From: me@vikings.austin.ibm.com (Michael E)
Subject: Re: Interview situation: what happened?
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1993 01:51:28 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Can I get some?

In article <7JAN199313140049@nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov> bwood@nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov (William Wood) writes:
>In article <1993Jan6.202220.26154@netcom.com>, vilain@netcom.com (Michael Vilain) writes...
>>I went on an interview about 6 months ago for a company whose
>>products I knew about (I'd used the competitor's products because
:
>>I left the interview with feedback that I was a strong candidate
>>for the position and that there weren't that many they'd seen
>>who fit so strong technically.  I called the recruiter
:
>>Yesterday, I got a call from another recruiter who mentioned a
>>similar position and I asked if it was this company.  Surprize!
..The
>>recruiter asked if I'd wore a suit to the interview.  I had not,
>>rather I wore a sport coat and matching slacks, blue shirt and
>>quiet tie (I hate the current trend in loud ties).  I even
>>shined my shoes.  Apprently this was it.  The recruiter has had
>>lots of luck with placing people at this company when they ware
>>suits, but even had an interview rejected on the spot who came
>>in wearing a sport coat.
>> 
>>In retrospect, I'm rather glad I didn't get this job.  Any company
>>who's culture can't tolerate differences such as appearence really
>>wouldn't know what to do with me.  I don't have the patience to
:

I used to maintain that mentality.... :)

BUT... consider the people and situation regarding interviews. 

I went to firms that required the most polished look (no, not tuxes! Let's stay serious..).
One even hired me. On day one I found that clean shirt and clean jeans were all I had to
wear (okay add shoes), except for when our customers showed up for big events. All they
were interested in seeing is that:
o	I demonstrated the utmost professional courtesy in a business setting.
o	I demonstrated pride in appearance, which translates to having ability for demonstration.
o	I demonstrated thoughtfulness for others, which translates to thoughtfulness of peers
	and CUSTOMERS.
o	I demonstrated I knew a part of the business cultural rules, which translates to 
	having the ability to learn/know internal business cultural rules and the cultural 
	rules of customers.
o	I demonstrated smart use of common knowledge. I know suits make the best impression and 
	I used that piece of information to keep my name in the running. Why be stupid and
	handicap yourself? If you do it then, will you take the same approach on your job?
o	I demonstated compliance. I showed that I can follow rules and will probably not
	be someone unnecessarily bucking the system. 

Finally, as matter of human courtesy...
When someone dresses up for you, are you not flattered?

The author of "Dress for Success" perhaps provides a better argument, and certainly can improve
most everyone's appearance. I highly recommend the book.

Is this anger really worth it? I admitted it isn't and certainly not worth bitching about (personally).
If I get hired by a company that wants ties everyday but pays well and keeps the BS tolerable then
at least I know I'll look good for the babes! (Ooh ooh! politically incorrect! Bad boy...)

BTW, word from a few of my women friends is that suit pants- when worn correctly (see book)- really
shows off men's butts well. They tend to like that a lot- sort of our guys' version of women wearing
 tight T-shirts.

Good shopping!



Newsgroups: misc.jobs.misc,rec.travel,soc.culture.arabic