Interview suits

[PCL_128]

"Send him home. He is not wearing a blue suit and red conservative power tie! He must not want to work here"

Think about how stupid that sounds. Do you really think anyone has ever had that conversation at any decent place to work?

You obviously weren't around or don't remember the Plato/Dresser days. These guys wouldn't hire you if they didn't like the way you parted your hair, let alone if you didn't wear the right clothes. It may sound ridiculous to you, but clothes matter in an interview. For that matter, clothes just matter in general as to how people percieve you. Your clothes are the way you make a first impression. Best not to screw it up.

Most of this stuff is universal to job interviews in all industries, not just aviation:

1. Suit should be dark navy blue or charcoal gray. Black is considered too "powerful" for general business use and should only be used for special occassions (funerals, weddings, dinner at upscale restaurant, etc...) Brown and light gray are considered too casual for an interview. Use Mens Wearhouse, Jos A. Bank, or Brooks Brothers. Now isn't the time to bring out that fancy Hugo Boss suit that you dropped $1100 on. Dressing better than the guy interviewing you is a big mistake.

2. No pocket squares, cuff links, or visible jewelry. Too fancy for interview attire.

3. Shirt should be either solid white or french blue. Pointed or spread collar and barrel cuffs. If you use starch, use only light starch because heavier starch can actually start to rub off onto your suit after a long day. Not good for a dark suit. I never use starch and I hand-press my shirts. Mens Wearhouse has excellent shirts that are wrinkle and stain resistent.

4. Blue, yellow, or red tie is best with a conservative pattern. Half-windsor knot with a point collar or full-windsor with a spread collar. Make sure it is 100% silk and hand-sewn. The ties in any of the above stores will do.

5. Socks should match your pants, not your shoes. If you're wearing cordovan shoes (burgandy color) and a blue suit, then match the socks to the suit, not the shoes.

6. Shoes and belt should match. Lace-up shoes only. I always use Allan-Edmonds or Johnston & Murphy. If you use a shoe-tree and don't wear them more than a couple of times a week then they'll last for 10 years easily. It used to be that black shoes with a blue suit was frowned upon, but that's changed over the past 10 years or so. You can use either black or cordovan now. I always think that cordovan looks better with blue, though.

 

[imacdog]

I think it comes down to this - wear something that you look good, and feel confident, in. If they aren't going to hire you because you're wearing a black suit instead of blue then what does that say about the company culture?

 

[DC8 Express]

Shoes always tell the story. I was on a interview board for 2 of my former airlines (out of business). All of us knew that candidates would spring for a new suit and tie but how many considered shoes. There is nothing worse than old shoes with a quickie airport shine. If you want to wear your old shoes, spring for new heals.

Picture this. Walking up the stairs from sim ride with new suit and heals completely worn out. Speaks volumes

Good luch

 

[Hollywood82]

Some weird shiz. The 141 schools usually make you wear an airline uniform to teach freakin flight lessons. Forget all that. Lame. You're applying to operate machinery, not running for congress.

Do you really feel you must wear "the perfect threads" before you can fly single pilot cargo?!

I was talking about an airline interview, not freight. Most freight companies don't mind if you show up for the interview wearing jeans and a t shirt. Airlines are a different story, for the most part they all like to see the same thing. dark suit, red tie, white shirt

 

[DC8 Express]

cargo interview

I was talking about an airline interview, not freight. Most freight companies don't mind if you show up for the interview wearing jeans and a t shirt. Airlines are a different story, for the most part they all like to see the same thing. dark suit, red tie, white shirt

Maybe some 135 cargo/freight companies dont care how you dress for an interview but dont show up to any interview at a 121 cargo company without an appropriate suit, tie and shoes. treat these interviews as you would a major passenger airline interview

 

[Hollywood82]

Maybe some 135 cargo/freight companies dont care how you dress for an interview but dont show up to any interview at a 121 cargo company without an appropriate suit, tie and shoes. treat these interviews as you would a major passenger airline interview

Sorry, I should have emphasized "some 135 freight companies". I, myself, have never been through a 121 interview, but all friends that I know who have say the same thing, red tie, white shirt, and dark suit. I was always told black, but some people say dark blue or dark grey work too. I don't know what I'm gonna wear to my interview now. Maybe I'll just not wear anything at all. :-0