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interview dress code for engineers
9

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

RE: interview dress code for engineers

Coat and tie always, don't assume, you have one shot at a good first impression.

Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."  

RE: interview dress code for engineers

There have been several threads @ the like regarding this subject.

With very little effort I found:

thread731-199612: interview: suit, shirt and tie, or business casual?

http://www.engineering.com/Jobs/EngineeringJobResumeandInterviewTips/DressingthePart.aspx

thread784-191438: Dress Code

As it's your interview maybe you'll be inclined to spend more time searching and find more.

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RE: interview dress code for engineers

Agree with TBC. Tie with no coat says you're a bit geeky.  Coat with no tie is arrogant.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

Depends on the situation; how familiar are you with the company culture?

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: interview dress code for engineers

2
Two rules I learned in the navy:

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

Fashion is too transient of a topic to rely on old threads.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

If the old thread were from say, 1810 and mentioned powdered wigs then you might have a point abusementpark, but when it's only say 2.5 years old, and agrees with some even older threads, I can't help but think it might still be relevant.

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RE: interview dress code for engineers

I don't know about you guys but I wear powdered wigs every day afro2.


pipe

peace
Fe

RE: interview dress code for engineers

My suit is more than 2.5 years old. smile
  

----------------------------------
  
If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
 

RE: interview dress code for engineers

You have a suit??

RE: interview dress code for engineers

2
As others have mentioned, an interview is a sales pitch, pitching YOU.  

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

Agree with everyone else.  One chance to impress.  Coat, tie, dress pants and never forget breath mints.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

If you can't ask the person who set up the interview than it is a formal organization and you need the full monkey suit.   

RE: interview dress code for engineers

And be prepared to pronounce their name correctly, like the TV commercial for Dumas.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

LOL, that's a good one Maurice.  Also, the "so whatta you guys do here anyway" might best be kept under wraps.

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

(OP)
nah i'll go with just long sleeves and tie.. i have been to this company's job fair a few years ago and none were even wearing a tie..  

RE: interview dress code for engineers

So, you've asked a question.  Been given a bunch of advice, and ignored most of it based on the fact you'd already made up your mind.

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.

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RE: interview dress code for engineers

ornerynorsk

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

I always keep my jacket on for anything.  But I have always liked the style like in Mad Men.  I am 31 and think even though some people joke about an engineer wearing a suit, it does say something about the individual.

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

I'm hesitant to say you can never go wrong with suit & tie - there were a few dissenting posts in the threads I linked such as the story about a software guy at an internet start up wearing beach wear and getting the job, or for jobs with a lot of site work where they wanted you to turn up in overalls & steal toed boots.

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.

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RE: interview dress code for engineers

Here's one for you to consider.  

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

A suit and tie should NOT be the default choice for attire for an interview.  you have to do some research first (this according to several interview coaches and resources).  It depends on the work environment in question.  In a perfect world, you'll know exactly what they wear to work on a daily basis and dress one step above that but how often do you know this??  

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

Wear the suit....carry the steel toed boots.  Just wear a suit that you are willing to sacrifice should it become necessary.  It will show that you know the importance of image but don't necessarily get caught up in it.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

I'm in the wear the suit and tie camp.  I disagree with Calguy07.  If everyone doing the interviewing is wearing khakis and polos I would still feel more comfortable wearing a suit and tie then khakis and polos.  I'm the one interviewing, not them.  Unless I was told to dress buisness casual, I go with the suit and tie.  They are expecting someone who is trying to make a good impression.  The comment about fitting in is valid, but I don't think critical.  I would expect any new hire to dress according to the culture and not according to what they wore at the interview.

Just my thoughts.

-Kirby

Kirby Wilkerson

Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

(OP)
i'll  bring my suit and leave it in my car.. if i feel under dressed once i get to interview, i'll go back wear my suit.. it's an invitation only/short list job fair..

RE: interview dress code for engineers

I've been to a few interviews recently, and the shirt and tie seemed to be the best way to go.  In a few of the interviews I felt overdressed in that.

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

By the time you decide you're underdressed, the impressions will have already been made.

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

I always thought Mr. Peanut dressed sharply, all the way down to the monocle. However, it probably wouldn't be good to show your nuts.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

See linked photo showing how engineers should dress: 3 piece suit, bow tie, plug hat, pocket watch with fob, and muddy boots.

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

I have never worn a suit, but always wear a nice shirt and tie.  I don't even own one.

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

No one is forcing you to do anything, but just be aware that the reality is that better looking, taller people get hired over shorter, fatter, uglier people.  Unfair though it may be, that's life in the big city.

And here's something to get you in the right frame of mind:

Quote:

Clean shirt, new shoes
and I don't know what I am gonna do.
Silk suit, black tie,
I don't need a reason why.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
cause every girl is crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.

Gold watch, diamond ring,
I ain't missin' not a single thing.
cuff-links, stick pin
when I step out I'm gonna do you in.
They come a runnin' just as fast as they can
cause every girl is crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.

Top coat, Top hat,
And I don't worry cause my wallets fat.
Black shades, white gloves,
lookin' sharp, lookin' for love.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
cause every girl is crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.

TTFN

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RE: interview dress code for engineers

KENAT,
You need to save this thread link for the same question in 6 months.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

ahhh ZZ Top, those were the days....

Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."  

