Consulting Onsite Interview

[mcnuonuo]

I am having an onsite interview at a Consulting firm. It's not start up nor Big global consulting firm. But according to the leadership photos, they will have dark suits and white shirt and tie.

My current job doesn't require me to wear suits to work so I have limited amount of suits.
1. Solid Navy wool blend 2.Windowpane plaid Dark Navy wool 3. Dark Grey double breasted wool

Dropping no.3 for sure, i know solid color is a safe bet. The windowpane suit doesn't have too flashy patterns so i am not sure about that one. Below is the link:
http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/us-en/sho...ol-blazer.html

The question I have is about shoes. I read online and found that most people prefer black shoes but i only have this dark brown oxford: http://www.colehaan.com/lenox-hill-c...fords&start=81

Also for bags, i don't own leather briefcase and I am wondering if I will be fine with my wilson 257 in Tan.
http://www.filson.com/products/brief...aProduct=1019/

What do you think of this combination?

Also, anyone has any suggestions or tips for flying two hours for the interview and come back the same day? Do I wear the suits traveling or carry the suits?

Thank you!



I've been told that the shoes won't work. So I am going to pick up another pair:

But do that mean i should wear shoes with closed throats ?

What about these?
http://www.colehaan.com/cambridge-ba...91_color=Black
http://www.amazon.com/Cole-Haan-Garr...e+haan+oxfords
http://www.amazon.com/Cole-Haan-Cald...cm_wl_huc_item

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Interview shoes should be black with a smooth finish and (yes, but probably not as important) "closed throats." The Cole Haan shoes look adequate.

The lapels on the Paul Smith jacket look too unusual.

The Filson bag looks too casual. If with that styling, it should at least be darker brown or black to add enough formality that it might not be noticed.

 

[FelixTheFinn]

The shoes and suit are a no-go. The lapel draws way too much attention too itself for a job interview. Browns shoes are alright but they should be a dark shade of brown and smooth calf leather without any grainy, distressed pattern like the one you linked. I would invest in some good black oxfords / derbies and a different navy suit. Cole Haan does not make good shoes, and you can definitely find better bang for your buck. There are lots of threads dedicated to where to find decent quality shoes on a budget, look at those first.

Pair these items with a white shirt and a mono-color or conservatively striped tie. Especially at consulting firms, conservative is always safer! I'd suggest not bringing a bag/briefcase at all, just an A4 black leather portfolio folder. Interviewees who come in with a briefcase, especially young ones look ridiculous and you don't want to carry around a larger clunky bag. Good luck!

Felix

 

[mcnuonuo]

Thank you Felix!

I don't intend to bring a bag to impress or as part of a look. I will have to carry a bag to keep my personal stuff since I have to fly to the location where I am having the interview. Most likely I will leave my bag at the reception and walk in with a leather folio.

Thank you!

 

[FelixTheFinn]

Thank you Felix!

I don't intend to bring a bag to impress or as part of a look. I will have to carry a bag to keep my personal stuff since I have to fly to the location where I am having the interview. Most likely I will leave my bag at the reception and walk in with a leather folio.

Thank you!

I have done that for interviews at banks before. Bring a small carry-on suitcase and leave it at the reception. Once again, at interviews the conservative option is best.