Dressing for an Interview
Dressing for an Interview
(OP)
Hey eng-tips,
So last I posted, I was very frustrated with my current employment situation and was thinking of leaving the company. Since then, I have been asked to attend an interview in the manufacturing engineering department of our company.
I work in the engineering department and our dress code is not regulated what so ever. Furthermore, as far as my supervisors are concerned, they are unaware of me seeking a placement within the manufacturing department. I usually wear jeans and a sweater or collard shirt to work.
Since I have an interview tomorrow morning in the manufacturing department I would like to make the best impression possible. The position itself is highly above my pay grade and technical background however I would still like to put my best foot forward (regardless of how little chance I have for landing the position).
How should I dress for this without raising too much suspicion within my own department?
I should also note that the manufacturing department is adjacent to the engineering department so the "go to the bathroom and change" trick wouldn't necessarily work for me here.
So last I posted, I was very frustrated with my current employment situation and was thinking of leaving the company. Since then, I have been asked to attend an interview in the manufacturing engineering department of our company.
I work in the engineering department and our dress code is not regulated what so ever. Furthermore, as far as my supervisors are concerned, they are unaware of me seeking a placement within the manufacturing department. I usually wear jeans and a sweater or collard shirt to work.
Since I have an interview tomorrow morning in the manufacturing department I would like to make the best impression possible. The position itself is highly above my pay grade and technical background however I would still like to put my best foot forward (regardless of how little chance I have for landing the position).
How should I dress for this without raising too much suspicion within my own department?
I should also note that the manufacturing department is adjacent to the engineering department so the "go to the bathroom and change" trick wouldn't necessarily work for me here.





RE: Dressing for an Interview
I would wear a nice pair of Dockers and a collared shirt, something a little nicer than normal, but nothing that would attract attention to what I was wearing.
"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."
Ben Loosli
RE: Dressing for an Interview
You can explain that away with a fictitious after work event if need be.
RE: Dressing for an Interview
good luck!
RE: Dressing for an Interview
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RE: Dressing for an Interview
In any case, it is never a bad idea to be seen to want to move ahead.
Don't be afraid to fail, just don't be afraid to try.
And your opportunity is likely an opportunity for some on in your department..... some companies seek always to recruit from outside and others are very strong on internal promotions.
Unless you have a real good reason to not want anyone to see you dressed up (a bit) and interviewing, your focus is on how you perform in the interview and not what everyone else is thinking.
JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
RE: Dressing for an Interview
Moving from department to department within a company isn't seen as a bad thing but good for the company, and is sometimes encouraged. The experience you've previously gained, and knowledge of the internal workings of the company, will be of advantage to the new department, and the company as a whole.
It's a good career move to move about the company gaining experience as it can lead to promotion to much higher levels. Dress for the interview is immaterial. Smart casual I'd say.
RE: Dressing for an Interview
I think it's important to clarify that this position I've applied for wasn't posted internally at all. I just heard about it through word of mouth and applied. I believe I got the interview for the sake of "keeping up appearances" that the company is looking to promote from within.
In engineering, the progressive mindset is frowned upon (or at least that's the impression I've gotten, which is why I am looking to move) and so I highly doubt that my supervisors are in the least bit aware of my application.
Regardless of all these circumstances I plan on putting my best foot forward. My meeting has been moved till the afternoon anyway, which gives me some time to calm down and collect myself (I become a nervous wreck during the interview process!).
Thanks again everyone.
RE: Dressing for an Interview
"In engineering, the progressive mindset is frowned upon (or at least that's the impression I've gotten, which is why I am looking to move) and so I highly doubt that my supervisors are in the least bit aware of my application."
If the mindset is among your peers - they can pound sand
If the mindset is among your leaders - run!
RE: Dressing for an Interview
One of many stressors that prompts a move on my part. Ideally I would like to stay in engineering and get to a position where I am constantly proving my analytical abilities and engineering "prowess", however within our department, it will be ten years before I ever get the slightest opportunity in that respect. I think I would opt to do a medical degree before spending 10 years of my life drafting!
