Interview Etiquette

[SheFly]

Grat advice here, and I don't have much to add. Definitely wear the hose (from a hiring manager's perspective, you would look "odd" without).

Second, I agree that a Thank You is CRITICAL after the interview. However, if the job is at a high-tech company, it is perfectly acceptable to send it via email - that is what we expect. I know that I have had instances where I needed to make a decision on a candidate really quickly, and receiving a thank you note in the mail a couple of days later was too late.

BTW - Ann Taylor has landed me my last three jobs . Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

SheFly

[Kimmyt]

Good luck on the interview! Ann Taylor set me up for my last interview.... gorgeous black skirt suit and a really nice green/yellow silk shirt with pattern.... under the black suit the color really popped without being glaring and it allowed some personality to show.

While it is usually the personality that will get you hired, a good appearance doesn't hurt... especially if some of your interviewers are female (or male for that matter, I think in business situations people tend to react better to those who appear 'put together').

I'm sure you'll do great! Cycling makes great legs for showing off in business suits!

K.

[Triskeliongirl]

I liked hearing the male perspective, and of course the content of the interview is important, but perhaps men don't even realize how important appearance is in making that critical 'first impression.' For men business attire is pretty clear, not a lot of choices. But since women have so many more choices, ranging from the color of their suits, their style, how they accesorize, makeup, perfume, etc., the choices they make can effect how *some* people view them. Now, I work in profession where clothes aren't supposed to matter (I am a scientist and professor) but I learned as a young graduate student they do when I went to the lab of a new collaborator to start a new project, and had him react to me by saying 'I asked for a scientist and I was sent a little girl.' Of course his impression of me changed after I produced numerous highly cited publications which we co-authored.... but if I had to interview for that opportunity I probably would not have been hired. When I intereview folks for either jobs in my lab, or jobs as faculty colleagues or dept. chairs, clothes have very little importance. The ability to communicate well does, the ability to intelligently talk about past work and future plans (as appropriate for the job) are critical. It goes without saying that a poorly written resume or research plan make you dead in the water. This is because we have a short period of time in which to determine if someone will be successful in the job, and success usually mean the ability to consistently produce high quality work. If someone can't even get their resume right, what kind of worker will they be. Another thing that is attractive in prospective employees is a high energy get it done attitude. You want to feel that the person you hire is going to pursue their work with vigor. The clothes are simply about not offending anyone and showing them that you understand what is considered appropriate attire for the specific situation, part of showing you are clued in and appropriate for the position. Its only the first 5%, but neverthless something that in *some professions* if you screwup can have the person not want to take you seriously. Its probably just as wrong to show up for an interview for a very creative position in a suit as it is to wear jeans to an interview for a corporate post. The biggest mistake I have seen young women scientists do is dress so provocatively in a professional situation that they end up elliciting dates and not job offers. That doesn't mean you don't want to look attractive, regardless of gender or sexual orientation we all like to be around attractive, pleasant, highly functioning people.

[mimitabby]

the male vs female perspective on hiring speaks volumes for the different reception men and women get at a job interview. Here where I work, we have seminars for professional men and women; and for the women, there is always "how to dress for an interview" and for the men, this subject is never mentioned.
I have been here for 25 years and have seen how the men and the women prospective hirees dress, and I'll tell you, the men come in wearing colorful sweaters or formal neutral colored suits and get hired in either.
Most women interviewed come in wearing dress suits, which is rather ironic considering this is a laboratory environment and they're going to be going up and down ladders and getting dirty so once they are hired they're not going to wear a dress again. I think I've worn a skirt twice in 25 years here, and that does NOT include my interview.
Having said that, listening to all you have to say scares the pants right off of me, I hope I never have to interview for a job again. Because if wearing panty hose and polished shoes is what's going to get me a job, I'll never get one.
mimi

[mimitabby]

The biggest mistake I have seen young women scientists do is dress so provocatively in a professional situation that they end up elliciting dates and not job offers. That doesn't mean you don't want to look attractive, regardless of gender or sexual orientation we all like to be around attractive, pleasant, highly functioning people.

