My first real job interview.

[Hummer]

So I'm stressing out pretty much right now. I going to my first real job interview tomorrow. All of my previous "interviews" were basically, you hand in our application, and based on that you have been interviewed.

The people who are interviewing me sound pretty nice, but I'm still a bit nervous about how to look appearance wise. Personality wise I'm not nervous because I'm comfortable with speaking, but I just don't know what to wear. I know usually for an "interview" I'd wear slacks and a button down shirt, but most of the people who work at this store in retail dress casual to semi-casual. Also, the establishment is in Union Square and everything about the Union Square and the Village in general screams casual, but I'm still not sure.

So I was wondering if I had the right coming in as a potential employee to dress how they dress or should I go in the traditional shirt, tie, and slacks? Do I dress for the environment of the work place (how I dress on a regular basis) or do I dress in traditional interview attire?

Also, before this interview I'll be doing some volunteer work at a school, so whatever I wear I'll have to bring with me as a change of clothes and will most likely get wrinkled in my bag despite being folded.

 

[Iscariot]

You should dress in what would be considered standard interview attire, and not what you think you'll be wearing on the job. It's much better to come in slightly overdressed than to miss the mark of professionalism by looking like you belong in casual Friday. I would suggest being as dressy as you're comfortable being -- you want to avoid the "kid in grown up clothes" look that is associated with someone who's out of place in the clothes they're wearing -- and ensure that everything is clean crisp and prepared. If you're unsure, wear something that can be dressed up or down by removing a piece of outerwear casually as you enter the office.

Example 1: Slacks, dress shirt, blazer, no tie. Leave the blazer on and it's dressed up a notch, take it off and you become more casual and relaxed.

Example 2: Slacks, dress shirt, tie, and fitted track jacket. Leaving the jacket on gives you a sense of fresh stylization, and taking it off would dress you up into a dress shirt and tie.

 

[Hummer]

You should dress in what would be considered standard interview attire, and not what you think you'll be wearing on the job. It's much better to come in slightly overdressed than to miss the mark of professionalism by looking like you belong in casual Friday. I would suggest being as dressy as you're comfortable being -- you want to avoid the "kid in grown up clothes" look that is associated with someone who's out of place in the clothes they're wearing -- and ensure that everything is clean crisp and prepared. If you're unsure, wear something that can be dressed up or down by removing a piece of outerwear casually as you enter the office.

Example 1: Slacks, dress shirt, blazer, no tie. Leave the blazer on and it's dressed up a notch, take it off and you become more casual and relaxed.

Example 2: Slacks, dress shirt, tie, and fitted track jacket. Leaving the jacket on gives you a sense of fresh stylization, and taking it off would dress you up into a dress shirt and tie.

Thanks for that well thought out response. I'm definitely going dressy now.

Do you think my school uniform would be fine? It's a white dress shirt and either khaki or gray pants with a tie, basically the standard catholic school attire. I have other things, but I'd spend hours trying to match it all perfectly and I'd eventually end up in a full matching tuxedo.

 

[Iscariot]

Thanks for that well thought out response. I'm definitely going dressy now.

Do you think my school uniform would be fine? It's a white dress shirt and either khaki or gray pants with a tie, basically the standard catholic school attire. I have other things, but I'd spend hours trying to match it all perfectly and I'd eventually end up in a full matching tuxedo.

I would recommend against it. If your potential employer has other employees or a son in the same school he'll recognize the uniform and he might assume you couldn't be bothered to change out of your school clothes.

 

[leekohler]

I would recommend against it. If your potential employer has other employees or a son in the same school he'll recognize the uniform and he might assume you couldn't be bothered to change out of your school clothes.

I agree- no to the school uniform. Definitely wear something else, especially in NYC. Someone will recognize it.

 

[KingYaba]

Dress in your nicest attire. It will convey a message that this interview and their time is important to you.

I love putting on a suit. It's empowering.

 

[chedda]

You are choosing !

I suggest getting off on the right foot have in your mind you are choosing them rather than them selecting you ! Ask a lot of questions and explain you have some more interviews to attend. Also look the best you can even borrow an expensive watch they will notice everything not only will you you look good they will take you seriously as you look successfull. Good luck and arrange more interviews elsewhere if you can then you can compare your options .

 

[r1ch4rd]

A job interview is a formal affair, dress accordingly ie. wear a suit, or as close to a suit as is possible. School uniform is a definite no-no! You really can tell the difference between smart business wear and school clothing (at least here in the UK) it just doesn't look the same.

 

[rdowns]

Let's do a reality check here. The OP is a high school kid going for a retail job. While he should dress nice (slacks, shirt and tie- no school uniform) , the hiring manager will be most concerned with his commitment to working and his reliability. OP, make sure you get those points across.

And please ignore the advice of wearing an expensive watch.

 

[notjustjay]

And please ignore the advice of wearing an expensive watch.

Seconded. Yes, if you're looking for a job as an executive in the business or finance industry. But as a first job, especially retail, it just makes you look pretentious, and says "I am cocky and already have tons of money, so why do I need to take your minimum-wage job?".

When I did my interviews I basically wore my suit but took off the jacket, so I was wearing slacks, a dress shirt and tie.

 

[Hummer]

I got the job!

Thanks you guys for helping out. I ended up wearing just a business type blue shirt and pinstriped slacks with a contrasting tie. But the dress code is business casual there.