidding me about the cargo pants. :D

Damn. Now I need a different shirt, and I have no idea where my other "nice" shirt is.

Do you think a tie is necessary if I've got khakis and a nice shirt covered?

[JetsIn06]

Okay. I found new pants. They're dark brown dress pants.

Quick question about my shirt: It's sort of like a 3/4 sleeve that is designed to roll up a little bit, but it's very nice. Light brown. Should I stick with a that or wear a black long sleeved button up?

[JetsIn06]

And oh yea...if they come dressed nicely, and I ever go to a FOFC meetup, everyone who told me not to wear jeans gets a beer on me. ;)

[Young Drachma]

Okay. I found new pants. They're dark brown dress pants.

Quick question about my shirt: It's sort of like a 3/4 sleeve that is designed to roll up a little bit, but it's very nice. Light brown. Should I stick with a that or wear a black long sleeved button up?

No need for a tie. It's probably overkill in this situation.

For the shirt, so long as it's not "casual", just go for what's comfortable to be honest. Comfortable clothes that are business casual mean that you look like you have somewhere to go, but also mean you're comfortable and you're not just "dressing up for them." In some fields, that's necessary and required.

But those people don't interview you at Starbucks. So you should be good. I think the first shirt sounds better to me.

[Izulde]

You're wearing dark brown pants?

Go with the light brown shirt.

[JetsIn06]

No need for a tie. It's probably overkill in this situation.

For the shirt, so long as it's not "casual", just go for what's comfortable to be honest. Comfortable clothes that are business casual mean that you look like you have somewhere to go, but also mean you're comfortable and you're not just "dressing up for them." In some fields, that's necessary and required.

But those people don't interview you at Starbucks. So you should be good. I think the first shirt sounds better to me.

Okay. I think I'm good then. Thanks for all the advice.

[JetsIn06]

You're wearing dark brown pants?

Go with the light brown shirt.

:) Thanks.

Never thought I'd get fashion help from FOFC.

[JetsIn06]

dola

The only reason I was worried about the light brown shirt was because it's not long sleeved.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Crap. You all forgot to tell him to set his alarm! He's going to wake up at 10:00 AM.

Anyone able to call him to make sure he's awake?

[RedKingGold]

Didn't read any of the comments, but I'm sure there in line with whatever I have to say.

Just remember to be assertive, relaxed, have a firm handshake, and write a thank you note/letter/e-mail when you get home.

Good Luck!

[JeeberD]

Crap. You all forgot to tell him to set his alarm! He's going to wake up at 10:00 AM.

Anyone able to call him to make sure he's awake?

The interview isn't until 2. Let him get his sleep...

[Coffee Warlord]

Make sure you greet them by kissing them on each cheek.

[JetsIn06]

I'm awake and ready to go. Wish me luck people!

[Logan]

I'm not exactly Mr. GQ, but you considered a black button down with dark brown pants? When you get the job, please come back here for advice on work clothes.

edit: Good luck.

[Fidatelo]

Good luck!

[oliegirl]

I'm awake and ready to go. Wish me luck people!

I think we need a pic of you in your interview ensemble...so,

picspls, thx

:)

[Eaglesfan27]

Being overdressed has NEVER hurt me or anyone I know on a job interview. I wore a suit to a Wawa (convenience store) and to a Casino Valet interview when I was 18 or so. Got both jobs. Better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Edit: I have a dinner interview this week and fully expect business casual ware from my interviewer, but I'm still going with a suit.

[Autumn]

Suit Up Eaglesfan27!

[Warhammer]

Just from a general business perspective, it is ALWAYS better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Short story:

My first day in sales, I had to meet with a potential distributor in Mobile, AL. I am in a coat and tie. I get a call after the meeting that I need to be in Orange Beach, AL, immediately. I go down there to a job site where we are having pump problems. The contractor is pulling the pump and I need to inspect it and work on it. The guys at the site roll their eyes at some 23 year old kid who is dressed in a coat and tie. I ditch the coat and tie, roll up my sleeves, and go to work. Within 15 minutes, the guys who were calling me derisive nicknames are suddenly calling me Mr. Richert and sir. All it took was know-how, a willingness to get dirty, and a good attitude.