RE: Dressing for an Interview
Designer of machine tools - user of modified screws
RE: Dressing for an Interview
RE: Dressing for an Interview
Myself and another individual (who sits behind me lol) were both asked to come in for an interview. Mine was an 9am. His was at 10am.
At 8:55am I leave to head to the conference room where my interview was to be held and walking there I see my interviewer(head of manufacturing) leaving his cubicle. I only assumed he was walking to the same place however when he saw me he said he was really busy and if we could reschedule for the afternoon. I of course said no problem and told him to give me a shout when he was ready for me.
9:45am rolls around and the guy who sits behind me heads for his interview and comes back after not finding him. I guess he gave a quick call to the head of manufacturing on his cell, and then headed down again for his interview which lasted half an hour.
Yesterday was a wash because I wasn't called in for the interview at all and I haven't received an email regarding it or any sort of notification.
I was very frustrated yesterday however I think this was what made up my mind that I need to leave this company. The disorganization and lack of common courtesy run very strong through all departments and enough is enough. My regret is that I've wasted 3 years on a company and I have even less technical knowledge than when I first started so finding another job is very difficult.
Wish me luck :)
RE: Dressing for an Interview
JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
RE: Dressing for an Interview
Thinking outside the box is discouraged, new ideas are discouraged, any type of change is highly discouraged. I feel like not only am I not getting paid enough for this job, but I'm also not gaining any useful experience or learning anything. I am desperately trying to get out as soon as possible. Good luck to you sir.
Peace,
LostHippie
RE: Dressing for an Interview
I just wanted to give and update and ask for some urgent advice from you all:
After my ordeal with the interview process, I was instructed by my father to send an email to my interviewer and cc HR saying that I am available for an interview whenever they are free if they still wish to continue the process. This way, in the future, I have something in writing to prove my interest in moving forward.
After doing so, an interview was held immediately, and consequently I got the position of a "Process Engineer" however the salary increase was very low to say the least.
Here is where I need your advice. It was explained to me that because I come from a design background and have no previous experience with manufacturing, I will start off at the lower end of the grade. That is fair.
I was told they tend to start off at the 85th percentile so over time as I improve, I have the ability to gain 100% of that salary grade. Also fair.
The problem is this:
I started off at Salary A. Salary grade 5. Assume 85th percentile.
I increased to Salary B. Salary grade 7. Assume 85th percentile. However, my increase from A-B was only 10%. Jumping two grades by my calculations should have put me at an increase of 30%.
I have now been offered a Salary C. Salary grade unknown however assume 8. Assume 85th percentile.
The difference between B-C is only 3.5%. I think I deserve more however the offer was made in such a manner to imply there is no room for negotiation.
I don't want what happened as far as unfair compensation to occur again. How should I position myself to get more (within reason) without closing this door of opportunity?
Thanks everyone.
RE: Dressing for an Interview
RE: Dressing for an Interview
RE: Dressing for an Interview
RE: Dressing for an Interview
An interview is where the employer and the applicant look each other over and each one tries to impress the other.
If they like each other they talk turkey.
On a planet far far away in another galaxy, if the company makes an offer, the applicant might say "Gosh!" and fall off his chair so amazed is he by the 1000% salary increase for next to no extra work.
But on this planet, management's one goal (their responsibility to the shareholders) is to screw the employee till the pips squeak.
The employee's responsibility is to keep from getting screwed worse than normal.
There is no:
There is:
- initial chit chat.
- a period of management BS about what a wonderful opportunity it is and how they were looking for Albert Einstein and offering wages comparable to Mickey Dees, which they think is fair.
- The applicant gets his turn at BS and says how dedicated he is, how he wants to learn. How interesting the job sounds. etc etc .
- Someone wakes up HR and they try out all those trick interview questions you saw on another thread.
- Management either decide they don't want you in which case the interview will end abruptly, leaving you wondering what happened.
