Thank you everyone. This is all very good info!

 

So how did the interview go?

 

So what's wrong with a button down shirt?
Is it because everyone else has one on or since airline uniform shirts are not buttoned down the HR folks may want to see what we look like in a regular shirt?

 

How about a tuxedo?

 

To make yourself standout from the crowd, as our resumes pretty much say the same thing early on in our careers. IMHO, a non-buttoned down collar looks more professional and polished. At least that is what I’ve been told by recruiters in other professions…

But hey, if you like the 80’s look, then go for it. While you’re at it, go with a knit tie with the squared off bottom…

 

You said previously to " stand apart" and "be yourself" or else you'd be "just another pilot applicant". And now you say I can't do the 80s look because it makes me stand apart? So I should only stand out a little?

I'm all for the theory of "fit in to get in". Dazzle them with your personality, not your checkered shirt.

 

As long as it looks good, neat and professional. If it gets too "loud" do to contrasting bright colors with other features that would lend itself to "casual" then no, but that's not to say you can't do a very different shirt color to stand out (with a tie that accents the jacket and shirt). Just use good judgement and you'll be fine. I've never thought you had to look an exact "certain way", just that you had to look like a professional. If your suit and clothes show that you took the time to do this, then it's likely mission accomplished. If they look like something you wear on the weekends or during the week and you are not an executive, then probably not ok.

I've done plenty of interviews myself, but I've also sat on plenty of interview boards. We usually had a little scale, 1-3 or 1-5 to assess appearance. If the applicant was neatly shaven and manicured, had on professional clothes, not wrinkled, tie, nice shoes (doesn't have to be anything specific, polished, nice leather, any one of many styles was ok), we'd give him a 5 or the highest score. If it looked like one part wasn't quite there, subtract a point. Was not looking for any brands or specific types of clothes. If that's the way an interview board is working, then that's not a company you want to work for.

 

You don't have to go expensive, just look crisp and professional. Men's Wearhouse (sp?) will suit you just fine. No need to stand out from the rest of the crowd (that could posibly be a bad thing), but dazzle them with your knowledge and personality.

 

I would imagine one goes to an interview to leave a good enough impression to be called back with an offer for a 2nd interview or a job offer. Look like you care enough to be there. Visceral, if you want to go with a button down shirt, that is fine. I gave my suggestion and that is what it was. A suggestion. No need to be "visceral".

 

Wing tips? Aren't wing tips a little flashy? Isn't that saying to the interview panel "I do OK on my own, I don't REALLY need a $250K/year job to afford fancy shoes"?