bowtie for law firm interview?

[twosnapsandgo]

Originally Posted by Leverandon

Hey guys,

I'm interviewing for a law firm summer associateship position at a firm's Birmingham, Alabama office. I was thinking of wearing a bowtie to the interview. I am a regular bowtie wearer, but I usually wear them to church, parties, or casual Friday...not interviews. However, I was thinking that it might give me a little Southern style. I'm not from Alabama but in this legal market I'm applying all over and taking what I can get. Is the bowtie too goofy for an interview? Thoughts?

You answered your own question. Interviews ≠ Church parties + Casual Friday. Pretty logical right? You want the interviewer to focus on you and not your neck...

 

[intent]

The ONLY time it's questionably okay to wear a bowtie to a law firm interview would be to (I can't remember the name) this one law firm where they traditionally wear bow ties for photo ops. It may show that you bothered to learn their firm's history.

Even under that scenario it's risky.

 

[spoozy]

Unless your interviewer is an adept follower of the Church of Bow, don´t wear it.

Secure the job firs and bring out your stuff successively afterwards.

 

[bleachboy]

Originally Posted by Leverandon

Hey guys,

I'm interviewing for a law firm summer associateship position at a firm's Birmingham, Alabama office. I was thinking of wearing a bowtie to the interview. I am a regular bowtie wearer, but I usually wear them to church, parties, or casual Friday...not interviews. However, I was thinking that it might give me a little Southern style. I'm not from Alabama but in this legal market I'm applying all over and taking what I can get. Is the bowtie too goofy for an interview? Thoughts?

I dunno, man... is that you in your avatar photo? If so, I think the bow tie would do just fine, especially given that you're interviewing in the Deep South.

 

[alliswell]

Originally Posted by bleachboy

I dunno, man... is that you in your avatar photo? If so, I think the bow tie would do just fine, especially given that you're interviewing in the Deep South.

Pat don't play that. And there was little love lost for him in the South.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Leverandon

I figured so and I wouldn't even consider it in a different legal market, I just wondered if an old Southern law firm might appreciate the nod to days gone. I'll play it safe and pull out one of my standby conservative interview ties.
Good move.

 

[MBreinin]

It would not bother me if I were interviewing you. I would actually comment that I like the bow. However, I get strange looks and comments here at my office when I wear a bow, and I have been working here for over 4 years.

So, chances are it is safer to wear a regular tie. Of course, playing it safe will never get you anywhere in life...especially in this profession.

Mike

 

[luftvier]

Originally Posted by w.o.e.is.me.

Agree with all of the above. It's a bad idea. Dress well but also dress to fit in...until you're actually hired. Otherwise that is all you will be remembered for.
^True. They remember me at the firm where Woe works when I interviewed there 2 years ago, all because of a pocket square. It was a white TV fold. Note that I was not offered a job.

 

[landshark]

What kind of misconception of the south do you have?

 

[courty]

Originally Posted by MBreinin

It would not bother me if I were interviewing you. I would actually comment that I like the bow. However, I get strange looks and comments here at my office when I wear a bow, and I have been working here for over 4 years.

So, chances are it is safer to wear a regular tie. Of course, playing it safe will never get you anywhere in life...especially in this profession.

Mike

It would not bother me either. I may even have hired someone who interviewed in a bowtie when I worked at an Old Southern law firm. That said, play it safe for the interview - bland even. Save the bowtie until you are hired.

 

[mic]

Originally Posted by luftvier

^True. They remember me at the firm where Woe works when I interviewed there 2 years ago, all because of a pocket square. It was a white TV fold.

Note that I was not offered a job.

Holy crap. Listen to this man. I love bow ties and wear them fairly often, but I wouldn't even think of wearing one to an interview. Unless it was for a job as a clown.

 

[Alan B.]

Go for it! You need to set yourself apart from the crowd and show a bit of personality. It's a gamble but one I've taken many times with usually good results.

 

[crazyquik]

If you have to ask; play it safe.

I know one gentleman who exclusively wears bowties. And has never had trouble with jobs and such. But, he went to a top undergrad, a solid law school, and had solid achievements and grades at both. He was a candidate that would be desirable in any economy.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Regular tie = Law firm interview
Bow-tie = Cockfight

 

[markdc]

Originally Posted by Leverandon

Hey guys,

I'm interviewing for a law firm summer associateship position at a firm's Birmingham, Alabama office. I was thinking of wearing a bowtie to the interview. I am a regular bowtie wearer, but I usually wear them to church, parties, or casual Friday...not interviews. However, I was thinking that it might give me a little Southern style. I'm not from Alabama but in this legal market I'm applying all over and taking what I can get. Is the bowtie too goofy for an interview? Thoughts?

I worked at a Birmingham law firm for a summer, actually. I definitely saw them around quite a bit during summer of 2006, but I'm not sure I'd wear them to the interview. If you land the job, definitely feel free to go for it, though.