Best suit for interview?

[clearprop]

I may need to get a new suit soon and want to know the best type and color(s) for interview purposes. Just want to be prepared should the need ever arise. Thanks!

 

[LearLove]

1. Dark Blue or Navy Blue suit (no double brest or anything not normal) make sure it fits - you'd be supprised what guys try and squeeze into for an interview

2. White shirt (long sleeve, Reg. or button collar/pen pocket) - undershirt (white no writing on them, no wife beaters) - again you'd be supprised

3. red tie (plain or consevitave design)

4. black dress shoes, plain, simple laces - wear the shoes before the interview to break them in and set the laces so they don't com untied. Black dress socks. Black belt plain, no large colt revolver buckels either.

5. standard silver/metal conservitave watch - turn all alarms off (ALSO LEAVE THE CELL PHONE OFF AND IN THE BRIEF CASE OR OVERNIGHT BAG) Better yet take the battery out, nothing pisses off HR better than a briefcase ringing in the middle of "what would you do if the capt .....bla bla bla"

6. briefcase - black plain leather or leather substitute/lookalike. No backpacks/flightbags/plastic bags - again you'd be shocked

7. No aftershave smell/cologne just take a shower with soap and shave.

When you get all this stuff put the shirt/suit/pants/undershirt/underware together in a garmet bag. Take the shoes/socks/belt/tie/briefcase/watch?? and place them in a box near where the suit stuff hangs. Believe me this stuff you don't use often has a unique ability walk off the night before the interview.

Try todays man or mens wearhouse. Between suit, shirt, shoes, tie, and belt your looking at 400-500. Try to look for 50% sales at todays man or 2 for one, nows a good time for these deals.

Side notes: I remember reading an AOPA article in the early to mid 90's about hiring at Piedmont. The HR lady they interviewed told AOPA how they had a guy show up at SBY in cutoff jeans and a t-shirt. They put him on the next flight home. On the other side of the coin though I herd of a guy in the early 90's show for a Huston F-16 Guard slot interview in flipflops, shorts, tanktop and remember thoes big face covering Oakley sunglasses. They hired him just because he had the balls to do it, as far as I know he's still there.

Hope it helps

 

[ultrarunner]

I may need to get a new suit soon and want to know the best type and color(s) for interview purposes. Just want to be prepared should the need ever arise. Thanks!

One that's clean and conservative. That's it.

 

[BE20AV8R]

this suit worked for me...

http://www.menswearhouse.com/home_p...?FOLDER<>folder_id=290487&bmUID=1037155997265

Dark blue, almost between blue and black, solid red tie... Classic...

Good luck!!

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Great advice from Learlove. I've been to a lot of interviews in the last year and noticed a trend. A lot of guys look LOUSY in their patented blue suits and red ties. The most important thing is that you LOOK GOOD and are COMFORTABLE with what you are wearing.

Polyester looks like crap.

Get a good wool suit.

Have the thing tailored.

Wear a conservative tie that complements the suit without standing out.

I say pay the extra bucks to look the sharpest you can in a conservative fashion.

P.S. I am batting a thousand at my airline interviews with a dark charcoal, wool, custom-made, single-breasted, barely perceptable pin-striped suit, maroon/black tie, black wingtips and dark grey socks. The important thing is that I feel sharp in the thing. (it didn't break the bank either)

 

[Clownpilot]

Suggestion

Think Zoot.

Wingtips.

And garters for your socks.

Grow sideburns.

If you don't have time to grow them color them in with permanent (preferably black) magic marker. If you can't get black use brown. In an emergency red marker is ok too but if you use red remember to wear a red clown wig.

Note:
NEVER use green marker.

 

[Clownpilot]

OOPs

**CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**.

I apologize for my last post.

Of course that advice is ridiculous.

....................Naturally, green magic marker is perfectly acceptable.

 

[DarnNearaJet]

I personally used the lavender tux as seen on "Dumb and Dumber" except without the cane and top-hat, of course.

Hey, it got me a job at ACA!

 

[Clownpilot]

Well........

With the cane and tophat you would have been hired into the chief pilot slot.

I personally used the lavender tux as seen on "Dumb and Dumber" except without the cane and top-hat, of course.

Hey, it got me a job at ACA!

 

[KC-10 Driver]

Clown-

You're killing me!

 

[Purple Haze]

LearLove's post is almost perfect. A couple minor additions:

Along with dark/navy blue, charcoal is fine (pick the one that you look best in). Wool always looks best.

Do not wear a button down collar shirt (plain collar only).

Sheryl Cage's book, "Checklist for Success," says to have a fresh haircut (no more than 3 days old).

Its true you want no scent -- other than clean.

