About to go to my second formal interview ever. My first one had me wearing a shirt + black pants (no tie) to a small accounting firm.
My upcoming one is at a government department relating to economics, finance and policy - do you think I need a suit?
yes. I wore a suit to my last (and only) government job interview. though on my first day I wore a suit and my manager told me to never wear a suit again. (no one wears suits in my department).
For what it is worth, I would recommend wearing a suit and tie to an interview at a small accounting firm too.
Depends if there is a heat wave that day or not
Definitely wear a suit. Policy, finance roles you would need to be seen in suits. After joining you can then figure out what the culture is if the workplace. It is generally better to overdress on the side of caution.
True, besides I figure I can easily just take off the jacket when needed right?
quite a difficult feat
Yes, but it is good form to leave it on if you aren't too hot.
You're wearing it to look smart, not get comfortable.
Just don't take off your pants and jacket.
Just don't take off your pants and jacket.
unless doing that would secure you the job.
Yes! Close forum now!
damn, the entire forum just because of this one thread?
We must've answered every question possible now.
You sure you don't want us to close the internet while we're at it?
I have been the independent person on PS hiring panels.
The interviewers have been mixed in whether they wore suits, the more senior managers did.
The applicants were also mixed, I think the ones applying for internal positions were more casual.
These have been for roles vaguely IT related.
I would definitely wear a suit for a finance related interview, but wouldn't be too concerned if some of the interviewers did not.
Imo nothing beats the Adidas polyester tracksuit. Accessorise with a simple heavy gold chain if you really want to make that lasting impression.
And if you take your cap off, prop the sunglasses halfway up the back of your head for a finance job to signal you have given your complete attention.
But if you just swing the cap backwards that needs the glasses to hang under the chin.
A lot of inexperienced interviewees will go for the forward high perch, but that will be viewed as too aggressive in a public service environment.
And obviously golden mirror razor shaped lenses for an interview appropriate pair of sunnies, to show you are a go-getter.
Do not sit on their chairs. If you want to be remembered after the interview, crouch on their chairs instead.
Make sure they see the key ring of your $80K car so they know you are on top of high yielding investments.
Suit, Yes I have heard of them and know they exist but do they serve a per purpose ;)
Arkwright approves of your post….
I do lots of government interviews (as in, hundreds).
If you have a suit and it fits well and it looks like you are comfortable in it - then yes, wear a suit.
If you have a suit and it's a bit loose and you're not used to wearing it, so it might sit awkwardly during the interview - either practice wearing it before the interview, or don't wear it.
If you don't have a suit, but look sufficiently 'smart' wearing a shirt, tie, work trousers, work socks, and work shoes - then wear those instead.
I have seen many 20 year olds fresh out of uni wearing what is obviously their one and only suit, and one they probably don't intend on wearing when they get the job - honestly in most cases it makes no more of a professional opinion than just wearing 'smart' clothes.
Excellent reply. Thanks for the detailed explanation
You can wear a suit and if the interviewer is not wearing a suit you simply remove the jacket to put yourself on par
Good tip here too… Agree! Applies to my comment below too.
Been doing this for a very long time and worked in and out of government, always wear a suit to interview, unless you're interviewing at a creative marketing company or the like.
You may never wear it again at work. A suit reflects professionalism and whilst I go to work in a polo these days, for important meetings a suit is always worn. We may have modernised but traditional cultural and stereotypes still exist.
Never failed me yet!
In short, if you don't get the job it won't be because you didn't put on a suit… The opposite could be true (your young sense of smart casual may be different to the middle aged interviewers, a suit neutralises all this allows you to focus on what you're there for).
Speaking from experience both as candidate and interviewing hundreds of people.
omg what is this forum about. How to live life. of course you need to wear a suit and tie. What have your parents been doing. Did you also need to learn to tie your shoes? how about breathing? in and out in and out.
Absolutely wear one - especially for a government department. As a long term employee of such a department ( left a few years ago) believe me they are very correct, proper & from the " old school ". Standards are expected to be adhered to & first impressions will go a long way. Also think of the sector you are applying to - these people are even more " old school "
Good Luck.
Wear a suit and tie. A lot of people in government wear the full suit and tie combo.
3 piece and a bow tie.
Always wear a suit a tie for an office job.
The usual dress code of that workplace could be budgie smugglers but it doesn't matter, if it is an office job, it is a suit and tie for the interview, end of story.
You lost that accounting job the minute you walked into the room with a shirt and pants.
To be fair, I did get that accounting job which I turned down because I also got the Government job wearing a suit.
Well done ! Just keep in mind it probably had nothing to do with the suit in the end, government jobs have stringent and well set out interview methods and procedures and none of them say if they are not wearing a suit don't give them the job. Congratulations again you must be correctly qualified for the role. Now get ready for a life in the aps and everything it entails.
i once interviewed a grad, slightly chubby guy, in a suit that was probably from his skinnier year 10 formal days, so it was a little bit tight. one thing, distracted me throughout the whole interview: he didnt undo his suit jacket. so the whole time, im sitting there looking at a chubby teenager who looks like hes about to pop, and along with obviously being uncomfortable in his tight suit + nerves from being in an interview, he was sweating quite a bit.
my advice like others have said above, if you dont have a proper fitting suit, a nice shirt + pants combo works just as fine. the person doing the interview does enough not to really care if your wearing a suit and tie, or just some nice looking shirt and pants
but make sure your tidy if going shirt and pants: clean shoes, and tuck your shirt in! yes, i have to mention that, because ive had applications rock up like their some high school yobbo, with their shirt untucked…
Adopting to the culture is important. You should see if people there are highly formal at events or special occasion or just wear casuals all the time.
Then dress shirt would be fine.
I've interviewed for government roles and I say yes. That being said, not wearing one is not going to disqualify you or anything but for interviews you want as many things as possible working in your favour. if you're not going to wear a suit, dress sharply (your clothes for the first interview sound fine, if they fit you well) and look polished.