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What is this "business casual" you speak of? (interview question)

Apr 5, 2011#1

SpecialKO

Hey guys,

I'm going to be interviewing at a couple places in the fairly near future for a new marketing gig. One of the places just contacted me to set up a time, and told me that I should wear "business casual" and "don't bother with a suit" when I come.

I have never gone to an interview where I wore less than a suit, and I've noticed that "business casual" can be a...flexible term.

Advice?

Apr 5, 2011#2

Dave

Put on suit.
Take off jacket.
Take off tie.
???
BUSINESS CASUAL!

Apr 5, 2011#3

Espy

I got this one guys:

Buttons up shirt.
Tie with "fun" pattern (think naked ladies)
Cargo shorts
Sandals

Apr 5, 2011#4

Hailey Knight

Just wear a suit. I don't think they'll dock you points for dressing appropriately.

Apr 5, 2011#5

MindDetective

Tie with dress shirt and slacks should do it. Wear nice shoes.

Apr 5, 2011#6

Dave

escushion said:
Just wear a suit. I don't think they'll dock you points for dressing appropriately.

I disagree. If they TOLD him to dress down then he should.

Apr 5, 2011#7

SpecialKO

escushion said:
Just wear a suit. I don't think they'll dock you points for dressing appropriately.

I was thinking that, except he (potential boss) specifically said not to. It probably won't dock me any points, but I suspect it won't gain me any points either.
Added at: 18:29

MindDetective said:
Tie with dress shirt and slacks should do it. Wear nice shoes.

This seems like probably the safest choice. If I walk in the lobby and the receptionist is watching G4 on the in-lobby TV (not an impossibility), I can always take the tie off.

Apr 5, 2011#8

Null

Tan slacks, blue dress shirt, muted color tie.

Apr 5, 2011#9

Dave

See, I wouldn't even wear a tie.

Apr 5, 2011#10

Null

Dave said:
See, I wouldn't even wear a tie.

You're right. I think business casual may omit the tie in most cases. But really, blue dress shirt and khaki or grey slacks, plain belt, and brown or black shoes (not sneakers). It's the unofficial uniform of the business world.

Apr 5, 2011#11

strawman

No tie.

Shirt with at least a collar (ie, polo is fine, button down shirt is fine). The collar defines whether it's business casual or not.

Slacks. They don't have to be suit slacks, but they could. Not jeans. Not shorts. Navy or khaki trousers/slacks.

Nice shoes, not sneakers.

Casual is jeans, tshirt and sneakers.

Business casual is slacks, shirt with a collar, and nice shoes.

Business is suit, tie, and nice shoes.

Apr 5, 2011#12

linglingface

http://blogs.nordstrom.com/?p=3171

Really though, either camel/stone colored khaki's with a nice button down or, depending on where you're interviewing, very dark denim without whiskering or fading can look very nice, too. I'm all about tailored blazers with dark jeans, too. Love that look.
Sweater vests are also a good way to go, paired with a woven. Basic colored sweater vest with a woven that stands out is really fantastic.

<-- Someone the other day came in and bought a charcoal gray vest to go with a purple shirt and it looked pretty amazing. You can pair this with jeans or khaki's, really.

Apr 5, 2011#13

MindDetective

A tie wouldn't be frowned upon but business casual is at least buttoned shirt and slacks.

Apr 5, 2011#14

Null

heatherling said:
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/?p=3171

That's business casual for hipsters. Seriously, jeans aren't going to go in most places, and the sweater just looks stupid.

Apr 5, 2011#15

SpecialKO

This is some good advice guys, thanks!

Sports jacket to go over? It's still a bit cool over here and my normal jacket is a bit ratty looking.

Apr 5, 2011#16

strawman

If you want, just make sure it doesn't match the pants, but goes well with it.

Just don't wear a tie. No matter what else you are or aren't wearing, a tie screams "I am a corporate tool and I flaunt your business casual approach. Business casual is serious business."

Apr 5, 2011#17

MindDetective

Sports jacket with no tie would still be casual. Even the tie doesn't really cross the line, but it would be very suit-like.
Added at: 18:50

stienman said:
If you want, just make sure it doesn't match the pants, but goes well with it.

Just don't wear a tie. No matter what else you are or aren't wearing, a tie screams "I am a corporate tool and I flaunt your business casual approach. Business casual is serious business."

That really depends on the company, I think. At Google? probably. On a university campus? Probably not.

Apr 5, 2011#18

linglingface

Null said:
That's business casual for hipsters. Seriously, jeans aren't going to go in most places, and the sweater just looks stupid.

Heh, personal taste. As a woman, I like men with a bright woven and muted vest.
And it's true, jeans don't cut it for most places, that link was just a suggestion/inspiration. However, the vest & woven are great separates that can be paired with a lot of other pieces later to get a lot of wear out of them.

