Interview, but no suits/jackets allowed

INeedSpeed · Aug 4, 2008

Hey all been reading these forums a while and decided to register for some help. I have an internship interview along with others in two weeks, but right after they are taking us to the desert to see some sites according to the orientation guy. He said not to wear suits or jackets, but he also said dress nicely.

I've used the search and most of the interview posts suggests suits or at least jackets, but that's not an option for me. The other jobs I've had were starting positions at fast food and retail where I went in with Khaki+Polo for the interviews. What should I wear? I had dress pants, button down shirt, and dress shoes in mind, but does color matter much for interviews? If it helps the company does research in various environmental fields and I'll be at the offices helping to file/store the information gathered if I get the position.

incastoutcast · Aug 4, 2008

It can certainly depend - and sometimes a call to HR is quite acceptable. I'd say, if it were me, I'd go with (as it seems this is summer, and in the desert) my best khakis, a blue cotton dress shirt, or white, depending on your complexion and eye color, and possibly a tie. If I wore a tie, I'd certainly consider a tie-clip, as it can step the formality down a little, and hold it down in desert winds... If I was feeling comfortable and daring, I'd probably wear Clark's desert boots...

but that's really up to you. Hope this helps... Peter

JordanB · Aug 4, 2008

Wear a blue dress shirt and wool dress pants - not khakis. It is similar, but will look a bit more formal. For the pants, either charcoal or tan.

For the shoes - wear black lace-ups. Don't wear loafers to an interview (makes you look like a "loafer"). The belt should match the shoes and the socks should match the pants.

And, as suggested, it doesn't hurt to call HR.

JordanB · Aug 4, 2008

Oh, and don't wear a tie. It looks awful without a jacket. You will look like a 12 year old attending his friend's Bar Mitzvah (or a low level Dilbert employee).

Twotone · Aug 4, 2008

No tie with a short sleeve shirt.

Twotone

imatlas · Aug 4, 2008

Originally Posted by Twotone

No tie with a short sleeve shirt. Twotone
Never wear a short sleeve shirt to an interview, unless you're applying to be the assistant manager of a McDonald's.

cvac · Aug 4, 2008

Wear the dress pants, long sleeve BD shirt, and dress shoes. Make sure the belt matches your shoes.

Enfo · Aug 4, 2008

I'd take a jacket anyway and just carry it when you get out doors.

It'll show that you take the interview serious.

and I disagree about the shirt/tie with no jacket. If everything fits you, you will look fine. If the shirt looks like the top of a mushroom coming out your pants and the tie is cheap, it won't work.

LabelKing · Aug 4, 2008

How about a khaki suit?

emmanuel · Aug 4, 2008

Originally Posted by JordanB

Oh, and don't wear a tie. It looks awful without a jacket. You will look like a 12 year old attending his friend's Bar Mitzvah (or a low level Dilbert employee).

i disagree. if you pay attention to fit and tie width you can pull it off.

SkinnyGoomba · Aug 4, 2008

you're going to the desert.

hmm, a Panama hat, linen pants and a linen jacket....definetly no tie.

HomerJ · Aug 5, 2008

Originally Posted by imatlas

Never wear a short sleeve shirt to an interview, unless you're applying to be the assistant manager of a McDonald's.
Never say never. I'd wear a short sleeve shirt with a skinny tie for an interview with NASA.

BBRex · Aug 5, 2008

Linen pants, dirty bucks, white OCBD or perhaps a nice short-sleeved knit shirt. I wouldn't wear a suit or jacket if they specifically told you not to. As someone said above a call to HR might be in order.

grimslade · Aug 5, 2008

A white cotton dress shirt, well-pressed, no tie, and dress slacks.

smoothie · Aug 5, 2008

Originally Posted by Enfo

I'd take a jacket anyway and just carry it when you get out doors.

It'll show that you take the interview serious.

and I disagree about the shirt/tie with no jacket. If everything fits you, you will look fine. If the shirt looks like the top of a mushroom coming out your pants and the tie is cheap, it won't work.

And it also shows you don't follow instructions.

Interview, but no suits/jackets allowed

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