Job Interview at the Gap

[CalBoy]

I wouldn't hire you, and I'm trying to be nice.

It really depends on what the manager is looking for.

Many clothing stores actually want you to show up looking as up-to-date as you can because they can assess how you'll make the store look.

That's the problem: You don't have the job yet! Who dresses down for an interview?

People who interview at Hollister, Abercrombie, etc.

Managers specifically tell you to dress a certain way for the interview.


Give the poor kid a break Abstract; it was his first time at bat after all.

 

[Abstract]

Managers specifically tell you to dress a certain way for the interview.

That's completely different.

Usually, go to an interview dressed in a shirt and proper trousers. You don't really need to wear a tie to a Gap interview, but a shirt and trousers can look rather ace, and not make you look like a boring stiff. The alternative is to go in underdressed, because that's the type of clothes they sell at the store. Nowadays, people think this is a great way of thinking about it, but if you're dressed nice, and someone else looks really impressive and actually speaks like he's not an idiot, you won't look "nice" anymore.

Always overdress a bit. If they say anything, it's easy to laugh off, like, "yeah, for interviews, but good luck ever catching me in it again."

I'd just tell them, "I wanted to give a good impression," and then smile, wink, laugh, whatever. They wouldn't be laughing at you after that. They'd be too busy hiring you. Whether they hire you out of guilt for laughing at you earlier, the effort and thought you put into your clothes (even if it was over-the-top), or your clever answer is irrelevant. Just dress how they tell you to dress when you get the job. Better yet, ask that question at the interview.


Oh, and the last part of my previous post was actually meant as a joke. It wasn't meant to be mean or anything. I don't usually use smileys when I make a joke, so sometimes it does get a bit lost in attempt (which is actually sort of what i want).

 

[asxtb]

I've been following this thread and decided to chime in...

I agree with Abstract 100%.
You ask why he is being so hard on you, but you're the one that is coming to us for advice and then not listening to it. If I was interviewing you and you came in those clothes, I would think you have plans with friends after the interview that are more important than the interview itself and immediately throw your application in the trash.

I understand this is your first interview and I do hope you get the job. But for the next job interview, a nice dress shirt, not a shirt like that (that is a social, hanging out with friends shirt), and nice slacks are a must. If you are 16 you should have some nice slacks. Once in your 20s a suit and conservative tie is a must.

As for a second interview with the Gap, (I know there will be conflicting thoughts about this) I would NOT go in slacks. Wear something very similar to what you wore before. The second interview is usually the interview where you can 'dress down', but not much. (ie. wear a little louder/flashy tie, wear a pinstripe suit, etc.) If for the second interview with the Gap if you wear slacks it will show them you don't have your priorities straight.

And remember the interview starts the second they call you for the interview and ends once they have hired you. Don't think that once the questioning ends they aren't still observing and evaluating you. And even if they don't hire you, most companies keep your application on file in case something opens up. So if you happen to see the interviewer a few days later, you are still being 'interviewed'. If you talk to them and say 'hello' and are polite they may pull out your file and hire you. Also it's a good idea to send a thank you card in the next day or two. It puts your name on the top of their mind.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Melrose]

It's was my first interview. Ever. All I can do from here is learn and improve.

I don't mean to be hard on you, or keep harping on this point, but I would have have given them the chance to give you a 110% for effort. I would venture to say that 90% of their interviewees wore jeans - no offense, but the jeans-look is way over worn for this type of thing and makes you blend in with the rest.

On the other hand, it's your first interview, you've gained a bit of experience, and you know more of what to expect the next time so you'll be less nervous.

It's important to ask them some questions as well, but not nearly as important as it is for them. Questions to ask would be ones that show an interest in how the store or company works, phrased from the perspective you already work for them: What can I expect a typical work day to be like? HOw do I handle problematic customers? What should I keep in mind when bagging items? (those are lame examples, but the idea's there)

I always think of interviews as a two-way street: They want to see if they want me representing their company sure, but I'm not so sure I want to work there until I can interview them as well.

