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Ad Agency Interview - Attire Advice

TeeJayEe

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Hello all,

I've got an interview coming up in a few weeks at a notable ad agency in London. I won't name it but it's one of the more well known.

I'm seriously struggling on what to wear. I've been freelance for a few years so a little out of touch. The staff appear to be a bit of a mixed bag too, a fairly wide spectrum from what I'd call quite casual, to almost fully suited. The job is in account management.

I don't know whether to just go full suit and risk feeling too formal, but then I don't want to make the interview uncomfortable. Or contrast dress pants/blazer, sweater/shirt, tie/no tie. Or do I go suit without tie, but again, I can't help feel like that's a little too 'estate agency' rather than 'ad agency'?

I'm literally clueless here. Any suggestions?

Thanks
 

Makoto Chan

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Sounds like you should wear a suit (and a tie, of course). Dressing up is appropriate for your interview if nothing else, and you might learn that you can wear more casual clothes after you start working.

Personally, I am comfortable and confident in a suit. Are you not? If you're afraid it would make you uncomfortable and awkward in your interview, then I think it would be fine to wear a sports coat/jacket and a tie, but not a full matching suit. However, the suit would be better.
 
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TeeJayEe

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Ok thanks for the advice.

I'm comfortable in a suit if the setting is right, I'm just not very good at judging what setting that might be, especially when it's a grey area. I mean if I was interviewing in a bank or a law firm, then I'd be suited no question, I just think it can feel a little odd if, as the interviewee, one is dressed more formally than the interviewer.

I'll go suit.
 

TeeJayEe

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I was also considering the suit with "air tie", buttoned to the top. I'm incredibly slim (skinny as heck) and I pull it off, I'm just mildly concerned that the two guys at the top are well known, and well dressed. One rocks the air tie, the other, heavy framed tortoiseshell spectacles. I also wear heavy framed tortoiseshell spectacles. I feel by going in the above, I could inadvertently make quite an unfortunate spectacle of myself.
 

TeeJayEe

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What on earth am I talking about, of course I need to wear a suit. Having had some time to think about it, suit indeed seems the only option.

So, navy suit, white shirt, burgundy/crimson tie?
 

cptjeff

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What on earth am I talking about, of course I need to wear a suit. Having had some time to think about it, suit indeed seems the only option.

So, navy suit, white shirt, burgundy/crimson tie?


Perfect. London, so black shoes are even more of a must than usual.
 
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TeeJayEe

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Perfect. London, so black shoes are even more of a must than usual.


Oh completely.

Would a brogue be acceptable, or should I go for a plain captoe. Bearing in mind if the latter, I would need to purchase.
 

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