[H & Rick]

A bit of a strange question ...... :confused:

We know the Kiwis are a laid back bunch so when attending job interviews what would be suitable attire ?
i.e would a suit be too much or would smart casual be inappropriate.
This question is aimed at guys and gals ....... :)

[anna_c]

It depends so much on the job.

When applying generally for admin type roles, I've tended to go for a smart black skirt or pair of trousers, and a blouse. A couple of occassions, when I've known the organisation, I've dressed a bit more casually (say a coloured skirt and a smart but casual top). I'm sure there are plenty of instances where a suit would be expected.

It probably doesn't need to be said, but in any circumstances I'd consider denim, strappy tops and open-sandals/jandals a no (though I've seen people turn up in all of those, I'm pretty sure the interviewers weren't impressed).

[Trigirl]

i work in a govt dept in welly. suits are the norm here though we are out at client offices almost everyday so other govt depts may be more relaxed. defintiely suit for interview though.

one thing i would say about interviews is you can really only get it wrong one way - you wont lose a job for being overdressed.

[Ana&Steve]

We were advised from several reliable sources that a suit is interviewing attire, but most of the time you won' have to wear a suit to the actual job. (The casual dress to work may vary by region and occupation, though.) Definitely a suit to interview, as Trigirl said, very unlikely to lose the job for being overdressed:nice1
Ana

[KerryS]

I agree - wear a suit to any interview. You can sometimes gauge from what the interviewer is wearing as to the attire generally.
I usually ask for an office tour before starting a contract, so I can see the general set-up of an office and what colleagues are wearing. (In IT this varies enormously from very scruffy - jeans and t-shirts - to smart casual.)

[Moorf]

Agree, suits / smart - Woz wore his suit to interviews but has never worn it since! Hmmm TradeMe....

[sarahw]

Yep I agree too - wear a suit - Trigirl is right. First impressions count & someone who turns up in a suit is always going to get 10/10 for effort in my book no matter what the job.

My OH went to job interview over here in suit & got the first job he went for... on his first day, however, he also wore a suit, cufflinks, shirt, tie (very polished shoes) etc. he turned up to the building site (Surveyors in London wear suits on site so he assumed...) & the surveyors were dressed in jeans (some in shorts!) & t-shirts with workboots - he felt a proper narna!! He also earned his nickname 'the suit' at work becuase he'd only brought suits & dressy shirts until our sea container arrived a month later!!... so if you get the job - ask what the dress code is for the workplace!! ;) Lets just say he hasn't worn a suit since!

[gil]

Suits and smart I would agree.
Gil

[zardell]

With a suit and a smart appearance you can't go wrong. First impressions and all that.

And lets face it, if you are the only one that does wear a suit, maybe you'll be remember for it, so thats got to be a good thing - right?

Julie

xx

[Rizak]

Oh, man. I may have to find a nice pair of shoes to go with my dress then.

I mean kilt.

I have a pair of insulated military style 10" boots, a pair of hiking boots and a pair of Teva sandals. Well, that or I could buy a pair of pants.

:no

[SarahEDH]

Unnecessary for me to add to the chorus but what the heck. My in-person interview was actually a video conference call between the US and NZ, and I did wear a suit jacket and nice blouse. There's something about putting a jacket on -- makes me sit up straighter and be more businesslike . . .