The red/dark red silk tie is the standard, but any conservative, professional looking tie is fine (think Congress & Fortune 500).

If you want to see something funny, go to an aviation job fair. You will see a bagillion (technical term) robots in nearly identical suits. Individuality is not the thing interviewers are looking for.

Obvious stuff: Make sure the pants are the right length, you are not covered in lint or pet hair, you are not too wrinkled and your shoes are shined & brushed. You don't have to spend a fortune to look good ($400 is a good estimate).

 

[KC-10 Driver]

Here's a trick that saved me at one interview several years ago.

Upon arriving at the hotel the night before, I discovered that my suit had fallen off the hangar in the hang-up bag and was a crumpled mess. To get the wrinkles out, I hung it up in the bath room, turned on the shower full hot, and closed the door for 20 minutes. The steam got all the wrinkles out.

Something to put in your bag of tricks.


Also, regarding the choice of clothing, the most important thing is to be conservative and comfortable. You can make minor deviations from the standard to account for your personal taste.

I have always opted for the conservative dark blue single-breasted suit. However, I personally prefer a lighter toned blue shirt. And, I wear a favorite tie, which is not red but is conservative nonetheless.

I have worn the above to three different airline interviews and have gotten a job offer from all three. The key is that it should be conservative and look good. A slight deviation from the norm may actually make you stand out just a little in the mind of your interviewer.

 

[bobbysamd]

Interview suit

Yep, plain navy suit, single-breasted, good-quality white shirt, and good-quality red tie. Probably no tone-on-tone ties. Obviously, make sure the suit is well tailored. This is the time to spend a few bucks. Go to a good men's shop or good department store, such as Foley's, or Filene's, or Robinson's. This is not the time to go clothes shopping at Robert Hall.

This reminds me of my American Eagle interview. There were several AA interviewees there on the same day. Every one of them was attired identically as described above. There were some women, who wore the female equivalent. I don't recall any pantsuits.

I appreciate KC-10's comments and respect his interviewing success, but I dunno about deviating too much from the norm here. In a way, you really want to look just like everyone else. You don't want to stick out. Airlines don't like individuality. You don't want to give the impression that you're too much of an individual. Ironic, because there may times you have to show some individuality and leadership, such as meeting an emergency.

I strongly recommend Jos. A. Banks Clothiers for great suits and accessories at a decent price. Also, very knowlegeable salespeople.

Good luck at your interview.

 

[KC-10 Driver]

bobbysamd-

Good point about not deviating too much from the norm. I guess I meant to say that one has to feel comfortable, but at the same time always be mindful of what the norm is.

I should have stressed the words "MINOR" and "SLIGHT" deviations. There is a danger, I guess, with being too creative in your clothing choice. This danger, in the extreme, could lead to showing up in a lavender tux. If in doubt or not absolutely sure, go the most conservative route -- dark suit, white shirt, red tie.

 

[KC-10 Driver]

It's funny, though, that at my JetBlue interview a significant number of interviewees wore blue shirts with blue tone-on-tone ties. Go figure...

 

[bobbysamd]

jetBlue Interview

It's funny, though, that at my JetBlue interview a significant number of interviewees wore blue shirts with blue tone-on-tone ties. Go figure...

Makes perfect sense to me. jetBlue . . . . blue suit, blue shirt, blue tie. As Spock would say, "It is logical."

Although I stand by what I wrote above, I'd show up in a getup like that for a jetBlue interview. But, I'd be d@mn sure that my quals are strong! If I have any doubts that my quals won't stand up against others, I'd play it straight.

A good book to read about these matters is John T. Molloy's New Dress for Success, ISBN: 0446385522, available at www.amazon.com and elsewhere. One thing Mr. Molloy advises is to dress for the company. In other words, if you know the accepted "uniform" at a company, wear it to the interview (I'd still wear a suit for an interview at a so-called "dress down" company, though.). Also, dress as if you have the job already. Obviously, you cannot wear a flight officer uniform to the interview, but the navy suit-white shirt-red tie is the closest thing.

 

[Clownpilot]

Re: jetBlue Interview

Also, dress as if you have the job already. Obviously, you cannot wear a flight officer uniform to the interview, but the navy suit-white shirt-red tie is the closest thing.

Just wear a suit with 4 stripes faintly embossed on the sleeve. That oughtta impress them.

I think I'm beginning to see why Bobby never got the job after his interview.

Always the bridesmaid never the bride. LOL.

 

[bobbysamd]

Uniform to Interview

I heard of someone doing that. That person didn't get the job, though.

Maybe I should have tried it.

 

[bigD]

I'm curious...does the "be very conservative" advice apply for an airline like Southwest, who seems to enjoy playing the game differently? Doesn't mean you have to wear your lime green suit - but would they possibly look favorably on an applicant that stands out just a bit against the other drones?

