So I applied for a drafting position through a temp agency (apparently over a year ago). I had an interview with the temp director and things went well and she forwarded my information to the survey/civil firm. They do not want me for the drafting position, but because of my survey experience working in the field, they may have something else for me that might work (they said inspections, plan research, etc). In addition, they are willing to work around my school schedule and have me work part-time.
My question to you guys is this (probably kind of silly). When I went for the first interview, I wore a suit, based on a comment by my first party chief way back when (and was crazy over-dressed at the temp place). For this interview tomorrow (with the actual company), the temp lady said that "the place is pretty relaxed, probably no need to wear a suit, probably just some kakhis and a nice shirt." I feel like the suit would be more professional, but was wondering if it could be a negative. If the place really is more laid back, could they think the suit is overboard?
Thanks for the input. Probably a newbie question.
A tie is about as far as I'd go. If you look too pretty they may stick you in a cubicle.
from what I am reading, I see nothing wrong with nice slacks and button down shirt-good luck!
My earliest interviews I attended in a suit. I really do not believe that was the deciding factor in if I got the job, but I also doubt it hurt.
After getting a good deal of field experience, I came to realize that for MOST positions in the field, a pair of khakis and a nice dress shirt (perhaps as far as a sport coat and tie) would be sufficient to allow the interviewer to know that you would come to work dressed appropriately.
I find that a suit makes me feel uncomfortable. Personally, I would probably go with a sport coat and khakis.
Jon spoke my view.
jud
Khakis and a Polo.
Tie and casual jacket.
You can go both ways from there.
Being an "Ol Phart", I like 'proper' dress code followers.
I was in a public place not too long ago, early before noon, when there were three professional surveyors in the room.
Two looked as though they had come from crawling from under a truck moments before !
Read: Not too professional, looked like they only had one dress code, repulsive.
DGG
This is NOT a newbie question.
Leave the suit AND tie at home.
Dress comfortably like you will on the more important days once you get the job.
Most importantly be relaxed and confident.
Good Luck brother!
A suit may be a bit much....perhaps slacks, sport jacket and tie.
I would not dress down i.e., polo shirt, no collar, jeans, etc., etc.
If I were you I would go naked. Just to show them I mean business.
Welcome aboard Newbie 🙂
:good: 😉
my secret decoder ring says:
blue blazer, gold buttons, get it now if you don't have one.
button down shirt, no tie
khakis
black shoes & belt
don't forget your calculator!
Dress comfortably. This has always been a problem for me because I am just a casual kind of dresser. Put me in a suit and I feel like a turd in a punch bowl. I am sure over my thirty-some work years this has cost me a couple job offers and I am sure it affected other areas of my life.
Be confident, and you will do fine no matter how you are dressed.
Metallica- Kill 'em all t-shirt..
Seriously, If you wore a suit I'd be impressed. I'd say at least a button down dress shirt and nice pair of pants.
Joe Codespoti
Vice-president
Dress up, not down. If you get the job, they will inform you of their dress code for employees.
If you are not comfortable wearing something, then don't wear it. It's better to look a bit offstyle and be comfortable with both yourself and your whereabouts, than to over do it in an effort to pretend you are something you are not.
Just like lawyers & cops, those HR folks see right though that. Your boss may not give a care, but the HR may detect a sense of ... shall we say "falsehoodedness".. (is that a word?)
good luck grasshopper..:-)
Thanks for all of the input. Really, I don't feel any less comfortable in the suit. I just didn't want them to perceive that I would refuse to get dirty surveying, or that I couldn't fit in a relaxed environment. But my fingers are crossed that it's something that will work out for both of us. If not, there will be plenty more opportunities to come along, and my main focus right now is finishing my degree.
Again, Thanks for the input everyone.
The answer to this is the same as the answer to any interview... you want your appearance to somewhat match the environment you are wanting to enter. If this was a law office or an accounting firm, then no question, you want to have a sharp suit on.
For an engineering or surveying company a suit would be overdressed, inappropriately so. And, HELL yes, there is such a thing.
I would suggest some sharp-looking dockers type of pants with a not-too-dressy dress shirt, and a sport coat. You could wear a tie, but I think you'd be a little better without it. If you did wear one, I would tone things down a little by making it a plain, not-elegant, flat color.
Stephen
i would wear a suit, but i look good in suits and i know the wife would be all over me after the interview...
Good advice.... I would say reading into your situation that you explained that dress slacks, button down shirt, tie if you are comfortable and have a good one that you can tie right, and optional sport coat.
NOW... the most important.. Leave your CELL PHONE/smartphone whatever in the TRUCK or at home. Do not even bring it across the entry threshold of your prospective employer.... As an hiring manager I cannot believe how many people bring those annoying things to interviews then they go off, beep, buzz, vibrate or whatever. Even while waiting for interview... bad bad thing.... I had one guy in the middle of an interview have his phone go off, he answered it, and talked to some jerk friend who wanted to borrow money for three minutes while four of us waited for him to finish his call so we could continue (as in promptly end) his interview... jeeeezzzzz
Good luck man.