- applicant dives in to ask about terms and conditions, holidays, sick days, company car, etc
- They make a bad offer anyway.
- The employer makes an offer.
- The applicant sucks his teeth and shakes his head a bit and looks at his shoes.
- Applicant accepts offer or Applicant rejects offer. Or more correctly, asks to see the offer in writing but tentatively agrees.
After having turned around what looked like a brush off into an interview I would hope you actually went through the negotiation stage.Or they think they have a bite and will launch into the "times are hard" speech they trot out any time they need to talk salary or bonus or pay rises/falls.
He says "Well, thanks for the interview anyway."
And maybe the Employer will up the offer and maybe he won't..
The way you now write you make it sound like they didn't ask, they just informed you. They have to make an offer and you have to accept or reject. Before they make the offer you explore and negotiate.
Of course they'll say you lack the qualifications. Their job at the interview is to make you seem like a charity case and your job is to make them think you are Albert Einstein and make them want to pay you big bucks.
You meet somewhere in the middle. Maybe.
You accept or reject.
There are no do-overs.
Did ask for a road map of how they would monitor progress? What the milestones are and KPIs?
Did you get an indication of what salary you would get when you proved out?
How long this would take?
If they made an offer and you accepted that's it.
Game over.
No complaints.
No whining.
No second guessing.
Whatever they offered, you accepted.
No one made you.
Suck it up.
JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
RE: Dressing for an Interview
Rule of thumb (and as a sound working principle):
Management are never fair.
They also lie. If they say the sky is blue, open the window and check.
This type of statement is SOP for management/employers/interviewers. If there was ever an interview at which management said "Wow, we were lucky to get you. (before the salary offer)!" listen for the music.
If they didn't think you could do the job they wouldn't make an offer.
Final rule, most important of all:
"If you want something , ask for it."
"If you don't ask, you don't get."
"If you didn't ask, you got what you deserved."
Clue: When they say "That's only fair, don't you agree?"
You say "No, I don't agree." and then you explain what you think is fair.
You don't simply roll over and agree with everything (anything) management say.
Most such statements are actually proposals, not statements of fact.
They want to see how you respond.
How you respond determines what they offer you.
If you say, yes, that's fair. They'll offer you bottom dollar.
JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
RE: Dressing for an Interview
At least next time do your homework on preparing for the interview and have a reason for why you are worth more for when you say you are worth more, they will ask you why and you should present a convincing argument in a confident convincing manner.
You should have cleared this with your current boss first so you could present your case from a position of strength.
Regards
Pat
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RE: Dressing for an Interview
Let me explain my situation better since I rushed the explanation for expediency sake.
What originally occurred was an external posting for a process engineer. I heard about it through another employee and both him and myself applied.
We were both promised interviews, however mine got "rescheduled" while he had his interview. Originally, I was not going to go after the position because I knew I was way too under qualified for it (it was a management position). After speaking with my father about the situation, I was advised to send an email to my interviewer, (the head of the manufacturing department), as well as HR expressing my interest in the job if they were still interested in me. In this way, I would have written proof that I was open to the idea of advancement in case that every came up in an evaluation in the future.
I went in the next day, wrote the email and sent it. Within the hour, the head of manufacturing called me in for the interview, which I had. During the interview, it was explained that he was looking for a "worker bee" and that I was under qualified for the management position. I was receptive since it would give me some background in manufacturing (primarily I have design...well, lets not kid ourselves, my background is in drafting)
Even still, the position he was interviewing me for was still a grade higher than what I am being paid. I didn't think anything would come of it but I got an offer today.
I didn't sign any papers but the offer was significantly lower than I expected. While a 3.54% increase may seem like an acceptable amount, to give perspective: 3.5% of 0 is not the same as 3.5% of 10. My point is that since my current salary is very low, the offer was almost laughable. Like I said however, I didn't sign any papers.
I didn't say anything as far as the offer that was made verbally to HR or the department head, however I did speak with both expressing how excited I was to work in manufacturing.
After reviewing the responses here and speaking with my father and little lady, I wrote a counter offer email which I think was more than fair.
