Need some advice on how to dress for a job interview
 

I need to buy clothes for a job interview, but I don’t know exactly what to get. It is for a position in a research lab. I want to know what kind of suit to get, and also which dress shoes, socks, dress shirt, and tie.

Also, can you recommend me a briefcase (one that is leather and has a strap) and a portfolio (that I can keep my notebook and pen in)? I’m looking for something affordable.

I’d also like to know which color and design to get for all these things, and where I can find them.

I know that's a lot of detail, but I just want to make sure I don't give a bad first impression because of what I'm wearing.

Thanks.

Get everything here. The suit, the shirt, the tie, the shoes, the everything.

Also here's a portfolio briefcase.

Tah-dah!

Generally, the advice is to dress as if you got the job, only two positions higher.

Next season is all about tan and light grey for suits, dark brown is pretty dated. Also, if you have a three button suit, remember to only do up the top two buttons. If your shirt has thos extra cuff buttons slightly further down, they should only be done up when you're wearing the jacket, they're there to make sure the cuffs show out of the sleeves.

If you don't already own a tie, I'd avise getting a plain rather than patterned one and in a dark colour as that's more likely to go with a variety of shirts. You can get away with wearing the same tie pretty much all the time if you have a variety of shirts to match it with.

Wear black socks and probably black shoes. Generally though, for an interviwe so long as you look smart, you're unlikely to get overlooked for lacking sartorial flair. If it's a research lab, I'd have thought it unlikely you'll be wearing a suit from day to day so don't spend a fortune on one. If you one day decide you do want a nice suit, there are a number of websites in Hong Kong and China where you send them your measurements and they tailor make one for a fraction of the cost of a bespoke suit in the US or UK.

What's wrong with getting a black suit?

Also, what color dress shirt should I wear? I see a lot of people in ads wearing light blue dress shirts. And as for the tie, what color or pattern would you recommend?

Other things to keep in mind:

Get a haircut now. Today. Don't wait until the day before the interview.

Make sure that your leather matches. If you buy a black briefcase for god's sake make sure your shoes aren't brown.

I was advised to not bring a notebook and pencil, in case there is no surface for me to write on. I don't know how common it is to interview without a desk, however. Also my entire portfolio was digital so I had no concerns bringing materials with me; your mileage may vary.

One of the most crucial elements of a job interview is to research the company you're interviewing with. This extends beyond knowing the product, methodologies and corporate climate. You need to know how the people dress from day to day, at all levels from mailroom clerk to junior executive. See what's expected at each level of station and exceed it. Show that you may be applying for one position but that you've got the look and attitude to move up at a moment's notice. You want to look good, but not outlandish. The idea is to show that you belong there by resembling one of them at their best.

You should always know what you're getting into and then match it during the interview.

Your clothes should be modest but at the same time stylish with minimum of jewellery.

I have to disagree, at least with the shade of brown in the suit I posted. If it were a more saturated brown, I'd agree that it would look dated.

But to recommend tan over brown is just APPALLING.

Brown is a horrible colour to wear to an interview, it'll make you look incredibly boring and geeky. Black is okay if you're not too pale (it'll make you look to spooky and undertaker-like), so I'd suggest going with light grey, not only does it make you appear business-like and reliable (dark blue also pulls this off but I find that grey makes you look more modern). As for the rest, keep it simple, so the standard look is black shoes (if anyone where's brown shoes they need to be hired only to be fired immediately) and a tie. Ties are open for discussion, I myself prefer a blue tie because it matches the colour of my eyes, or a skinny black tie (be sure to choose the correct knot), as black is neutral, but a skinny tie will prevent you looking like a boring douche. You need to be careful with jackets with three buttons, as not everyone can pull them off. For shirts, if you are not sure what colour goes well with you, just opt for white, but also keep in mind what kind of tie you want to wear (look at the colour of the shirt).

