Business Casual Job interview.

I just got my schedule for my upcoming interview with Nieman Marcus. On day one we get drug tested and then have a bus tour and dinner at Chuy's in Dallas. (The resturant is a tex-mex place that seems pretty casual.) My question is what is approriate business casual wear for that day? It it just dress slacks and a button down shirt? Or should i be in a tie? Or blazer sans tie? What do you think i know its always better to overdress than under dress but this interview is all about fitting in so i would like your guys opinions.

Originally Posted by demeis

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I just got my schedule for my upcoming interview with Nieman Marcus. On day one we get drug tested and then have a bus tour and dinner at Chuy's in Dallas. (The resturant is a tex-mex place that seems pretty casual.) My question is what is approriate business casual wear for that day? It it just dress slacks and a button down shirt? Or should i be in a tie? Or blazer sans tie? What do you think i know its always better to overdress than under dress but this interview is all about fitting in so i would like your guys opinions.

If you'll be meeting with the people who will decide whether to hire you, I'd suggest you wear at least a tie. If it's your first meeting with them, a suit. Ideally, you'll look comfortable enough in your clothing that it will be no big thing. And you can always remove your jacket later, if you feel it's appropriate.

I'd play it safe and go with the suit. Your relaxed and fun (but still professional) demeanor will make you fit in.

Is it more than a 1-day interview process? If so, call your host, and ask what the appropriate dress is for each day.

M8

This will be my second meeting with them. Its a two day interview. The first is listed as buiness casual the second day as business professional. here is part of the schedule they sent me.

"Assessment Agenda- Wednesday, May 3, 2006
12:00pm\t\tDrug screening begins\t\t\tHotel Suite
\t\t\t
2:20pm\t\t\tMeet in hotel lobby\t\t\tBusiness Casual \t

2:30pm\t\t\tBus Tour

6:00pm\t\t\tDinner\t\t\t\t\tChuy’s
\t\t\t

Thursday, May 4, 2006

8:45am\t\t\tBreakfast in The Fresh Market\t\tBusiness Professional
\t\t\t
9:20am \t\t\tStore Tour

10:30am\t\tAssessment Begins\t

4:15pm\t\t\tWrap-up

4:30pm\t\t\tDepart for Airport"

So i'm looking more for what business casual is i know a suit will be to much.

That extra info is very helpful. I'd still recommend a sportcoat and tie. A dark knit, maybe, if you want to keep it casual.

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

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That extra info is very helpful. I'd still recommend a sportcoat and tie. A dark knit, maybe, if you want to keep it casual.

Heres what i'm thinking right now, Some type of pattern shirt, possibly something with color, tie, medium grey or charcoal trousers, navy blazer and brown shoes? I'll probibly post my outfits to get forum approval

I'm thinking more fun first day, something more "fashionable" but still in line and more serious for the next day

Okay, now that I have seen your itinerary: For the first day you want to look "preppy", but high quality preppy. Nice polo, khakis, etc. Maybe Daniel Cremieux type stuff. Chuy's is a laid back kinda place for dining. If they were taking you to a place like Abacus, then I would worry about dress. If evaluators are going to be with you at dinner, you'd better brush up on your table manners, and dinner conversation ability. They may gage how you interact with the other candidates.

The second day, definitley a business suit.

I am not sure how familiar you are with Dallas, but people there dress. Especially women. It's Texas hair, hard bodies, and nails for most of them, plus boob jobs. Especially the ones that shop at NM. I am dead serious.

Good grooming there for men and women, they are not the slobs that they consider us to be down here in Houston.

M8

What kind of position are you interviewing for? Store Management? Buying?

Wait -- they're doing drug screening ON SITE? Hello. What the hell is that?

I'd wear a sportcoat and tie. Business casual is a grey area, but better to err on the slightly more formal side, I think, since it is an interview. I'd wear a knit tie, which is a little more casual.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Margaret

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What kind of position are you interviewing for? Store Management? Buying?

Wait -- they're doing drug screening ON SITE? Hello. What the hell is that?


Its for their executive management program. They do their drug testing ahead of time, which will work out for me i think, considering most college students enjoy 4/20 as a holiday which i can say is pretty lame. It also saves them from hiring someone who then fails the drug test and we were never told about this and its 2 weeks away so no time for those to prepare which i think is nice for me

This interview is going to be just on me. Second interview generally are they have chosen the people who are qualified now i have to impress them with social skills. Table manners not a problem i'm big on that dinner conversation not should be ok.

So heres my tenetive dress
Navy 3B trussini Blazer
Medium Grey Riviera Trousers Might switch these for Khaki
Brown Soft Collections Belt
Borrelli Shirt (whether it be real or not)
Thinking Brioni Paisley tie, (its orange with green, blue, pink paisley very nice)
and Martegani shoes http://www.francos.com/items/item.asp?sku5=93971

Originally Posted by Margaret

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What kind of position are you interviewing for? Store Management? Buying?

Wait -- they're doing drug screening ON SITE? Hello. What the hell is that?

That's common nowadays. Background checks too.

M8

Originally Posted by Martinis at 8

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That's common nowadays. Background checks too.

M8

Not to mention them paying students to look at peoples Facebook accounts or checking myspace or friendster for more info.

Also this is my second trip to Dallas, the first i wasn't to impressed with other candidates dress, but dress makes up so little of the interview anyhow but i think it counts more in this one than the last.

Different culture from where you are at now. Get ready for that it you move to Dallas.

I do like the city. There are some great eateries and entertainment venues. It's on my locus of travel, though less than what it used to be.

Good luck!

M8

Originally Posted by Martinis at 8

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Different culture from where you are at now. Get ready for that it you move to Dallas.

I do like the city. There are some great eateries and entertainment venues. It's on my locus of travel, though less than what it used to be.

Good luck!

M8

Thanks, I only got to see downtown, and from what i understand they are working on bringing life back down there. I heard the West Side is a good place to go but sadly could not fit it into my schedule the last time. hopefully the tour will show me more of my city, but def coult see myself living there, not to southern actually somewhat nothern but with a southern charm.