The email basically consisted of me thanking them for the opportunity, why I felt I was qualified and I made a counter offer of about 7.1% from my current salary. This was to be granted after a 6 month evaluation so they have time to see I am what I say I am, and I don't feel like I am not being compensated.
At this point, if they can't accept that, I am unsure what my actions will be because its very demoralizing working for what you feel is scraps from the table.
RE: Dressing for an Interview
the problem with this whole situation was that this position was never official to begin with. It was a position created almost on a whim. It was not posted internally nor externally. The original position posted externally was what I applied to.
What I ended up being offered was for a position not even on the radar.
I would have, and always have asked permission to make sure I am always conducting myself professionally, however this whole scenario is hear-say. Nothing is written down formally. Even my offer had the wrong position title on it and I had to clarify what exactly they were offering me. Apparently I have a starting date of this coming Monday if accepted however that is now been changed to Wednesday...again by word of mouth!
At this point, I am doing my best to record and keep track of everything I am being told, and put it into writing when applicable so I have something to fall back on.
Like I have said time and again, the disorganization here is beyond words.
RE: Dressing for an Interview
This certainly implied you had actually taken on the new job.
It came across as a done deal and one you now wanted to whinge about.
But, in the new interpretation, it is an offer and you didn't accept but counter offered. Hence, you are doing way better than most.
And since what you managed to get was an interview for a job that didn't exist, and the job offered to you, you are way ahead of the game. Further ahead since yo haven't accepted it yet.
And, since you didn't accept their offer, your apparent griping is not griping, and is not only excusable, but an essential exercise in trying to place a value both on yourself and the job.
Sure, try to know something about the scales and grades but in the end this doesn't matter. You'll always end up comparing yourself to some a***hole who is promoted way beyond his capabilities and paid far more than he is worth.
In the end, grades and scales are an HR fiction.
A good deal is where both parties think they skinned the other. If you get a deal you are happy with, be happy.
In the end, your salary is what you and management agree it is. Management can always set aside the rules/grades/scales when they want and in individual "special circumstacnes (or pretend to; how many times have I heard the " times are hard but I've gone out of my way to get you a little bit extra out of the pot. But don't tell anyone because some people have had to take less." Be nice if it were true but they tell the same story to everyone, except the brown-noser who really does get a bigger share of the pot).
It doesn't matter if they can't meet your price for this job and if you don't accept their counter offer. It may not even be a genuine offer and the whole deal is constructed so you won't accept. It may be they should have interviewed you for the job that did exist and can't now because its been promised elsewhere. So this could simply be an appeasement exercise. Or a fact finder or both. They want to get your measure. Previously a worker bee, now showing signs of ambition.
But if it is or is not an offer, then this exercise has achieved some notable successes.
1) you have established to them that you have ambitions. That means they cannot simply consider you as someone who will simply accept the pay rises and promotions (or lack of either) as management see fit to give you. If they don't satisfy you, some other company might.
2) you have established that they do value you. They came up with an interview for a non existent job. You should think about this and what it tells you about how they perceive you. They certainly value you more than they pay you already.
So, it may be that they will not improve their offer nor come up with an alternative. They want you to not accept.
Why offer it?
Well, in some cases new jobs are designed to put "tenured" employees of base. I've seen that done. Can't dismiss the employee without cause. So offer a new job with a trial period. This is a new contract and they can then terminate at any time in the trial period without having to recompense the employee or offer them their old job back. (UK employment law obviously).
IF they are using it to appease you and find out something about you, it has cost them the interview time.
Or it is a genuine offer. So if you aren't happy with this they can up the offer or change the specification (its a made up job anyway so it can be whatever you can agree with them): they can "accessorise" this one, add functions or tamper with the job description until they can put together a job that you can both value at the sort of money you have asked for.
Or, this ends now with no job offer and no change. Except, you are now taken seriously and when they can find a job for you with the right package, you will be called.
Now note how different this is from the previous response.
One word makes all the difference:
JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com