The IT Ninja

Black Beard · Last edited by Black Beard on Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Hello Ninja's

This is my first post. Basically I wanted to ask your view on wearing suites to an interview.

I'm a casual dresser and don't like all the formality that comes with suites. I honestly have only one really old suite and haven't bothered to invest in a new one. This is mainly because I do not feel comfortable in them.

What I wanted to know was that, in this modern day and age and especially within the IT industry. Is it still a requirement to wear such formal wear?

I mean I doubt that I will be wearing suites all the time in an IT working environment. If I dress smart, say a simple shirt and tie, wouldn't that be enough for an interview?

Looking forward to your views.

Depends on the corporate atmosphere of the company you are applying to join. Find out by paying a visit to their office a day or two before the interview. Then dress, more or less, like the rest of the working team, when you go for the interview.

I would advise, that as a rule of thumb always wear a suite.

It is a matter of professionalism. In an interview it is likely that it is the first time they will meet you.

First impressions count a lot. You should always aim to make the best impression you can. A suite is a good idea because it is intended for a formal situation.

Saying all this, in some rare cases the "culture" may not care too much for formal attire (as Victor as pointed out).

I would say most definitely yes. As Mark as said, it is a matter of professionalism. Turning up at an formal interview without a suite could even your first strike against you.

Think of buying a suite as a long term investment. Make sure you time the time and effort of picking a decent suite. Picking a poorly fitted suite or worse a "cheap and nasty" looking one will have the reverse effect.

If you can afford to have a suite tailor made, then this should be your first option. However this is very expensive. Another option is to find a good fit, always try in store before you buy. Then take this to a tailor and have it "adjusted" until it fits perfectly.

You should feel, comfortable in your suite, wearing the right kind of clothes certainly effects our attitude. Wearing the right suite can even boost your confidence.

To be honest, I never ever wore a suite on a interview in my life... I don't even have one :) Of course, If I'd apply to somewhere like Apple, I'd wear one, but I'm not really sure in this too... Maybe I'd just go in a chino, shirt and sneakers. I usually go to interviews like this, and luckily I'm usually succesfull... But it also depends on the environment, If you are a designer, or you go to a new, modern smaller company, they will most likely appreciate your style and uniqueness, and I think that's a good point. They like unique people!

I think the suit is a secondary question. The main question would be whether you have what they are looking for. And they are definitely not looking for a suit. What they want and will pay for is what you can do. So make sure that you send in valid samples of your work when you submit your resume.

Thanks everyone for all your replies, it has helped me alot!

I have decided to invest in a good suite. I need to "up my game" in terms of professionalism.

@Victor

I agree, the main focus should be my skill-set. I hadn't even thought about taking samples of my work along. But after reading your suggestion, I'm going to work on putting something together.

Once again thanks to all you Ninja's for you advice and feedback!

Hello Black Beard,

If you feel that your question has been answered, please edit your post title from [Question] to [Answered].

Thank you.

hello darknite,

I've now changed the title of the post, and marked it as [Answered]

Black Beard wrote:Hello Ninja's

This is my first post. Basically I wanted to ask your view on wearing suites to an interview.

I'm a casual dresser and don't like all the formality that comes with suites. I honestly have only one really old suite and haven't bothered to invest in a new one. This is mainly because I do not feel comfortable in them.

What I wanted to know was that, in this modern day and age and especially within the IT industry. Is it still a requirement to wear such formal wear?

I mean I doubt that I will be wearing suites all the time in an IT working environment. If I dress smart, say a simple shirt and tie, wouldn't that be enough for an interview?

Looking forward to your views.

By wearing a suite,you show that you are very responsible person ,and that you actually care for that job you came get interviewed for.... :)

Black Beard	Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:14 pm
Rank: Student Posts: 5 Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:07 pm	Hello Ninja's This is my first post. Basically I wanted to ask your view on wearing suites to an interview. I'm a casual dresser and don't like all the formality that comes with suites. I honestly have only one really old suite and haven't bothered to invest in a new one. This is mainly because I do not feel comfortable in them. What I wanted to know was that, in this modern day and age and especially within the IT industry. Is it still a requirement to wear such formal wear? I mean I doubt that I will be wearing suites all the time in an IT working environment. If I dress smart, say a simple shirt and tie, wouldn't that be enough for an interview? Looking forward to your views. Last edited by Black Beard on Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Victor Leigh	Fri Apr 06, 2012 11:58 pm
Rank: Junior Posts: 62 Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2012 4:31 am	Depends on the corporate atmosphere of the company you are applying to join. Find out by paying a visit to their office a day or two before the interview. Then dress, more or less, like the rest of the working team, when you go for the interview.

