truthbetold Posted December 1, 2012 Posted December 1, 2012 Is it ever a mistake for a man to wear a tie on an interview? My husband is in the trades and although extreme casual dress in the norm, is a tie really overkill for an interview situation? He plans to wear a camelhair sport jacket with dockers and collared shirt. I thought a tie would be good even though that's not the norm for the job. I gotta admit I'm out of my element here. I'm in healthcare and having various jobs whether I'm hands on or in an office I always wear a suit interviewing. So I don't want him to be overdressed of course and them to think he's overqualified, but I also would rather him error on the side of caution. I've been reading that even if a tie wouldn't be worn on the job it shows seriousness in the position. My son however thinks it's overkill but he's of the younger generation!
2sure Posted December 1, 2012 Posted December 1, 2012 As a rule , you don't want to go to an interview dressed more formally than management. It sounds like your husband is right on target. 5
Author truthbetold Posted December 1, 2012 Author Posted December 1, 2012 As a rule , you don't want to go to an interview dressed more formally than management. It sounds like your husband is right on target. Thank you! that makes sense. He'd want to fit in, but not look like he's trying to upstage. It's just confusing when many sources say for the men to always wear a tie. But it's not the norm in this industry.
TheFinalWord Posted December 7, 2012 Posted December 7, 2012 Is it ever a mistake for a man to wear a tie on an interview? My husband is in the trades and although extreme casual dress in the norm, is a tie really overkill for an interview situation? He plans to wear a camelhair sport jacket with dockers and collared shirt. I thought a tie would be good even though that's not the norm for the job. I gotta admit I'm out of my element here. I'm in healthcare and having various jobs whether I'm hands on or in an office I always wear a suit interviewing. So I don't want him to be overdressed of course and them to think he's overqualified, but I also would rather him error on the side of caution. I've been reading that even if a tie wouldn't be worn on the job it shows seriousness in the position. My son however thinks it's overkill but he's of the younger generation! I agree, always dress up for an interview. First impressions count. For me, I never want anything about my appearance or preparedness to raise a question to management in an interview. I always have my hair cut, fresh pressed suit, tie, and polished shoes. Also, have a couple extra resumes and business cards on hand. He'll be all set
PhillyDude Posted December 7, 2012 Posted December 7, 2012 I agree, always dress up for an interview. First impressions count. For me, I never want anything about my appearance or preparedness to raise a question to management in an interview. I always have my hair cut, fresh pressed suit, tie, and polished shoes. Also, have a couple extra resumes and business cards on hand. He'll be all set The interviewer never sees your shoes:laugh:
TheFinalWord Posted December 7, 2012 Posted December 7, 2012 (edited) The interviewer never sees your shoes:laugh: I'm confused? Don't they normally greet you in the waiting room? Or if it's a second interview, often you will be taken around to meet a variety of managers and potential colleagues. With dress, it's less about intense observation and more about sub-conscious impression. Many people won't notice small details such as polished shoes...if the shoes are polished and well kept. But if you walk in with raggedy shoes, there is an increased chance it will stand out to a potential manager. It's sort of an eye sore, and for many employers indicates that you are not 100% serious. Looking your best shows you pay attention to detail, which employers like. It's one thing to list "detail-oriented" on a resume, but quite another to show your actions back it up. A boss is not going to say "okay, I am going to check this guys shoes". But if they are messy, it will stand out to him, maybe even sub-consciously, and he or she will take note. Or you will just seem second best, subconsciously, compared to a competitor who does go that extra mile. You want to leave no chance of a bad first impression on the interview. Especially things that are well withing your power to control, like clothing. Probably matters more in white collar jobs though. But here is my philosophy: I leave nothing to chance and do not want modifiable factors to hinder my job potential. I assume, that my competition for the job leaves no stone unturned. Often they do, which gives me (or you if you take this advice) an advantage, but I never assume it. Before I go into an interview, I visualize the day...what could happen. I also think about a competitor. What they may have to offer. I know that many people don't care about polished shoes, haircut...even small things like wearing a red tie which is associated with "power" with a grey suit which indicates professional but yet upbeat. Small details like that register subconsciously, and can give you an advantage. I know it work b/c I've tested it many times and just took a job intended for someone with 5+ years more experience If a competitor comes into the job dressed better that will stand out, probably subconsciously, to an employer. Clothing is something I can easily change, so I do not let that be a factor that goes against me. Same with preparedness. I assume my competitor has researched the company (history, culture, mission/vision), has extra resumes, business cards, and has a list of pre-developed questions to ask for the end of the interview. Many people do not do these basic things, which automatically gives me a competitive advantage. I will take it. I hope the other guy doesn't polish up. One more detail in my favor I won't let a competitor get an edge on me from a appearance or preparedness angle. Just me though Edited December 7, 2012 by TheFinalWord
PhillyDude Posted December 7, 2012 Posted December 7, 2012 I'm confused? Don't they normally greet you in the waiting room? Or if it's a second interview, often you will be taken around to meet a variety of managers and potential colleagues. With dress, it's less about intense observation and more about sub-conscious impression. Many people won't notice small details such as polished shoes...if the shoes are polished and well kept. But if you walk in with raggedy shoes, there is an increased chance it will stand out to a potential manager. It's sort of an eye sore, and for many employers indicates that you are not 100% serious. Looking your best shows you pay attention to detail, which employers like. It's one thing to list "detail-oriented" on a resume, but quite another to show your actions back it up. A boss is not going to say "okay, I am going to check this guys shoes". But if they are messy, it will stand out to him, maybe even sub-consciously, and he or she will take note. Or you will just seem second best, subconsciously, compared to a competitor who does go that extra mile. You want to leave no chance of a bad first impression on the interview. Especially things that are well withing your power to control, like clothing. Probably matters more in white collar jobs though. But here is my philosophy: I leave nothing to chance and do not want modifiable factors to hinder my job potential. I assume, that my competition for the job leaves no stone unturned. Often they do, which gives me (or you if you take this advice) an advantage, but I never assume it. Before I go into an interview, I visualize the day...what could happen. I also think about a competitor. What they may have to offer. I know that many people don't care about polished shoes, haircut...even small things like wearing a red tie which is associated with "power" with a grey suit which indicates professional but yet upbeat. Small details like that register subconsciously, and can give you an advantage. I know it work b/c I've tested it many times and just took a job intended for someone with 5+ years more experience If a competitor comes into the job dressed better that will stand out, probably subconsciously, to an employer. Clothing is something I can easily change, so I do not let that be a factor that goes against me. Same with preparedness. I assume my competitor has researched the company (history, culture, mission/vision), has extra resumes, business cards, and has a list of pre-developed questions to ask for the end of the interview. Many people do not do these basic things, which automatically gives me a competitive advantage. I will take it. I hope the other guy doesn't polish up. One more detail in my favor I won't let a competitor get an edge on me from a appearance or preparedness angle. Just me though Yes but when I shook hands with a interviewer they never looked down at my shoes. They look at your face and clothes.
