The Interview Suit

[NuGuy]

Heyas,

You REALLY can't go wrong with a charcoal grey suit, and it will be usable for something other than an airline interview.

Personally, I went to an old school men's shop and bought a name brand, and they tailored to fit perfectly. I would have looked like a million bucks if it weren't for the fact that it was ME in the suit, so it came out looking like only $1000.

But never mind, grey suit, white shirt and a VERY subtle "slightly-lighter-than maroon "tie with a VERY small grey check pattern (which matched then then-current AC paint job). Had a blue tie for the next day.

Got hired. Smiles all around.

In the end, the suit doesn't really matter, as long as it's not the leisure variety. Make sure it fits, is clean and pressed and looks professional. It helps if it is of reasonably recent vintage.

But as a rule, I'd stay away from off colored suits, like kakhi or olive. If you show up in a sport jacket or a cordaroy suit or looking like the absent minded professor with a tweed jacket and mix-matched checkboard shirt/tie, then you look like a doofus.

I know it's hard, but you DON'T need to obsess over this, nor do you need to look totally GQ.

Nu

 

[jke406]

Heyas,

Personally, I went to an old school men's shop and bought a name brand, and they tailored to fit perfectly. I would have looked like a million bucks if it weren't for the fact that it was ME in the suit, so it came out looking like only $1000.

But never mind, grey suit, white shirt and a VERY subtle "slightly-lighter-than maroon "tie with a VERY small grey check pattern (which matched then then-current AC paint job). Had a blue tie for the next day.

I guess we'll know who Nu is from what he's wearing when he goes to re-interview at Delta after the merger....imp:

 

[Caveman]

You guys got it all wrong. The trick is to dress so they DON'T notice what you are wearing. Dress conservatively, make sure it's ironed, your shoes are polished, you have a fresh haircut and a clean shave. Other than a glance if they really notice what you're wearing you missed the mark. Unusual colors, uncombed hair, scuffed shoes, bad breath and wrinkles will get noticed. If you don't have any of that going against you the effect will be subtle, but you'll present a professional appearance even though the interviewer probably couldn't describe what you were wearing. OTOH, I guarantee every interviewer will remember the guy with the scuffed shoes or the purple suit and it won't be the 'good' kind of remember either. If you dress appropriately you could wear a light grey or beige suit and get away with it. It's not what you wear but how you wear it.

Just for the record I went traditionally dressed for all my interviews. Dark blue pinstripe suit, maroon or blue patterned tie, white or light blue shirt, and black lace up shoes. I spent more time and money worrying about the fit of the suit than the color. Just because it fit two years ago doesn't mean it will fit next week.

 

[Scrapdog]

One guy wore a brown suit with a purple tie in my interview group...100% true. What a tool.

It doesn't matter what you wear as long as it's conservative, appropriate, and fits well. I had a black suit, red tie, white shirt...worked fine.

As one of my squadron commanders told me - "be humble, be credible, and be approachable" and you'll be fine.

 

[slinky]

You want the suit to look as much like a uniform as possible. Navy blue, white shirt conservative tie.

The guys wearing other colors stand out, you don't want to stand apart from the crowd due to your clothes.

I totally agree.....look like you will look in uniform

 

[airplane wizard]

Don't forget to let them know that you enjoy kissing ass and like being treated like sh*t, and that it gives you a warm feeling inside knowing your airline's executives are getting rich off your hard work.

 

[monkeybrains01]

I totally agree.....look like you will look in uniform

...white socks and cowboy boots??

I say understated elegance...
http://www.zootsuitstore.com/Shopping/Catalog/multi_prod_detail.asp?s=sa&ProductCode=ZBSSA7955

http://www.zootsuitstore.com/Shopping/Catalog/multi_prod_detail.asp?s=sa&ProductCode=ZBSSA73904

Any of these would b fine.

 

[viper548]

http://www.virginmedia.com/microsites/movies/slideshow/stupid-characters/img_10.jpg

these work too

 

[tomgoodman]

Book Reference

A widely-used guide in this area is "Dress for Success" by John Molloy. Published about 30 years ago, it may still be valid.

 

[captainv]

on the other hand, this is the way to go if interviewing for a management position...

http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/19794.jpg

 

[ERJdca]

Guys, what is with the "red" tie? Give me a break. Look sharp, and act professional. You get the job based on you, not your tie.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

Jeans, flip-flops and a Metallica T shirt.

They will always remember you.

 

[say again]

on the other hand, this is the way to go if interviewing for a management position...

http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/19794.jpg

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!! :laugh::laugh:

How true.

 

[Jonny Sacko]

Who cares, pick the one that you like, and be yourself. Enjoy it! You may get it or you might not. But remember, what's the worst that can happen? You are the same as you are today. WHO CARES! Be able to look back and say "hey, I did my best, if they don't want me, I don't want them!"

Good Luck

 

[Raskal]

Bottom line: it doesn't matter that much what your color choices are, just keep it within the realm of reason and you'll be fine.

However, for God's sake: GET THE SUIT TAILORED!!! I swear, the past number of times I've seen pilots in interviews or have been at one myself I have shaken my head in disbelief...very nice suits will very quickly make you look homeless unless they fit right, and NO suit fits off the 'rack', no matter what your girlfriend says.

Seriously, even if you bought the suit at wal-mart, go see a tailor.

Oh, and one last thing for all you guys who apparently grew up never wearing anything more formal than a windbreaker-that tag that is attached to the outer left jacket cuff (usually it's sewn on at four points and is about 2" x 1/2")...TAKE IT OFF! It is not meant to stay on!

 

[Dogwood]

So, let me pool the group. Which color of suit is better for an interview: Black or Navy Blue?

As far as ties go, I would assume red or blue with a white shirt.

I am interviewing with NWA soon.

Jet Driver,

I do some of the interviewing at JetBlue and I can tell you that it is just fine to blend in with the crowd as far as how you are dressed.

Tie pulled up tight, etc.

Your personality should shine, and it's OK if that stands out, a little. You want them to remember you.

Navy or Black suit doesn't really matter. Dress in what you are most comfortable. If I see that a person made an attempt to look nice, that's all I care about.

Know some details about the company, and have a few well thought out questions ready for the end.

Smile from the time you leave your house until you get back home.

If you are interviewing with two people, divide your eye scan between both of them, don't lock in on one person.

Good luck.

 

[navigatro]

No offense to anyone, but can we please have a moratorium (or ban) on "interview suit" threads?

This has been discussed ad nauseam. Are pilots the only group of people that believe the fallacy that wearing the "right" suit will get you the job?



Wear a suit that fits properly, is comfortable, conservative, and looks professional. Same goes for the tie.

Do not look like a pimp, or try to look funny.

More importantly, act like a professional, be confident, make eye contact, have your paperwork in order, and have a smile on your face.

I would highly recommend an interview prep service, whether you think you need it or not. I used Emerald Coast, and found it well worth the investment.

It is a competitive market (majors), and it will only get tougher in the next few years.

 

[30West]

One guy wore a brown suit with a purple tie in my interview group...100% true. What a tool.

Did he get the job?

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Oh, and one last thing for all you guys who apparently grew up never wearing anything more formal than a windbreaker-that tag that is attached to the outer left jacket cuff (usually it's sewn on at four points and is about 2" x 1/2")...TAKE IT OFF! It is not meant to stay on!

That bothers me too. Are they flaunting the brand or just plain ignorant? Me thinks the latter.

 

[MoralDK]

Raskal,

Did you wear your pink tie to the Mesaba interview?