Hey all...

Can somebody out there give an ingnorant guy from the military some advice on what to wear to an interview? Is it still the blue suit red tie, or don't even show up? And what color belt? Does the suit have to be Armani, or can I cruise down to the Men's Wherehouse?

Thanks for hte help

 

mens warehouse all the way!!!. the typical dark blue suit, black shoes/belt/socks.ligth blue or white shirt, red or other matching tie.

do not spend a lot of money I don't know who started the "armany" trend around the military, probably some guy who wanted an excuse todrop over $1,000 on a suit. don't get me wrong, armany suits look very good but recruiter could care less.

 

I appreciate the help Greedy... take care

 

Greedy is right on the money, except the suit doesn't have to be dark blue. If you have a dark gray one that would be fine too. Just remember conservative... Your socks and belt should blend with your suit. The tie, well...red is ok but don't run out and buy a new one. As long as your tie doesn't scream at the interviewers or arrive in the room before you do, you are just fine. The whole look is the important factor. Do you look put together? Remember to shine your shoes - if they are meant to hold a shine. No need to go out and buy new shoes if you don't have any that are "shiney", they just need to look good (no holes or visible wear).

On the same note please don't forget to get a haircut (above the collar) and don't use any cologne the day of the interview. You never know if your interviewer is allergic... And leave the jewelry at home - except for a watch. Jewelry may look good to you but to an interviewer it could appear gawdy.

You may want to read the APC founder's article "Pilot Interview Prep" in the resource section of this site. It's a thorough checklist that may be of some help.

Good luck!

 

How about a black suit? Too funeral-like?

 

Got my dark grey suit at JC Pennys on sale. Did not go with the red "power" tie, becasue that is what "everyone" else wears. Good luck!

 

I interviewed in a Men's Warehouse Botany 500 charcoal gray suit, blue shirt and Rush Limbaugh power tie. The other seven guys were all in blue suits and six of them had red ties. Perhaps my tie did arrive before me but I did get the job. The best advice above is to get a haircut (2-3 days before), look consevative, being a clone is fine but coloring outside the lines is also OK if you are comfortable with it. I was offered a job at American before SWA and wore the same suit but with the standard red tie.

 

I think you are getting solid advice from the replies. Conservative is the the bottom line. I heard a story from a friend at UPS about a class of potentials turning up...all had the blue or gray suit etc. One guy decided to impress the big brown by wearing a brown suit, shoes etc...show the company colors.
All in that interview session got hired, but one...you guessed it...the guy in brown.
There are interview prep people that you can go to...will give you advice on your suit aswell as the normal prep questions.

 

First of all thanks for the help

Secondly.... my question.

I bought 2 suits today and Men's Wearhouse. Dark Charcoal, and a dark navy blue. Talked with the sales lady, and she told me to never wear black shoes with blue. Now obviously the Air Forces extremely ugly "blues" (and mess dress) both call for the blue with the black shoes... but then everyone knows we have the worst uniforms of all the services... I digress... basically I'm asking is the black shoes with the navy blue suit worn for a specific reason, or can/should you wear more of a deep burgandy color shoe... like a business man would wear...

Thanks again guys.

Take care

 

Guess What? Our upcoming podcast series is going to kick-off with a show with a VP from the Men's Wearhouse on how to pick the right interview suit! It looks like you've already got that down, but to answer your question about the shoes: It IS Acceptable to wear black shoes or dark burgandy with the Charcoal, just make sure the belt matches of course. For the Blue suit, the "correct" choice is burgandy.

Good Luck!