TheFinalWord Posted December 7, 2012 Posted December 7, 2012 Yes but when I shook hands with a interviewer they never looked down at my shoes. They look at your face and clothes. You assumed friend You can tell a lot about a man by his shoes...especially if they don't match his belt. I'm sure you're fine though Just advice. Best of luck with the job!!
PhillyDude Posted December 7, 2012 Posted December 7, 2012 You assumed friend You can tell a lot about a man by his shoes...especially if they don't match his belt. I'm sure you're fine though Just advice. Best of luck with the job!! Belt??? How does the interviewer see your belt?
TheFinalWord Posted December 7, 2012 Posted December 7, 2012 Belt??? How does the interviewer see your belt? Depends what you are wearing. What kind of job you going for friend? Common suit etiquette: when you are standing you button the top bottom of the suit jacket only (if it's a three button, you can do top two, never bottom button on any suit). Before taking a seat, you unbutton your jacket. As you undue the button, the belt will be seen. Also, when you stand back up, you again button the top button, and the belt is seen during this time. If the interview includes a informal portion, such as meal you should not button the jacket as it appears prudish. These are all forms of etiquette. Buttoning all suit jacket buttons or sitting with jacket buttoned is bad form. But again, depends on the job. It is good to learn these small nuances, b/c the more professional the job, the more etiquette will matter.
PhillyDude Posted December 7, 2012 Posted December 7, 2012 Depends what you are wearing. What kind of job you going for friend? Common suit etiquette: when you are standing you button the top bottom of the suit jacket only (if it's a three button, you can do top two, never bottom button on any suit). Before taking a seat, you unbutton your jacket. As you undue the button, the belt will be seen. Also, when you stand back up, you again button the top button, and the belt is seen during this time. If the interview includes a informal portion, such as meal you should not button the jacket as it appears prudish. These are all forms of etiquette. Buttoning all suit jacket buttons or sitting with jacket buttoned is bad form. But again, depends on the job. It is good to learn these small nuances, b/c the more professional the job, the more etiquette will matter. Every interview I went on unless I'm asked, the suit jacket stays on so it's no way the interviewer can see my belt
TheFinalWord Posted December 8, 2012 Posted December 8, 2012 Re-read post you're answering. Yes, your jacket stays on. The poster is explaining the etiquette of buttoning/unbuttoning the jacket which is when your belt can be seen. Not whether it stays on or not. He's right and you've missed the whole point. It's cool I've learned a while back that all you can do on this site is give your opinion. Some will listen (largely the ones that already agreed with you), most will ignore. If you want to waste a colossal amount of energy, try to change someone's mind Only two ways to learn things: 1) from personal experience, 2) from someone elses experiences (wisdom). Most people pick option 1. More painful, but a better teacher...largely of humility.
TheFinalWord Posted December 8, 2012 Posted December 8, 2012 Every interview I went on unless I'm asked, the suit jacket stays on so it's no way the interviewer can see my belt That's cool. You know your industry better than me. Hope the job works out!
dasein Posted December 8, 2012 Posted December 8, 2012 Vote for wear a tie on any interview, no matter the job. I don't see anyone interpreting a tie as putting on airs, and you never know when a prospective employer is also interviewing for higher positions, even management. A tie says lots of subtle things about a prospect, none of them negative. When I was very young, I went to an interview for a less formal position and ended up being interviewed for a higher one, didn't get it, but was glad I had a tie on.
ASG Posted December 17, 2012 Posted December 17, 2012 It depends on the job though. No one in my field would be taken seriously if they showed up for an interview with a tie! NO ONE! The only acceptable time where men wear a suit in my job is on Press Night!
skydiveaddict Posted December 17, 2012 Posted December 17, 2012 Is it ever a mistake for a man to wear a tie on an interview? My husband is in the trades and although extreme casual dress in the norm, is a tie really overkill for an interview situation? If he's going in for a "formal" interview in an office, the tie is the way to go. If He's just showing up at a job site, being interviewed by a Foreman, then work clothes are ok. I've been reading that even if a tie wouldn't be worn on the job it shows seriousness in the position. True. My first interview for a wind turbine tech job was in an office. I wore a coat and tie. I got the job. They told me one of the reasons I got hired was that I showed enough integrity to show up well dressed. 1
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