My point is that you can always adjust from being overdressed because you can ditch the coat, the tie, etc. Wearing a nice shirt and pants never hurt anyone. Typically, if you are overdressed with a coat, the interviewer will often invite you to take the coat off.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I always wear a suit, a cowboy hat, and my lucky Spider-Man Underoos to a job interview. I first wore those Underoos when I was 8 and trying out for a school play. I got the lead part, and that's when I considered the Underoos to be lucky.

The shit must work. As I mentioned here before, I interviewed for two jobs at my current company, and four hours after the interview, I was offered both positions. Go Underoos!

By the way, good luck.

[oliegirl]

I always wear a suit, a cowboy hat, and my lucky Spider-Man Underoos to a job interview. I first wore those Underoos when I was 8 and trying out for a school play. I got the lead part, and that's when I considered the Underoos to be lucky.

The shit must work. As I mentioned here before, I interviewed for two jobs at my current company, and four hours after the interview, I was offered both positions. Go Underoos!

By the way, good luck.

This thread DEFINTELY needs that PumpyPic!

[JetsIn06]

I'm not exactly Mr. GQ, but you considered a black button down with dark brown pants? When you get the job, please come back here for advice on work clothes.

edit: Good luck.

Yea...this is the first time I've dressed up in years, so I'm not exactly knowledgeabe about this. I thought black went with everything!

[Radii]

Being overdressed has NEVER hurt me or anyone I know on a job interview. I wore a suit to a Wawa (convenience store) and to a Casino Valet interview when I was 18 or so. Got both jobs. Better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Edit: I have a dinner interview this week and fully expect business casual ware from my interviewer, but I'm still going with a suit.

+1, I'm as anti-suit as it comes, see the old tie thread for proof, but unless someone explicitly tells me to dress casually for the interview, I'm going to any interview in a suit.

[PackerFanatic]

+1, I'm as anti-suit as it comes, see the old tie thread for proof, but unless someone explicitly tells me to dress casually for the interview, I'm going to any interview in a suit.

I learned to do that the hard-way (well, not the suit, but at the VERY least a tie) when at my last job, the CIO that interviewed me suggested that I wear one to my next interview (he ended up calling and offering me the job a few hours later - but still scared me enough to always wear one from then on out)

[MikeVic]

I always wear a suit, a cowboy hat, and my lucky Spider-Man Underoos to a job interview. I first wore those Underoos when I was 8 and trying out for a school play. I got the lead part, and that's when I considered the Underoos to be lucky.

The shit must work. As I mentioned here before, I interviewed for two jobs at my current company, and four hours after the interview, I was offered both positions. Go Underoos!

By the way, good luck.

I have Super Mario Brothers 3 lucky underoos.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I have Super Mario Brothers 3 lucky underoos.
If you shove a mushroom into them, does something grow?

[MikeVic]

If you shove a mushroom into them, does something grow?

Why don't you try and let me know.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Why don't you try and let me know.
Did you just ask me - in front of all these people - to shove a mushroom into your underpants?

[MikeVic]

Did you just ask me - in front of all these people - to shove a mushroom into your underpants?

Wouldn't be the first time.

[Lorena]

lol

[Lorena]

dola,

get a room u 2

[Pumpy Tudors]

i am so fucking done

[Lorena]

i am so fucking done

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc59/Dodgerchick74/stupid-cat2.jpg

[Lorena]

late dola,

Good luck JetsIn06!

[KWhit]

I just read about the first half of this and have to post this even before I take the time to read the rest.

Wear a suit.

[Samdari]

I just read about the first half of this and have to post this even before I take the time to read the rest.

Wear a suit.

I'd have to agree with the wear a suit thing.

If you happen to not get the job due to being overdressed, then this is not a job that requires a degree (aka professional). Since you are about to get a degree, if that's the kind of job you want, especially if you're going to be interacting with customers as part of the job, you ALWAYS wear a suit for the interview.

What the dress of the people interviewing you is does not matter. I am an engineer, so on non customer interaction days (>95%) standard attire is khakis and a collared shirt. I have been to many interviews on both sides of the table. The interviewers tend to wear standard attire, and the interviewee is in a suit. This in no way means the interviewee is overdressed. They need to see you in customer interaction gear.

[Eaglesfan27]

What the dress of the people interviewing you is does not matter. I am an engineer, so on non customer interaction days (>95%) standard attire is khakis and a collared shirt. I have been to many interviews on both sides of the table. The interviewers tend to wear standard attire, and the interviewee is in a suit. This in no way means the interviewee is overdressed. They need to see you in customer interaction gear.