Trisk, there was an article in the NYTimes about that very thing, young female doctors wearing low necklines and short skirts and sexy shoes were really lambasted. They were considered much too distracting for the job they need to do. (I for one would not appreciate a doctor who looks like the girl who does nails!)

[Triskeliongirl]

Trisk, there was an article in the NYTimes about that very thing, young female doctors wearing low necklines and short skirts and sexy shoes were really lambasted. They were considered much too distracting for the job they need to do. (I for one would not appreciate a doctor who looks like the girl who does nails!)

Its interesting you say that, because as I mentioned before, I got into an argument with someone over how a medical school applicant should dress for an interview. The folks that feel strongly about professional dress say that it shows they understand how to make their patient comfortable. If they don't wear the uniform so to speak, then the patients will have trouble both identifying them in the hustle and bustle of a hosptial environment and and more importantly, trusting them and taking their advice. For guys its easy, wear a blue suit, white shirt, dress shoes and tie. The successful girls wear the female equivalent, but the ones that try to express more of their personality so to speak don't. Its funny, you'll see a bunch of them in the corridor waiting to be intervied, and you know the pretty girl in the pastel suit isn't gonna make it. I am glad my job does not require a uniform.

[Offthegrid]

Lotsa advice ... must be a bit overwhelming. But I will just add that I read in a book once that a candidate got a job over another because he stood up when people came into the room to interview him. So I do that now, too. And mail that thank you note the second you leave the office so it gets there soon.

GOOD LUCK!

[mimitabby]

Yes, squeakywheel works too.
When I applied for this job, they wanted a guy to come back who'd left this lab. I was not the most qualified for the position, but i really wanted the job. I called once a week for about 3 or 4 weeks. At that point, they gave up on the other people and since I was persistent, I got that job.

[CycleChic06]

Oh my, I really had no idea I would get so many responses and so many helpful tips!!

I really appreciate all the responses, I knew I could get some good straight answers on this site, and I really appreciate the tips from all the HR people and hiring managers.

The company is an extremely small (12 people in total) company that does support research for the pharmaceutical industry. So it's a place that larger companies would turn to for outsourcing certain areas of research. My background is in pharmaceutical research and this would be a big jump for me with a lot of responsibilities into the more marketing and product management end of the business.

This is will actually be my second visit. I went in yesterday as a 'pre screen.' I was told it was not formal and would be just a look-see for me and the owner of the company. Since it was not an official interview I went the dress pants and a button down shirt instead of a suit. It may have been a mistake since a friend of mine who works there emailed me that day and said go buy a "knock-out suit" for the next interview, since "image is important when you are interacting with client." So that's where I am. I'm you've all convinced me - i'm going with the sheer hose!

But an interesting side note. I was all set to send a thank you note the next day via email the next day, but before I could the, owner of the company emailed me to set up my next interview. The business world, epsecially biotech moves very fast and I wonder if written thank you notes sent by mail are outdated...the world travels too fast for it now.

Thank you for all your help and interesting insights, I'll let you know how it goes.

Emily

[bcipam]

Although its not really required any longer to wear hose with a suit or dress for an interview I would. It just shows respectfulness and that you are serious about meeting with your potential employer. Do your best to look your best. Everything is noticed!

And neutral colored hose only! no - colors not even black!

[sbctwin]

It would also be worthwhile to look at "what am I willing to give up for this job". I only say that because at age 51 I thought I finally had the job, the company where to work until I retire. I worked for this company like a dog. I gave it all to them. I worked on this conversion and put in many hours (more than 40, 50, 60 hours per week) and was told that I would be re-trained. I worked when my doctor told me I would get well from bronchitis if I gave myself a "break" and call in sick. I didn't. My health suffered because I wanted to "prove" myself. I made it through the conversion (2 1/2 yrs). I worked to make sure the data converted met the company requirements. The company sent me to 1 class to "re-educate" myself in the "new technology". I was successful in doing the projects assigned me, but was laid off one year after the conversion was completed. I out-performed my male counterparts, yet, I was laid off. I guess I am still angry at the company. My age, my sex, and my religion played a part in why my positiion. No proof because this is a "right to work state" and it is difficult to prove any kind of discrimination. Eight months later, I finally landed a job at 1/3 the salary, but when I look back, I did all I could to be successful at my job, at all jobs I had. At my age, now, I think, "what am I willing to give up for THIS job". I guess I am bitter, but now I make sure I work my hours, and only my hours (no overtime) and I do the best job I can. I am not a slouch. But, I also realize that I make my future, I make my happiness....Sorry if this is melodromatic, but I guess I still feel used...

