interview dress code for engineers
interview dress code for engineers
(OP)
which is a better semi formal for an interview
1. long sleeves with tie no coat
2. long sleeves with coat no tie
or should i go completely formal coat and tie
1. long sleeves with tie no coat
2. long sleeves with coat no tie
or should i go completely formal coat and tie





RE: interview dress code for engineers
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: interview dress code for engineers
With very little effort I found:
thread731-199612: interview: suit, shirt and tie, or business casual?
http://ww
thread784-191438: Dress Code
As it's your interview maybe you'll be inclined to spend more time searching and find more.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
RE: interview dress code for engineers
1. Don't play reindeer games until you're one of the reindeer.
2. You can't go wrong wearing your dress blues.
Dress blues includes, more than clothes. It also includes being well-prepared and on your best professional behavior. An interview is a sales call.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Fe
RE: interview dress code for engineers
----------------------------------
If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Would you buy a computer packaged in a trash bag? Or in a nice box with nice graphics? While you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, with only a half hour per interviewer, there's not much to go on, so EVERYTHING counts, including breath mints.
Which packaging shows pride in the product?
TTFN
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RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Agreed, suit and tie is mandatory, but do you leave your jacket on or risk seeming too comfortable and take it off before the actual interview gets underway?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Why did you ask the question again?
Just because they were dressed fairly casual at a fairly informal event like a job fair has little relevance to how you dress for a formal interview.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
TTFN
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RE: interview dress code for engineers
Typically, I keep the jacket on until I am in the conference room and right before I sit down I will drape it over the back of the chair. No reason to be more uncomfortable during the actual interview than you have to be.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
You really can't go wrong in an interview, and the worse thing you will hear, is that don't worry about dressing so formal, this is a relaxed office, jeans and t-shirt.
No tie and jacket to me sounds like happy hour after getting of the the govt. job, since they are the only engineers who generally dress up for work.
Though you could always ask the person who told you to come in for the interview what the dress code is like. I have been offered all jobs I interviewed for after my first 1.5 years of experience.
Civil Development Group, LLC
Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading
http://www.civildevelopmentgroup.com
http://www.civildevelopmentgroup.com/blog
RE: interview dress code for engineers
However, I'd say the chances of going wrong by being 'over dressed' are probably a lot less than the chances of going wrong by being 'under dressed'.
Though, as the OP has made up their mind I guess I'm wasting my time typing this.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
I attended my Chartered Engineer interview with 2 colleagues, who were getting interviewed as well. We had all joined the company at pretty much the same time. Myself and another colleague each wore a suit and tie whereas the other wore a shirt and tie with no jacket and a canvas type trouser. I remember asking him about this and his answer was that he was dressing for the interview as he would dress for work as he wanted to present himself as he was in a working environment.
Funnily enough only two of us passed our interviews. The other had to do an additional 6 months responsible experience before final approval.
Obviously, I would be flippant if I thought it was down to the clothing; he had worded his application in a way that sounded like he was under training rather than in a responsible position for 6 months. However, who is to know if that may have been overlooked or dismissed if he had presented himself in a more professional manner?
If you're dressed smart then it's one less thing to worry about on the day of the interview. Conversly, if you've dressed down then you may be wondering or worrying if your clothing is having a negative impact; that is an unnecessary distraction.
Remember, sometimes the interviewers will dress smarter when they're interviewing than in their normal day at the office. At my place of work I notice that some people on the interview board use the situation as an opportunity to impress their superiors as well as assessing candidates.
Dressing smart at the interview is an obvious and outward sign of desire to impress. It's a free tick in the box so why not use it?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
I once dressed in a suit for an interview and the two interviewers wore khaki pants and polo shirts. I felt very awkward. on another occasion, I wore a suit again and all TEN of the interviewers around the boardroom table wore khakis and polos. Once again i felt very awkward. Another time I wore a khaki pant with a long sleeve shirt and had a really good and successful interview.
I believe that at the end of the day, content is more important as long as you're not overly casual. Where I live, engineers seem to be pretty relaxed about attire and don't really pay attention to it too much.
At the end of the day, do your research. Interviews are all about showing how well you'd fit in and dress is a part of it. Wearing a suit probably won't hurt you, BUT its even better if you dress to show that you fit in.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Just my thoughts.
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
I agree with whoever said that you should research the company and know the details of the job. I once applied to a job at a brick plant and I got the job. Later my boss told me in casual conversation that he didn't like one of the other candidates because he showed up to the interview in a suit and my boss felt he wouldn't deal well with being an engineer that had to get dirty in the brick plant environment.
But, if you're interviewing for V.P. of Engineering @ Rolls Royce, wear a suit.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: interview dress code for engineers
The proper solution is to wear the suit and tie, and remove layers as needed. I don't get why you are having such difficulty with this; based on your performance here, I'd have trouble justifying hiring you.