 

[KC-10 Driver]

A little bit off subject, however...

I seem to remember about 4 years ago that Cecil Ewell (at the time, Chief Pilot -- or something like that -- at AAL) had put out the word that military guys could/should wear their military uniforms to the interview.

I heard, anecdotally, about guys doing that. I don't know, however, what the interview success rate was for these guys. Anyone know?

 

[StarrBuck]

Regarding SWA interview attire.. When I interviewed, it seemed that most of the folks interviewing looked pretty much the same. Dark blue suits.. A few of the guys had "individual" ties which I think was the extent that most people were willing to stretch the conservative interview suit..

FWIW...

S.B.

 

[House_X]

I would go the extra mile and buy a nice black or dark navy suit like a DKNY or Armani Exchange, you can get them at Macy's or Marshall Fields on sale during certain times of the year. I bought two DKNY's for a total of $600. The $200 generic suit likes like absolute shiiite.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

wow this one is beat to death huh??!!

really-just wear a good quality, conservative, pressed suit.

Mens wearhouse is perfect, should be able to do it for 3-400 bucks. done.

 

[Chickenhawk]

xXpress1 wrote:

I cant believe this question evoked so many comments... Have you people nothing else to do?

Nice of you to stop by and comment.

 

[Flywrite]

OK, here is the final word in interview suits.

It may not be fighting fair, but in today's job market, you do what you gotta do.

A pink (very pink) suit with a frilly shirt (floral print optional), no tie, lots of chest showing, platform shoes (nicely shined to show professionalism).

This will instill a mortal fear of discrimination lawsuits in HR types if you are NOT hired, therefore ensuring your success.

(I intend no offence to any of you who dress this way out of choice)

Good Luck to all!

 

[CatYaaak]

Too much emphasis has always been placed on this whole subject and it's minutia such as whether a button-down shirt is a no-no (It's not, by the way). Forget about needing to look like another interview clone with a dark navy suit w/ plain red tie or risk tipping the scales out of your favor. NObody loses or gets a job because their shoes were wingtip instead of cap-toed. Use as your guide what any conservatively-dressed businessman wears. Wander through a Brooks Brothers store and look around.

What that tells you is to avoid faddish styles and/or colors. This means something single-breasted and dark; navy, charcoal, etc (for you Southerners, leave your seersucker at home). It does not have to be solid. Your tie does not have to be red. In fact, I think plain, red ties are manufactured only to supply the market created by "expert" interview advisers, because you rarely see one in real life. Aside from being conservative, here are the basic rules of what IS required:

Look good in your suit. Ask people if you look better in navy, dark grey, or charcoal and go with it. Make sure it fits by getting it tailored. It will be more comfortable and you'll be more confident and relaxed during the interview knowing it. Oh yeah, select something that you can wear at ANY function where a suit is required. The whole notion of an "interview suit" is silly in the first place.

Shine your shoes. Absolutely do this. Buy new ones if need be.

Don't stink, whether from cologne or through bad hygiene.


Thats about it

 

[alimaui]

For those of you in the role of the interview-ER, what do most female applicants wear? I know the options for a female are a little more broad than a suit and tie. Do most go with suit? Do you more commonly see skirt or pants? The conservative and not too trendy would be important, on that note, do you see women in suit alternatives?

Ali

 

[dorkdriver]

you won't believe this but here goes.....I went to an interview with my rattiest suit on and really didn't even comb my hair and I got hired.... it really doesn't matter if you can cover GQ, just know your stuff

 

[bobbysamd]

Women's apparel

For those of you in the role of the interview-ER, what do most female applicants wear? I know the options for a female are a little more broad than a suit and tie. Do most go with suit? Do you more commonly see skirt or pants? The conservative and not too trendy would be important, on that note, do you see women in suit alternatives?

Ali

From what I recall during my interview days, you sound like you have it right. Something navy, well-tailored, good-quality, with a nice white blouse. Skirt about calf-length. I don't remember seeing pantsuits. I remember that the women applicants I saw at American when I interviewed at AE were dressed alike, but very professional.

I don't know that many women's designers, but probably something like Anne Klein or Jones New York or even Brooks Brothers will work. I believe that Christian Dior makes women's suits (I know they make men's suits).

Of course, you know what they say about not wearing too much jewelry, etc.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your interview when the time comes.

 

[alimaui]

The question asked, was "what is the standard for dress". It was not "do you think blue jeans and a tank top is okay?" Interview attire is very much dependant on the position in question.

Ali

PS. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones, and idiots who post sarcastic remarks before spell checking shouldn't throw them either.