RE: interview dress code for engineers

I suspect that the median age of the pro-suit crowd here is probably quite a bit older than the anti-suit crowd. One potential downside of wearing a suit to an interview is looking old/old-fashioned/outdated/out-of-touch. A suit could also make you appear prissy and/or desperate.

The decision really depends on the particulars of the job, the business climate, etc.

-Christine

RE: interview dress code for engineers

No one else cares about you more than you do. So if you don't care for what others might think of you, why ask?

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've worn a suit for all of my interviews so far (except the telephone interview).  It's vastly overdressed compared to anything I'd actually wear to work, and also compared to what all of my interviewers have worn - but I'll continue to do it again the next time I interview.  I believe it can't hurt to look your best, and for me it helps keep me in a more professional demeanor.

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

There is also a vast cultural gap between the coasts in the US.  While the West Coast tends to be quite tolerant and business casual implies polo shirts and the like, the East Coast tends to think of business casual as where we get to unbutton our suits.

TTFN

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RE: interview dress code for engineers

Just read Calguy's post.

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

As to age/generation gaps.  I'm in my early 30's.  When I interview I prefer to wear a suit but will sometimes go shirt & tie no jacket for climate reasons (or if my suit doesn't fit).  When I'm the interviewer (which occasionally happens) I expect the interviewee to be wearing a suit, or at least shirt & tie.  To not do so shows me, my company and the potential job a lack of respect.  This even though my actual office is very business casual.  A younger applicant not wearing a suite might also suggest immaturity and give the impression they don't really care.

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 itwinky smile.

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RE: interview dress code for engineers

I add to Kenat's opinion, and I can say that I significantly reduce the mean age for this pro-suit crowd smile.  

peace
Fe

RE: interview dress code for engineers

At my last interview (for my current job), my future boss commented on my dress, and that they were much more casual in their workplace.  I responded that I figured as much, but I thought it would be disrespectful to them and the firm that sent me to show up for an interview in anything less.  That opened up a whole avenue of interesting conversation.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

Good comments, Tick.

IRStuff...a little ZZ Top to get one's perspective right!! Does that include being as clean shaven as they are?lol

 

RE: interview dress code for engineers

Tick actually makes a point, if you do end up feeling over dressed, or it you think maybe the interviewer has issue with it you can always say something like Tick did.  I'm not sure how easy it would be to turn up in Beachwear and try to explain the opposite direction.

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RE: interview dress code for engineers

KENAT-

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

Being older generation, I believe that if you want to be impotent you should look impotent.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

On my last two job interviews, I wore a charcoal gray pinstripe wool suit with shiny shoes.  Both were in very casual offices (FL and CO), where ties are generally greeted by "Going to a funeral today, or to court?"  The first one involved a visit to one of their local construction projects, and I don't know whether it helped me or hurt me to have gotten out of the truck to examine the soil in the aforementioned shiny shoes.  Got both jobs however, and I can still fit into that suit 27 years later, though the pants are a bit tighter.  I don't wear suits out very fast.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

There can never be too many threads discussing fashionable attire in an engineering forum. It balances out the geeky, boring stuff.  

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: interview dress code for engineers

I'm also pro-suit, and in my upper-20's. I put "suit" on my gift list for holidays shortly after starting college. In my opinion, a traditional (i.e. timeless) suit should be made a standard graduation present for high school.

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

Hey Cass...but if we dressed like you, would we get the job?lol  It's easy for you to look good...we need all the help we can get!

RE: interview dress code for engineers

Suit and tie, for sure.  You can't wear the uniform until you make the team.

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

Good advice, Cass.  As socially inept as we are, polishing makes a whole lot of sense.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

MechEng,

It should be a cane, not a stick. You'll never become a PMP without your cane.

RE: interview dress code for engineers

  Personally , I think steel toe boots and clean jeans are appropriate  but then my idea of engineering and project management may not suit everyone..... a suit would definitely be out of order for some of my interviews

RE: interview dress code for engineers

I have one of those engineering jobs where most days jeans, the ubiquitous plaid shirt(my favorite color, of course), and boots or deck shoes...never socks!; are the uniform of the day.  I also have depositions (socks, khakis, long sleeves, jacket), and court (conservative suit, white shirt, small pattern tie).

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

One guy I heard of went to the interview in shorts and tshirt. He got the job, but it was for a company making custom bickles in CA- different corporate culture than most. I where a suit and tie for interviews and at least shirt and tie for the first day until I get a feel fot what is the custom.

Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net

RE: interview dress code for engineers

I've always worn a suit and tie. Then on the first few days, till I feel everything out, I wear nice pants, a nice button down shirt, and a tie.

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

Also part of my interview "uniform":
  • 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

vc66, I had the same conversation with my boss first day here!

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.

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RE: interview dress code for engineers

Thetick has it right.  If it feels odd at the interview, well then make some conversation up.  That only gets your vibe out there in the open to the person you are talking to.  I feel like most engineers are pretty interesting to talk to, but maybe a bit more on the shy side or reserved side.  So it brings up a way to talk about something else.  I have sat on so many interviews in my suits and ties while the owner was just relaxed in jeans or whatever.

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

I wonder, if going to a job where you might need to do site work or similar stuff that a suit might not be suitable (excuse the pun) for would carrying a separate boiler suit/coverall and pair of steel toed boots be an option?

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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."

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

I'm not even sure where I would go to find a $2000 suit.  The most expensive suit, of any kind, being the tux I wore for my wedding, only cost about $250 at the time.

TTFN

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