Anyone ever not able to dress business casual for an interview?

[taktikz]

About 2 years ago, I was in the process of moving from a city that was 4 hours away(by car). I still had things in my old house, but had thought I had my business casual/formal attire with me. I applied for jobs while here, and within hours I get a phone call saying that they'd like to interview me for the next day. This was already late at night, around 8-9pm. When I realized I had left all my business/formal attire in my old house, I didn't know what to do. I was low on cash and didn't know my way around anywhere..... I decided to show up to the interview wearing jeans and a polo shirt. I explained my situation, and still got the job.
Reason I probably got the job was because I didn't let it get to me...I had the either you take it or leave it attitude..

My question is, has anything similar ever happend to anyone? (Besides Will Smith in the Pursuit of Happyness)

 

[fongstar]

One time I went to a business conference about 4 hours away. But, I couldn't find my dress shoes in time to make the last train there on time. So I figured that I'd just buy some shoes once I got there. Unfortunately for me - the bus that picked us up went straight to hotel and we had to suit up for wine and cheese immediately. I went down with running shoes and a suit -- yup, you heard right. In fact, I didn't have free time until the second day to buy a pair.

Worst experience ever. But, it was a great icebreaker story. Look at the bright side

haha.

Gotta work with what you've got!!

 

[JayJay]

I arrived around midnight to a conference in Tulsa, OK for a speaking engagement at 8 the next morning. To my horror, I had forgotten to pack my dress shirts. I ended up wearing a sport shirt with my suit and tie.

 

[GBR]

Despite pretentious thoughts here and on other web boards, many employers' representatives are actually HUMAN and understand that event may preclude the perceived norm.

It can happen to every one of us so rather than consider the clothes - listen to what is said - that would be a fine change.

 

[Metlin]

I got a call once to take the next flight out to the client, and this was a very formal east coast client (suit and tie). I had just gotten home the past weekend from another engagement and ALL my suits were at the dry cleaners. So, I booked the tickets, rushed to a store and got suit separates but forgot to pack enough dress shirts.

As the week drew near an end, my dress code went from bad to worse. Of course, the client understood and was even joking about it.

Another similar story was a colleague with blue streaks in her hair was sent from a very casual client to a very formal client without any advance notice. The story is that the client insisted that she go get her hair dyed that very day.

 

[taktikz]

Glad most of you, like me, had a positive experience. Keep those stories coming...

 

[beny]

For which industry was your interview? I know if anybody dressed like that for an interview at my firm, the resume would go straight in the bin... but, then again, we are pretty white-shoed and blue-blooded.

 

[Milhouse]

When I was interviewing for my first job out of undergrad, I was specifically told not to dress up, that the environment was casual due to the combination of office and field work. I wore khakis and a polo, and that was perfectly acceptable. I was interviewed by someone wearing jeans and steel toe boots.

 

[TxdoHawk]

About the worst I've had to do so far is wear black dress slacks in place of a suit's matching pair of trousers. Thankfully, when you work in IT, being able to dress yourself already puts you ahead of 80% of your competition.

 

[taktikz]

Originally Posted by beny

For which industry was your interview? I know if anybody dressed like that for an interview at my firm, the resume would go straight in the bin... but, then again, we are pretty white-shoed and blue-blooded.

It was in the Telecom/Sales industry. What industry is your firm in?

 

[taktikz]

Originally Posted by Milhouse

When I was interviewing for my first job out of undergrad, I was specifically told not to dress up, that the environment was casual due to the combination of office and field work. I wore khakis and a polo, and that was perfectly acceptable. I was interviewed by someone wearing jeans and steel toe boots.

I was told the same, "don't dress up, just dress casual". Since it was basically my first job interview where I'm told to not dress up, I'm actually thinking it's okay to show up in jeans.. This was also basically my first job in the US right after HighSchool... So I basically misunderstood the attire required, and although I tried dressing up anyway, I didn't have the proper clothing with me.

 

[beny]

Originally Posted by taktikz

It was in the Telecom/Sales industry. What industry is your firm in?

Investment banking.

Since you're getting a job out of high school, not college, I'd imagine that dress is a lot more relaxed...

 

[vincerich]

Originally Posted by taktikz

About 2 years ago, I was in the process of moving from a city that was 4 hours away(by car). I still had things in my old house, but had thought I had my business casual/formal attire with me. I applied for jobs while here, and within hours I get a phone call saying that they'd like to interview me for the next day. This was already late at night, around 8-9pm. When I realized I had left all my business/formal attire in my old house, I didn't know what to do. I was low on cash and didn't know my way around anywhere..... I decided to show up to the interview wearing jeans and a polo shirt. I explained my situation, and still got the job.
Reason I probably got the job was because I didn't let it get to me...I had the either you take it or leave it attitude..

My question is, has anything similar ever happend to anyone? (Besides Will Smith in the Pursuit of Happyness)

Haha. Great movie and great entertainer

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by vincerich

Haha. Great movie and great entertainer

And you had to bump a two year old thread to say this?

 

[elegantgentleman]

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

And you had to bump a two year old thread to say this?

Priceless!