TTFN
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RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
The photo is Isambard Kingdom Brunel, famed for building railroads, bridges, and tunnels in the UK. Engineers got respect in his day. I think you can find him on Wikipedia.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
They may not hire me because of it, but then I wouldn't want to work there anyway if that was what they based it on. I know my industry, and anything more than a polo and slacks is overdressed. I try to go one notch above what they wear. Not wearing a suit is a good way to tell how laid back the company is. It is not a fasion show. Showing up on time, researching the company, knowing how to relay your skills etc, are going to get you the job. You can look and be professional without a suit.
When I went to the interview for my current job I was in my usual attire, and everyone I interviewed with had a tie on. They obviously didn't care.
Eventually I will have to buy one. As I gain more years of experience, and move up the ladder I will have to start not only wearing one, but making sure it looks good on me too.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
And here's something to get you in the right frame of mind:
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RE: interview dress code for engineers
You need to save this thread link for the same question in 6 months.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: interview dress code for engineers
The decision really depends on the particulars of the job, the business climate, etc.
-Christine
RE: interview dress code for engineers
You are what other perceive you to be, especially meeting for the first time. It is up to you how you want to be perceived by others.
As for me, one who does not care about his/her own appearance, would not care about his/her work or company either, if I were hiring.
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: interview dress code for engineers
I wouldn't want to work for a company that made its hiring decisions with any signifcant weighting on what was worn to the interview, in either direction.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
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RE: interview dress code for engineers
Not only should you wear coat a tie, but you should appear comfortable and natural doing so. Practice if you must; tailor as required.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
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RE: interview dress code for engineers
IRstuff - I think they recently started to relax those rules and the wigs may be on their way out.
monkeydog - I'll try to remember it
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Fe
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
IRStuff...a little ZZ Top to get one's perspective right!! Does that include being as clean shaven as they are?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Sure, you can just say the opposite.
"I noticed you're all wearing polos and slacks... I'm wearing a tee shirt and jeans, but only because I was to goddamn lazy to buy a suit, and I figured you wouldn't care. Hope you don't mind."
V
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
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RE: interview dress code for engineers
"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Also, I have revised my "sharp dressed man" look from the strictly ZZ Top version to include a stick (as in, "The ladies were come from all over, I had to beat 'em off with a stick!").
-- MechEng2005
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Thanks Ron....but these days I think I look HORRIBLE thanks to the extra poundage. I'm making a bit of progress, however.
I'd like to add a general rule of thumb. If an engineer notices what you wore to your interview, then it's safe to say you have made a huge blunder. The only way an engineer is going to notice is if you come dressed in anything that is unexpected. They are going to expect a conservative suit, not too fashionable, in a dark color, with a long-sleeved shirt and a conservative tie.
As an added bonus, I would include,
1. try on your suit and make sure it is properly fitted
2. don't forget to polish your shoes
3. if you have any doubt about your social graces, for God's sake, study up a bit and practice.
"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
It should be a cane, not a stick. You'll never become a PMP without your cane.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
RE: interview dress code for engineers
In my client meetings, I dress in the manner that I expect that my clients will dress. Most often, nice long sleeve shirt with khakis, sometimes a blazer (navy or tan, depending on pants).
I charge relatively high hourly rates, so my clients expect that I will represent them and present accordingly.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net
RE: interview dress code for engineers
One job I had, I went in on the first day, and my boss/mentor said to me, "Take off the tie, you look like an idiot."
Point is, you should wait for them to tell you what to do, or at least until you feel out the company. And that most certainly isn't before you're hired.
V
RE: interview dress code for engineers
- Fingernails trimmed but slightly soiled, just enough to look like I was doing real work
- Indelible grease stain on the back of my hand. Bruised knuckles are a plus.
- Sensible shoes that can walk through a mill
- Safety glasses and earplugs ready in breast pocket
- NOTEBOOK! Listen attentively and take lots of notes! Bonus points for having advance notes about the company where they can be seen.
- Low-cost USB memory stick or CD with work samples to leave behind
Be ready for anything, look good doing so, and don't be afraid to get your nice clothes dirty.RE: interview dress code for engineers
Although I joined the company at a time when they were actively trying to improve the way folks dressed so turning up fairly well dressed wasn't all bad.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
I still walk job sites in my $2000 suit and $500 nicely shined shoes in the rain. And yet the contractors/builders still treat me the same and like to call and talk to me. I just turned 31 for the age reference. Dressing up even in the casual engineering business is better than wearing the normal shorts and t-shirts.
Of course I was caught the other day in my flip flops and basketball shorts at a reprographics place, while trying to get business from an architect. =)
Civil Development Group, LLC
Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading
http://www.civildevelopmentgroup.com
http://www.civildevelopmentgroup.com/blog
RE: interview dress code for engineers
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: interview dress code for engineers
You're joking, right? If not, are you sure they aren't laughing behind your back? If I was your client, I would be wondering about both your common sense and your billing rates.
RE: interview dress code for engineers
TTFN
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