Going for a job interview this week...

[BobSacamano]

Are there still editors and hiring folks really adamant about the "tie" thing?

Conflicting reports, because I wore a suit for an interview once and the EIC asked me why. Told him that's what people do and he said, "Not here." Then again, an editor I interviewed with for an internship thought I should have worn a tie instead of just a Polo shirt. Guess which gig I got.

For the last few interviews, I've just layered up casually. Solid, dark blue jeans (no wash or fading), a button-up shirt & tie with a sweater or vest, and a lightweight sports coat. Maybe I'll do shoes, or maybe I'll do subtle black sneakers. I'll save the suit for my interview with Esquire.

 

[imjustagirl]

Holy shirt, you wear jeans to a job interview? And you get hired?

 

[Frank_Ridgeway]

I wouldn't wear jeans to a newsroom interview even if the job entailed covering the agriculture beat.

 

[Stitch]

Holy shirt, you wear jeans to a job interview? And you get hired?

I go with these.

 

[Tom Petty]

i'd tell them stories about cornholing your neighbor. that always keeps people entertained.

 

[WriteThinking]

Don't forget to interview the interviewer(s).

 

[BobSacamano]

Holy shirt, you wear jeans to a job interview? And you get hired?

The idea that you can never go wrong in a suit and tie backfired for me. So much of it has to do with the shop's culture. I mean, I was hired (freelance) to do some writing and reporting for a national mag off the strength of a conversation during a media event while wearing basketball shorts and bright sneakers.

Funny enough, I got the idea for jeans from the fellow who was hired as EIC at the last little shop I worked. He came in with light blue jeans, a lumberjack-esque plaid shirt, and a solid navy blue tie with brown sneakers/shoes and a sports coat. And he was hired to be my boss. Actually dressed better for his first day of work than the interview, but I think his résumé was fancy enough to outweigh the attire.

After seeing him do that, I gave it a shot. Results have been mixed. Mostly, I'm not getting hired because I'm not white. Might just default back to Ralph Lauren slacks.

 

[imjustagirl]

Well, I'm not getting hired and I am white, so maybe I should try the Ralph Lauren slacks too.

 

[BobSacamano]

Shopping date!

I don't know... I'm exhausted with the interview experience. I'm tired of tap dancing for a gig. Interviews were special in my early 20s because I had the doe-eyed perspective, thinking my life was just beginning. But if I send my best clips from the most impressive places where I'm published, proving that I've been doing this for real for 'x' years, then let's just have a conversation like adults and work out the details for where I fit. And don't make me freelance instead of putting me on staff. I'd like benefits and a 401K.

Sorry for the derail, cworsh. Good luck!

 

[TigerVols]

The best job I was ever hired for, the hiring manager told me shortly afterwards, "I knew immediately when you showed up in a suit that I was going to hire you."

But that was 6 long years ago; now, I specifically ask someone at the place I'm interested in working at, "what should I wear when I drop by?"

 

[Mark2010]

...for an online sports editor position.

I come seeking both help and entertainment. First, I'm preparing for the interview, and I'd appreciate any help you can offer. Advice on what kinds of out of the ordinary questions to expect, things to bring, etc.

Second, the entertainment. What's your best job interview story? I once interviewed for a job, and the guy interviewing me was behind a desk. After the interview, he stood up to shake my hands, and he was wearing no pants. Just boxers. A sport coat, button down, boxers, and cowboy boots. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

How do you take your pants off without removing your cowboy boots?

I'll hang up and listen.

I'm guessing -- and this is just a guess -- that he never put them on.

Actually, it's not a guess. I took the job, and he made a point of wearing pants as infrequently as possible. He was a northerner unaccustomed to hot temperatures.

I've always worn pants to every job interview I've ever had.

As for coat and tie, tough call. My last few I did wear coat and tie, figured it was better to be overdressed than underdressed. Last place, the guy doing the interviewing was also wearing coat and tie, so I felt much more professional.

 

[Baron Scicluna]

I've always worn the suit and tie thing, figuring it's the proper apparel for a job interview.

I did go on a couple of interviews for a civil service job where the interviewers were surprised I was wearing a suit. I figured it was a professional-enough job and they were interviewing a lot of people that it was the proper thing to wear. Guess not.