[LBTC]

sbctwin, I'm sorry for your experience, especially at an age when you should be enjoying the fruits of a long and successful work history.... I have been there before, only to the point of the extra work not be recognized, and being expected, and asked, repeatedly to go well beyond the scope and compensation that my position afforded. Almost a year ago, I managed a miraculous move from a divisional support office in the middle of nowhere, to become the assistant to the Treasurer in the Corporate Office. I love my job now. It definitely is challenging and there definitely is a lot of work, but the atmosphere is fabulous - in fact, earlier this week I was feeling a lot of anxiety over the parts of my job that I simply could not get to - there is not enough time in a month for someone to do this unless they put in those terribly long hours (I'm doing work that 1 full time person, one half time person, and work that one full time person said was 60% of her time, plus an implementation project, which is hopefully nearly at completion). I've recently been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and absolutely refuse to become too stressed at any job...partly because of past experiences, partly because my health has suddenly become something extremely precious to me! Anyway, today I made one simple request and next Monday I'll have someone from the office pool helping me with a backlog of scanning, indexing and filing. This makes me feel like a million bucks!

Of course, I really needed that uplift considering all the conflicting emotions I've felt as I read through this thread! I did a lot of interviews to get to this position at the corporate office and I think I broke most of the rules for what to wear to an interview! I always wear a ring on every finger!!! What would the point be in taking them all off and them thinking they've hired someone they didn't? I was determined to be myself. So my clothes definitely had colour and character, and my jewelry was on the mild side of chunky, I never wore a skirt because it was winter and I didn't have the right shoes and I hate to wear hose, (how did I ever get the job???) but at least I didn't wear perfume or really provocative clothes!!! And even at that I still bought a whole new wardrobe! hahaha

I'm so grateful that they accepted who I am, and how I present myself. I don't think that anyone is at all disappointed in my performance, even though I don't put in 12 hours days - ever. (I've hit 9 1/2 once or twice, but I'm pretty firm on the 8 hour thing). Life is better here!!

And naturally I sent a thank you by email, but it included a photo from my collection.

Cyclechic, you're going to knock 'em dead. Remember all that you have to offer them! BE you! You'll nail it!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[winddance]

I think everyone's covered the "what to wear with what" thing. My only advice is to make sure that your clothes fit properly. A few dollars spent to take in a jacket or fix the length of a hem can go *really* long way.

Good luck!

[Meaux]

I'm not sure if this is too late, however, I was told not to bring a purse/bag into an interview. And don't wear red, it makes you look aggressive. I'm lucky, I've only HAD to wear a suit a handful of times at my job. I work at a VERY liberal law firm. Yay for casual EVERYDAY!!!!

[CycleChic06]

Probably a good idea to avoid not only poppy seed bagels before your interview, but also those ever popular Bruegger's heroin, crack, testosterone, peyote (my fave), and morphine bagels as well. I heard the "Everything" bagels just sort of cancel themselves out however.
Another tip: neutral "suntan" pantyhose worn on the arms can diminish unflattering track marks.

OMG, this is so hysterical!!! I once tried an everything bagel and woke up three days later in a ditch on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike with a bird sitting on my head.

And Kitsune06 - Not like I've ever had to employ ANY of those techniques before, my friend told me the pills work really well

I'm not sure if this is too late, however, I was told not to bring a purse/bag into an interview.

Really no bag to an interview?? Not even a small purse? I'm not sure what I'd do with my car keys, wallet cell phone, planner, etc...that I always carry with me. I can't think of any other alternatives.