Mark73	Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:41 pm
Rank: Apprentice Posts: 112 Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:44 am	I would advise, that as a rule of thumb always wear a suite. It is a matter of professionalism. In an interview it is likely that it is the first time they will meet you. First impressions count a lot. You should always aim to make the best impression you can. A suite is a good idea because it is intended for a formal situation. Saying all this, in some rare cases the "culture" may not care too much for formal attire (as Victor as pointed out).

dereckT	Sat Apr 07, 2012 7:51 pm
Rank: Junior Posts: 92 Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2012 1:40 pm	I would say most definitely yes. As Mark as said, it is a matter of professionalism. Turning up at an formal interview without a suite could even your first strike against you. Think of buying a suite as a long term investment. Make sure you time the time and effort of picking a decent suite. Picking a poorly fitted suite or worse a "cheap and nasty" looking one will have the reverse effect. If you can afford to have a suite tailor made, then this should be your first option. However this is very expensive. Another option is to find a good fit, always try in store before you buy. Then take this to a tailor and have it "adjusted" until it fits perfectly. You should feel, comfortable in your suite, wearing the right kind of clothes certainly effects our attitude. Wearing the right suite can even boost your confidence.

Remp	Mon Apr 09, 2012 5:49 pm
Rank: Helper Posts: 18 Joined: Sun Mar 25, 2012 11:39 pm	To be honest, I never ever wore a suite on a interview in my life... I don't even have one :) Of course, If I'd apply to somewhere like Apple, I'd wear one, but I'm not really sure in this too... Maybe I'd just go in a chino, shirt and sneakers. I usually go to interviews like this, and luckily I'm usually succesfull... But it also depends on the environment, If you are a designer, or you go to a new, modern smaller company, they will most likely appreciate your style and uniqueness, and I think that's a good point. They like unique people!

The IT Ninja

Wear a suite to an Interview? [Answered]

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Victor Leigh	Wed Apr 11, 2012 2:59 am
Rank: Junior Posts: 62 Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2012 4:31 am	I think the suit is a secondary question. The main question would be whether you have what they are looking for. And they are definitely not looking for a suit. What they want and will pay for is what you can do. So make sure that you send in valid samples of your work when you submit your resume.

Black Beard	Mon Apr 16, 2012 11:20 am
Rank: Student Posts: 5 Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:07 pm	Thanks everyone for all your replies, it has helped me alot! I have decided to invest in a good suite. I need to "up my game" in terms of professionalism. @Victor I agree, the main focus should be my skill-set. I hadn't even thought about taking samples of my work along. But after reading your suggestion, I'm going to work on putting something together. Once again thanks to all you Ninja's for you advice and feedback!

__darknite	Mon Apr 16, 2012 11:48 am
Rank: Junior Posts: 88 Joined: Wed Feb 22, 2012 12:07 pm	Hello Black Beard, If you feel that your question has been answered, please edit your post title from [Question] to [Answered]. Thank you.

Black Beard	Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:42 pm
Rank: Student Posts: 5 Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:07 pm	hello darknite, I've now changed the title of the post, and marked it as [Answered]

ljepilo	Wed May 23, 2012 10:13 am
Rank: Apprentice Posts: 110 Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 7:51 am	Black Beard wrote:Hello Ninja's This is my first post. Basically I wanted to ask your view on wearing suites to an interview. I'm a casual dresser and don't like all the formality that comes with suites. I honestly have only one really old suite and haven't bothered to invest in a new one. This is mainly because I do not feel comfortable in them. What I wanted to know was that, in this modern day and age and especially within the IT industry. Is it still a requirement to wear such formal wear? I mean I doubt that I will be wearing suites all the time in an IT working environment. If I dress smart, say a simple shirt and tie, wouldn't that be enough for an interview? Looking forward to your views. By wearing a suite,you show that you are very responsible person ,and that you actually care for that job you came get interviewed for.... :)