interview dress code for engineers 9

[westheimer1234]

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

 

[miningman]

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

 

[Ron]

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.

 

[PeterStock]

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

http://www.infotechpr.net

 

[vc66]

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

 

[TheTick]

Also part of my interview "uniform":
[ul][li]Fingernails trimmed but slightly soiled, just enough to look like I was doing real work[/li]
[li]Indelible grease stain on the back of my hand. Bruised knuckles are a plus.[/li]
[li]Sensible shoes that can walk through a mill[/li]
[li]Safety glasses and earplugs ready in breast pocket[/li]
[li]NOTEBOOK! Listen attentively and take lots of notes! Bonus points for having advance notes about the company where they can be seen.[/li]
[li]Low-cost USB memory stick or CD with work samples to leave behind[/li][/ul]

Be ready for anything, look good doing so, and don't be afraid to get your nice clothes dirty.

 

[KENAT]

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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[brandoncdg]

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

 

[KENAT]

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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[dgillette]

"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.

 

[IRstuff]

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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