Very good point. When I was on staff at the medical school, I never wore a suit when I was interviewing possible residents, however, I lowered their grade if they didn't. The interviewer's attire should not dictate the interviewee's attire. I remember when I went to the Valet, he was dressed in shorts and a polo, but he was very happy that I wore a suit, and said I was the first person to ever take the interview so seriously.

[KWhit]

Very good point. When I was on staff at the medical school, I never wore a suit when I was interviewing possible residents, however, I lowered their grade if they didn't. The interviewer's attire should not dictate the interviewee's attire. I remember when I went to the Valet, he was dressed in shorts and a polo, but he was very happy that I wore a suit, and said I was the first person to ever take the interview so seriously.


I have never worn a suit while working at at any of my jobs. But I have never been to a job interview in anything other than a suit.

And since i was promoted to management, I have never conducted an interview with anyone looking for a job who didn't wear a suit.

A suit is the 'uniform' for job interviews (at least the ones where you work in an office).

[MikeVic]

I've gone to interviews without the suit jacket. And I think to a couple without a tie. But I've always worn a dress shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes.

[MacroGuru]

In what I do and what I generally interview for, the Suit is overkill.

But Dress Pants, Dress Shoes and a Nice Dress Shirt is a must.

In fact when I interview, wearing a suit takes them down a notch in my book. The best person I have interviewed called the secretary, asked about corporate culture and office dressed, a little bit about the company. (Granted, she let me know he called)

He showed up matching the culture dress wise, did a lot of research on us, and asked poignant questions about us. The guy was hired, and did an amazing job, and is still there while I am not (I left to a friends company 6 months later) and took over the position I was in.

[korme]

JetsIn06 is probably getting grilled right now

[MikeVic]

By the secretary on her desk.

[molson]

There are clearly some jobs where a suit would be overkill to the interview.

Here's a crazy idea - how about you ask? Why does this have to be some mystery that an interviewer has to guess at, that's so silly.

The guy mentioned below that talked to the secretary did it exactly right - she could probably tell him exactly what people have worn to interviews, and maybe even what's expected.

Maybe some interviewers mark you down for a suit, and some mark you down for no suit. None will mark you down for trying to ask through the company (as long as it's not a place where the answer is 100% obvious - like a law firm)

[Lathum]

I find it very odd that anyone would deduct points for someone wearing a suit.

Don't you want people working for you who are willing to make an effort above and beyond?

[MikeVic]

I know I've been told that if you dress in a full suit and the place is super casual... it makes the bosses look bad too.

[molson]

I find it very odd that anyone would deduct points for someone wearing a suit.

Don't you want people working for you who are willing to make an effort above and beyond?

I don't know how many would formally "deduct points", but for a tech company with a very casual work environment, it would just be a psychological turn-off, it would show off you inexperience in the industry, and you might be thought of as stuffy and not a great fit for their workplace.

[Lathum]

I know I've been told that if you dress in a full suit and the place is super casual... it makes the bosses look bad too.

once you work there sure, but on an interview?

[KWhit]

I don't know how many would formally "deduct points", but for a tech company with a very casual work environment, it would just be a psychological turn-off, it would show off you inexperience in the industry, and you might be thought of as stuffy and not a great fit for their workplace.

I disagree. I work for a software company and would cringe if anyone came to an interview in anything but a suit.

Granted, maybe there are some companies that are like this, but it's certainly not all of the industry as you suggest.

[MacroGuru]

I find it very odd that anyone would deduct points for someone wearing a suit.

Don't you want people working for you who are willing to make an effort above and beyond?

A couple of things from observances on my end, and how the industries I have been in handle it.

1) Most of the guys that show up in suits are stuffy and do not fit the corporate culture. For us, this was the case 99% of the time.

2) To me as an interviewer, it's almost an ass kissing maneuver and it's not that great.

3) On top of that, I hated the Business Deans at BYU, UVSC and Utah with a passion because they were/are outdated with the way the real business world functioned, and have their graduates listened to them and spewed forth the trash they learned in the interview, which to me showed no free thought. Hence the suit + outdated business understanding = Not able to think for themselves

Granted this wasn't everyone I interviewed but 99% of the time that they showed up in a suit, I could almost guarantee one of those 3 schools as where they graduated from, and could almost to a T, answer the question I asked them exactly how they would.

