What to wear to an interview

[craig333]

Should I break out my nice suit and tie or is that a bit much when interviewing for security job?

[NRM_Oz]

Yes and I would show them that you can look good outside of a uniform or it may be a requirement to wear a suit for covert work in events. Being in corporate for the past 7 years, and know from experience that most parts of an interview are non verbal. So dress to impress and make sure those shoes are clean and polished and that the tie is conservative and not Disney Cartoon one from Xmas 2004.

Admittedly I got called to an interview one day and I was in full dress uniform coming from work just before Xmas. I apologised for the duty belt but made sure I had my rank slides on and all the regalia we were supposed to wear with the dress uniforms. I got the job without a fuss but had to tell my boss I was also resigning from p/t employment as this contract was 5 times the pay I was now earning. Either way go dressed above what others will.

[Mr. Security]

Should I break out my nice suit and tie or is that a bit much when interviewing for security job?

I agree. Better to be overdressed. The only downside that I can see is that they might view you as overqualified - but then maybe you wouldn't want to work for a company like that.

I wore a shirt & tie to interview at a cabinet shop. I got the job at the rate I ask for...but I did take some ribbing about it later on.

[Bill Warnock]

Should I break out my nice suit and tie or is that a bit much when interviewing for security job?

Craig if you look sharp you'll be sharp. Don't forget to wear clean and well polished shoes as well.
If you are required to wear a uniform in your new job, the folks conducting the interview will be impressed as you'll look sharp in their uniform too.
If you come dressed like someone unwilling to impress them with your professional look and demeanor, you give the impression you don't care.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[Arff312]

You should defintly go ina suit. i cant tell you how many intervies I have been at and the employer states that they expected some one in a polo or t-shirt. I went to one interview and the other applicants were wearing shorts and flip flops. I got offered a supervisor spot immedately. (pay sucked tho ).

[sgtnewby]

Should I break out my nice suit and tie or is that a bit much when interviewing for security job?

Always go with the suit for a job interview, no matter what you're applying for. And, take out all peircings....

[NRM_Oz]

Thanks Sgt N - I forgot to remind you of a partner we called NAILS since he had alot of piercings and never wore them to work.

Oh I forgot, shaving is compulsory, as is trimmed facial hair (men and some women) and not showering in Cologne if you do wear some. Personally I am looking at how someone would look in a suit for covert work or wearing a uniform within a company.

Quick story - Tuesday I went to help a client out for 2 hours of interviewing 2 applicants so quickly boarded a train to go about 10 miles away. As I got a seat the man opposite was getting into `the groove` and `picking a winner` )aka nose picker. I found it disgusting and got off at my stop. I meet panel and review 2 candidates. #1 was a well dressed and confident woman who was very qualified. #2 walked in and I recognised him as NOSE PICKER MAN from the train ride. So don't pick your nose in public - especially when an interviewer is sitting opposite you.

[Maelstrom]

Should I break out my nice suit and tie or is that a bit much when interviewing for security job?

Two sayings come to mind at this point...

Aim high

&

Dress for the job you deserve, not the job you have.

As far as the tie of choice, plain or old school tie if you have one... it's surprising what such a choice in tie can convey to the prospective employer!

BTW Good Luck!

[ddog]

True a tie may get you a Supervisor position, but it may be at $8.00/hr. Being gun-ho innapropriately sometimes transmits an image of being gullible. Would you wear a wool-blend coat and a silk tie into a McDonald's team operator interview? If so, they may hold back free meals since wages can't be started below minimum wage

A silk sports jacket without a tie and ironed shirt may be more appropriate. It depends on the position and a lot of different factors not discussed in "Dress for Success". Just wool-blend pants and permanent press shirt puts you way in front of the pack in Florida Security interviews.

Do what you feel comfortable in, but don't think its going to change your attitude, intelligence, or pay levels: those are decided beforehand In fact, its the marginal workers (and even the incompetent ones often) who seem to get the constant steady shifts where I work. It makes me mad to no end that I myself am not a marginal worker, but its not in my chemistry

[Taktiq]

My two cents...dress as a ninja. Not only is black very slimming, but they'll understand how seriously you take this profession. If that doesn't work, just use the touch of death.

[tattedupboy]

I agree with everyone else. When interviewing for a position in any field it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. The best way to make a good impression on the interviewer is to be dressed well.

[craig333]

Okay, I'm convinced. I was afraid I'd have to show up in my company uniform but since I was removed from my post I have to do it up right now. No worries about tats or piercings here. I don't have anything against them but just never had any interest in getting any myself.

Btw, this interview is with the County. My company would hire you if showed up with shoes on.

[Ron Jessee]

is this a Mall Ninja reference?

[Bill Warnock]

Okay, I'm convinced. I was afraid I'd have to show up in my company uniform but since I was removed from my post I have to do it up right now. No worries about tats or piercings here. I don't have anything against them but just never had any interest in getting any myself.

Btw, this interview is with the County. My company would hire you if showed up with shoes on.

Craig I forgot to mention it might be in your interest not to go into the interview smelling like a cheap French pimp. Tone down the aftershave lotion and cologne.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[copelandamuffy]

Yes, wear the suit. As one who is in the position of hiring new Guards, if a prospective Guard shows up for a job interview, and he seems to have the most important quality{ common sense}, then you bet I probably will hire you!

And yes wear clean underwear{ oops that is when you go to your Doctor}