Academic Job Talk -- What to Wear?

[Cornellian]

I would say sport coat. A suit is too formal unless it's a more professional oriented department (b-school, law).

I work with people who wear sandals to work (what happen to the puke icon?).

 

[AldenPyle]

In B-schools, a suit. In economics and poli sci, a suit. In sociology, a sports coat and tie. Psych professors are mostly crazy, so its impossible to say.

 

[Quebec1977]

I'm political scientist and assistant professor in a Communication Dept in Canada. Without any doubt, wear a suit and tie. Most conservative colour and pattern are not mandatory, but don't flash.

And don't forget to shine your shoes.

 

[voxsartoria]

If you are brilliant, wear anything that you like...in fact, the weirder, the better.

If you are not, dress a little better than your audience, but not much better.


- B

 

[LynahFaithful]

In the 30+ years I have worked in academia, I have never heard "appearance" or how a candidate was dressed ever discussed when evaluating candidates. Faculty are truly most interested in what you will bring to the department and how your interests and what you have accomplished will make them better. However, I recommend wearing a well fitting suit for a B-School interview on all days (don't wear the same one twice) and for the other jobs a suit the first day and a sport coat and slacks on succeeding days.

Once you get hired (and particularly after you get tenure) all bets are off.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

If you are brilliant, wear anything that you like...in fact, the weirder, the better.

If you are not, dress a little better than your audience, but not much better.


- B

Sound advice for most professions.

 

[AldenPyle]

Originally Posted by JayJay

Sound advice for most professions.

But not for this one.

 

[SFEND002]

Originally Posted by LynahFaithful

In the 30+ years I have worked in academia, I have never heard "appearance" or how a candidate was dressed ever discussed when evaluating candidates. Faculty are truly most interested in what you will bring to the department and how your interests and what you have accomplished will make them better. However, I recommend wearing a well fitting suit for a B-School interview on all days (don't wear the same one twice) and for the other jobs a suit the first day and a sport coat and slacks on succeeding days.

Once you get hired (and particularly after you get tenure) all bets are off.


Nailed it. Its not about what you wear, but I am sure you can figure that out.

 

[Asch]

All right, I'll definitely go with a conservative suit and tie for b-school talks, if I'm lucky enough to get any invitations. Still undecided about social-science talks. As a grad student, I never saw any candidates wear even a tie to job talks, so I'm afraid that a full suit and tie may look too business-y, but at the same time, I agree that it's good to err on the side of formality, so I'll probably go with sport coat + tie (if, again, I have the opportunity).

Everyone is correct that most academics are terribly dressed and won't consciously notice anything about, say, fit, but dress can still affect the audience's overall perception of a candidate, even if they can't articulate how it does. I simply want to look appropriate for the role and otherwise not have my clothing noticed.

 

[Big A]

I just asked the better half, who is a professor on the interview committee at a top university, and she said for social sciences a sportcoat, tie, and khaki pants are fine. She couldn't say for b-school, but I'd guess it's slightly more formal (perhaps office pants are required).

 

[DrCheap]

Having seen a few dozen job talks across the humanities and social sciences, as well as having done a fair number myself, a suit is never a bad idea. Sportcoat or blazer and slacks/pants works well also. Ties are almost always optional. I have not worn a tie in well over a decade, including paid public speaking engagements, major conferences, and interviews. More important than the level of dress is that they fit well, look clean/pressed (as appropriate), and are nice for whatever tier of attire you choose. Don't look sloppy and you're generally safe.

Being smart, confident, and affable while simultaneously displaying respect for your future colleagues and the right to have their respect will win out over attire (almost) every time.