Now I am learning here in Buffalo, the University of Buffalo MBA program is almost the same, but they are teaching the kids at an interview to tell us what we are doing wrong as a company and how they would do it different....I have had 3 interviews, all three showed up in suits, all three graduated from the U of B MBA program and all three told us what was wrong with the company in their opinion and how they would fix it. (Thank god all three had different views there)

[MikeVic]

once you work there sure, but on an interview?

I don't know, that's what I was told. I've always worn some sort of dress pants and dress shirt.

[Autumn]

I always wear a suit, a cowboy hat, and my lucky Spider-Man Underoos to a job interview. <b>I first wore those Underoos when I was 8</b> and trying out for a school play. I got the lead part, and that's when I considered the Underoos to be lucky.

The shit must work. As I mentioned here before, I interviewed for two jobs at my current company, and four hours after the interview, I was offered both positions. Go Underoos!

Maybe it was that wonderful falsetto voice that won them over.

[JetsIn06]

Update:

I got the job!

I DEFINITELY didn't have to wear anything nice. My jeans and a t-shirt would have been fine, guaranteed.

But, like many of you said, I'm glad I wasn't underdressed. They came in with shorts and t-shirts on and I felt like an ass, they joked around with me about it and just said to wear my regular clothes next time I meet with them.

Thanks for all the advice, though.

[Young Drachma]

Glad you got the job, man. Congrats. Maybe Starbucks was the tipoff.

[Lorena]

Nice, grats!

[oliegirl]

Jets! That is awesome!!! Congrats!!!! :D

Welcome to the real world...it sucks, go back to college if you can ;)

[Lathum]

congrats!

[Lathum]

A couple of things from observances on my end, and how the industries I have been in handle it.

1) Most of the guys that show up in suits are stuffy and do not fit the corporate culture. For us, this was the case 99% of the time.

2) To me as an interviewer, it's almost an ass kissing maneuver and it's not that great.

3) On top of that, I hated the Business Deans at BYU, UVSC and Utah with a passion because they were/are outdated with the way the real business world functioned, and have their graduates listened to them and spewed forth the trash they learned in the interview, which to me showed no free thought. Hence the suit + outdated business understanding = Not able to think for themselves

Granted this wasn't everyone I interviewed but 99% of the time that they showed up in a suit, I could almost guarantee one of those 3 schools as where they graduated from, and could almost to a T, answer the question I asked them exactly how they would.

Now I am learning here in Buffalo, the University of Buffalo MBA program is almost the same, but they are teaching the kids at an interview to tell us what we are doing wrong as a company and how they would do it different....I have had 3 interviews, all three showed up in suits, all three graduated from the U of B MBA program and all three told us what was wrong with the company in their opinion and how they would fix it. (Thank god all three had different views there)


well just as long as you aren't judging a book by its cover ;)

[KWhit]

Yay!

I knew a suit was a bad idea.

[JetsIn06]

Yay!

I knew a suit was a bad idea.


:D

[molson]

Congrats -

I don't mean to be gay but - what did you end up wearing?

[JetsIn06]

Congrats -

I don't mean to be gay but - what did you end up wearing?

I wore brown dress pants, brown dress shoes, and a light brown, short sleeved nice shirt.

[Eaglesfan27]

Congrats on getting the job!

[MacroGuru]

well just as long as you aren't judging a book by its cover ;)


T.O. taught me....if it looks like a rat, smells like a rat, ...it's a rat.

I took that to heart ;) :devil:

[MikeVic]

Congrats!

[MacroGuru]

Update:

I got the job!

I DEFINITELY didn't have to wear anything nice. My jeans and a t-shirt would have been fine, guaranteed.

But, like many of you said, I'm glad I wasn't underdressed. They came in with shorts and t-shirts on and I felt like an ass, they joked around with me about it and just said to wear my regular clothes next time I meet with them.

Thanks for all the advice, though.

Gratz on the job!

[JetsIn06]

Thanks everyone!

[Pumpy Tudors]

See, I told you to just be me. Congrats!

[Passacaglia]

Update:

I got the job!

I DEFINITELY didn't have to wear anything nice. My jeans and a t-shirt would have been fine, guaranteed.

But, like many of you said, I'm glad I wasn't underdressed. They came in with shorts and t-shirts on and I felt like an ass, they joked around with me about it and just said to wear my regular clothes next time I meet with them.

Thanks for all the advice, though.

Wow, you got the job the same day of the interview? Nice! Congrats!

[JediKooter]

So, you thinking of hitting on the bosses daughter yet?