Interviews - making an effort

[Whickerman]

Am I being old fashioned? 2 young men turned up for interviews in my place of work, both wearing jeans and trainers. It's an engineering firm, so it's not like they'll be dealing with the public, but it was drummed into us in school that when going for an interview you make and effort - especially with your presentation.

[OBonio]

Best suit and tie for every interview, even if told it's informal. Personally, I would just politley show them the door if they hadn't made an effort. First impressions are always important, in all aspects of life.

[kazza12345]

personally i would think it is the person and their qualities that matter rather than dismissing them out of hand for their fashion sense

[Whickerman]

Far from being dismissed, they were interviewed - I wasn't interviewing - but I just think it's a matter of respect. Nothing to do with fashion, but if you want a job, make an effort

[ugly_bob]

I'm with you. Better too smart.
My last interview, turned up in suit and tie. Interviewer's first words were "What's that round your neck?", but hey, at least I made the effort.

[cascarelli]

I would expect someone coming for an interview to make an effort and dress smartly. If they couldn't be bothered to do that simple thing then I probably wouldn't be bothered to make an effort to employ them.

I'm amazed that someone would think its a matter of 'fashion sense' whether to dress appropriately for an interview!

[Cheekystar]

Find out where they came from, what school etc, and feedback that as an employer you feel that they should have made far more of an effort.

I'm a careers adviser and always advise young people to dress appropriately when having an interview. Its all about making a good impression and clearly they didn't.

[WoWo]

I agree it doesn't have to be a suit but turning up in jeans and trainers is a definate no no. It shows the following things, they lack respect, they have an inibility to plan, they don't have any knowledge of formal situations.

The only time it would be acceptable would be if the interviewer had explicitly stated jeans and trainers can be worn, even an instruction to dress down should be limited to trousers and shoes.

[Starbar]

Sound like a couple of lame brains to me!
If they can't be bothered for an interview could, they be bothered in their new job?. I don't think any of these two could be the men for you.
I don't think that fashion has anything to do with this whatsoever.

[Kate77]

I think it is very important to make an effort for an interview and obviously never turn up late. Whenever I go for interviews I always try to make an effort.
I remember a company I used to work for. When anyone used to turn up about 10 - 15 mins early for an interview the two managers would be like "God, tell them they are early and we'll be down later".
And would start moaning saying - they shouldnt be here for another 15 mins. Saying that, the managers in question couldnt really manage . . . just a title not an achievement for them!

[hundreddolla]

I often interview applicants for jobs at my workplace, and i am FREQUENTLY amazed at what some people consider "interview attire".

A few other things that amaze me are...

1. A LIMP as a lettuce handshake. Where the applicant sort of "slips" you their hand and that is it!
2. Briniging a bottle of drink, AND sipping from it whilst being spoken to. This has happened a lot!
3. Not making ANY eye contact.
4. Monosylabic answers.
5. BAD body odour! (I kid you not!)
6. Arriving LATE!

I understand that the jobs we are interviewing for are only picking and packing, but at least wear a clean shirt and jeans!

PS: I once had a lad arrive for an interview in shorts, vest top, flip-flops and a cap!