I've seen the Dunhill Spring/Summer '10 collection and it's all light grey and tan. Nobody's worn a brown suit since the 90's.

off coarse. mmorghunter is rite :)

Reiterating a few things mentioned:
1) Groom yourself nicely. Haircut & shave ASAP so you can look more grown in to it around the interview.
2) Like Crash said, study the company and ask relevant questions. Did they just finish a big deal with another company (ie: merger, partnership, etc)? If so, inquire. It'll show you read up on them.
3) A portfolio folder makes it more professional-looking, but no need to grab a $90 one. I used one from OfficeMax that cost me maybe $10. On the resume front, get nice paper, but nothing too generic. Still, not something that's glaringly flamboyant (ie: trying to stand out).
4) Firm handshakes, look them dead in the eyes as much as you can. Sit up, don't slouch.
5) Make sure you have a nice suit and clothing. Shin's advice pretty much covers this nicely. And brown suit? blol. Come on people. I'm not a fashion fag, but even I know that you wouldn't wear such a thing. Maybe a charcoal suit, or a darker navy color (close to blackish).
6) Be natural. But also smile a good amount. Try not to look too brooding. Bear in mind that these guys are deciding whether or not to work under the same roof as you until something happens (ie: firing, changing jobs, etc). You need to be enjoyable to be around.
7) Ask the interviewer questions on occasion. This ties in to #2 somewhat, but also, if things seem like they're dead-ending, ask something like how long they've been with the company. People like talking about themselves. Try not to look like you're sidetracking them, of course, but this ties in to being a decent potential co-worker. Friendly, curious of others, not a recluse, etc.

There are a number of different interview types. Meeting one person. Meeting lots of persons separately. Sitting in front of lots of persons all at once, as they sit you down at a table and go around asking questions (most pressuring interview process, hands-down).

Then there is the actual interviewing itself. They might ask cookie-cutter interview questions. Sounds silly, but google this sort of stuff. You think "ahaha that's a BS question", but they might ask you something that you should pull your punches on. Sometimes they'll ask you about a coworker you didn't enjoy working with and how you dealt with it. If you say stuff like "he was a faggot. I quit to get away from him" or "setting his cat on fire learned him good", chances are you won't be sent a job offer.

Otherwise, they might just do a more generalized interview for the position in mind. Applying for a job as a mechanic? They might ask if you have experience doing such-and-such with whatever tools on hand. This is just raw mind-prodding to see if you know your stuff.

But I'm rambling :psyduck: This topic is about dressing for an interview. But if you're curious about attire, chances are this advice isn't worthless.

So I'm planning to buy a charcoal (it's a very dark gray color) suit, dark blue dress shirt, and black tie. Is that a good choice?

Should I get a 2 button or 3 button suit?

For fucks sake just pick a goddamn suit and quit be'in such a girl about it. I swear to Christ, you're contributing to the pussification of America.

Says the man with the pink av.

Was wondering too. Wtf how did this turn into something more than 5 reply posts.

A black suit and a clean hair cut clean shaven face and you're good to go.'

it don't matter (mean a thing) if (it ain't got the swing) you got 2 button or 10 button suit. so long you look decent. what matters more is your confidence, how you potray yourself. i'd work on that rather than on the suit

u know what would be the best? go to the store and ask the people that work there to help you, cuz you know that's there job and all and they know more then most people here.
But dont get brown, that shit is old and whack. Get a simple suit, blue dressshirt is nice and casual or you can get a fitted white shirt to get that classic look, blue is better if you got some fat on you.

Simple tie, tie it to match your collar, a slim tie works with most suits and occasions. Dress socks, please no sport sock. get some nice and simple black leather loafers, square toe looks nice.

Put on a nice discreet watch, keep the pockets empty, dont put no pens in them. Get a good haircut couple of days earlier so you can actually learn to make it yourself at home.
Oh and brush your teeth and smell nice please.

Other then that learn everything about the company etc and have the confidence at top (jerk off or something before) and you'll be all good.

Yes. Be clear on the organization's objectives.

Also, have a clear plan of what you want, and where you see yourself in lets say 5 years.

Be prepared to answer out of the box questions too. When they happen, don't panic, answer with a little bit of humor(if possible) or just at least confidently.

Be prepared to answer difficult questions like why did you leave your job etc. Remember not to bitch about your old employer(if you had one) because it doesn't reflect well. Instead focus more on something along the line "I left because I needed space to grow but that wasn't going to happen in that xyz company"

Also do not talk about the pay first, until the HR person brings it up.
(Common sense but people forget)

After the interview, when you get home, write a letter to the company thanking the whatever guy, reiterating your strengths and something like you look forward to hearing from them.

You must stand out. Yes but not in terms of your appearance.