EDIT: And whenever you have a sit-down interview, send the interviewer some kind of acknowledgement and thank-you. This may seem like overkill, but it really does go a long way.

 

[acidfast7]

I really don't see why you're being so hard on me. I understand you're just being honest, but in the end, it's just a part-time job at the Gap. If i blew it, i blew it.

I'll get trashed here, but, I think you did the right thing.

In certain circumstances, it's better the underdress rather than overdress. Overdressing can look very desperate, and that's the last thing you want. Usually middle-of-the-road is optimal (nice pointy Danish shoes, tight dark jeans, slim-fit button-up shirt, a nice fitted suit jacket and no tie or only a bow-tie).

Personally, I think you made the right decision, and obviously the hiring manager agrees.

 

[Demosthenes X]

I'll get trashed here, but, I think you did the right thing.

In certain circumstances, it's better the underdress rather than overdress. Overdressing can look very desperate, and that's the last thing you want. Usually middle-of-the-road is optimal (nice pointy Danish shoes, tight dark jeans, slim-fit button-up shirt, a nice fitted suit jacket and no tie or only a bow-tie).

Personally, I think you made the right decision, and obviously the hiring manager agrees.

A bow tie? Really? As a hiring manager, I would have trouble taking anyone showing up in a bow tie seriously.

Nice pants and a dress shirt are never overdoing it. It's a very easy, business casual look for men. I would recommend nothing less than that for a first interview: a suit and tie is not usually necessary for the sort of job the OP is applying for.

I have worn, and been hired, wearing a simple sweater and decent pants. But that was a case where I was interviewing for another position in my own company, so everyone on the panel knew me quite well and dress wasn't a concern.

Meeting an interviewer for the first time, impressions matter.

 

[ender land]

If you really want to get better at interviews, practice! Even if you are just asking your parents to ask questions (or friends/whatever) you find off the internet somewhere I think it'd be valuable. I did a TON of interviews in college... got rejected a lot (some companies sent mailed rejection letters though!) but got really, really comfortable in an interview setting. This makes a huge difference.

 

[rdowns]

Was there a Black Friday sale on thread-necroing?

 

[acidfast7]

A bow tie? Really? As a hiring manager, I would have trouble taking anyone showing up in a bow tie seriously.

Nice pants and a dress shirt are never overdoing it. It's a very easy, business casual look for men. I would recommend nothing less than that for a first interview: a suit and tie is not usually necessary for the sort of job the OP is applying for.

I have worn, and been hired, wearing a simple sweater and decent pants. But that was a case where I was interviewing for another position in my own company, so everyone on the panel knew me quite well and dress wasn't a concern.

Meeting an interviewer for the first time, impressions matter.

I've only been to one serious interview and suits were frowned upon while the bow-tie was an excellent conversation-starter.

If any place of work frowned upon a bow tie during an interview, I wouldn't fit well into their system and would look elsewhere (i.e. they're too conservative for me to be successful.)

 

[Demosthenes X]

I've only been to one serious interview and suits were frowned upon while the bow-tie was an excellent conversation-starter.

If any place of work frowned upon a bow tie during an interview, I wouldn't fit well into their system and would look elsewhere (i.e. they're too conservative for me to be successful.)

Maybe it's a cultural thing? In Canada, it seems the only time a man wears a bow tie is with a tuxedo. Occasionally someone will wear one with a suit, but it's a rarity. For example, I attended a black-tie event last weekend (I did wear a bow-tie, actually) and there were maybe 3 - 4 people I observed with bow ties. Regular long ties are much more common.

 

[Firestar]

Maybe it's a cultural thing? In Canada, it seems the only time a man wears a bow tie is with a tuxedo. Occasionally someone will wear one with a suit, but it's a rarity. For example, I attended a black-tie event last weekend (I did wear a bow-tie, actually) and there were maybe 3 - 4 people I observed with bow ties. Regular long ties are much more common.

acidfast7 is in Germany, IIRC.