Apr 5, 2011#19

Chibibar

Business Casual. What I think of it? Dress slacks, nice shoes (it is a must NO SNEAKERS or sandals!) and a dress shirt (nice blue color like above) no tie. If they say business casual, don't wear a suit. you may get points dock for not able to follow instructions

Apr 5, 2011#20

Dave

Tinwhistler said:
business casual at every place i've ever been at has been slacks, nice shoes, and a polo shirt.

for an interview, i'd upgrade the polo to a button-down but skip the tie and jacket.

See post #2 in this thread. Why does no one listen to me?

Apr 5, 2011#21

Chad Sexington

Why don't you guys look at Dave's second post. How come no one seems to hear what he says?

... :awesome:

Apr 5, 2011#22

Cajungal

Chicken suit.

Apr 5, 2011#23

Ravenpoe

I interviewed at Wal-Mart for a part time cashier position in a suit and tie.

This isn't really relevant, I just wanted something to add.

I got the job, too.

Apr 5, 2011#24

The Lovely Boehner

I was hoping this thread would be about the new Chromeo album

Apr 5, 2011#25

David

Birthday suit!

Apr 5, 2011#26

Emrys

David said:
Birthday suit!

With or without the tie?

Apr 5, 2011#27

Ravenpoe

Emrys said:
With or without the tie?

With. But it's all about where you wear it.

Apr 6, 2011#28

Tress

I have done business casual with a dress shirt, dark jeans, and nicer-but-not-formal shoes. The problem with "business casual" is that it's very vague.

Apr 6, 2011#29

sixpackshaker

Cajungal said:
Chicken suit.

Then you would have to be wary of fat, obnoxious, Rhode Islanders...

Apr 6, 2011#30

Null

sixpackshaker said:
Then you would have to be wary of fat, obnoxious, Rhode Islanders...

Is there any other type?

Apr 6, 2011#31

phil

If it's at all possible maybe scope the place out to see what everyone else is wearing.

My dad once lost out on a job because he wore a grey suit and they were a "blue suit company" so it never hurts to check that kind of stuff out.

Apr 6, 2011#32

SpecialKO

phil said:
If it's at all possible maybe scope the place out to see what everyone else is wearing.

My dad once lost out on a job because he wore a grey suit and they were a "blue suit company" so it never hurts to check that kind of stuff out.

The office is in a big, big building in NYC, so I'd have to go to their actual office to figure that out. Pictures they have online would seem to make it a button-down & slacks kind of place.

Apr 7, 2011#33

Espy

Maybe bring one of those pens that have the girl in the bikini on them and as you turn it it disappears? You can distract them from your clothes with it!

Apr 18, 2011#34

SpecialKO

As a slight update:

Went in last week with black slacks, sky-blue/brown striped button down, brown sportcoat. Talked with them for an hour, which turned into a conversation about marketing and the game industry (industry-specific marketing gig). Sent me an email this morning asking for a follow-up interview with a slightly more senior person.

So, stage 1? Passed. Stage 2? Incoming.

Apr 18, 2011#35

Espy

Nice. Congrats!

Apr 18, 2011#36

linglingface

Yay congrats!!

Apr 18, 2011#37

SpecialKO

Well, I'm trying not to get too excited about it, and to keep the overall search going. This position would be a fantastic fit, but I once got 7 interviews (4 rounds) deep into a position that I really, really liked, and still didn't get it.

In the end, there can only be one.

Unless there's more than one opening. In which case, there can only be that many.

Unless they can't find someone they like. Then there's less than that many.

You know what I mean.

Apr 19, 2011#38

sixpackshaker

Good luck dang it...

Apr 19, 2011#39

Espy

SpecialKO said:
In the end, there can only be one.

Unless there's more than one opening. In which case, there can only be that many.

Unless they can't find someone they like. Then there's less than that many.

You know what I mean.

Sounds like my prom night.

Apr 19, 2011#40

Piotyr

So...tie for stage 2, then?

Apr 19, 2011#41

SpecialKO

Piotyr said:
So...tie for stage 2, then?

The impression I'm getting is that I should stick with business casual, but I can always ask.

May 16, 2011#42

SpecialKO

Update #3: After another 2 rounds of interviews and a homework assignment, they say they're sending me an offer letter. It's not set in stone until I check it out and sign it, but assuming everything is kosher, I'd be starting next week doing marketing in the game industry.

I feel pretty good, but more relieved than anything else.

May 16, 2011#43

Chibibar

SpecialKO said:
Update #3: After another 2 rounds of interviews and a homework assignment, they say they're sending me an offer letter. It's not set in stone until I check it out and sign it, but assuming everything is kosher, I'd be starting next week doing marketing in the game industry.

I feel pretty good, but more relieved than anything else.

Woo!!!

Now-a-days with the large pool of applicant, the companies can be more picky in who they hire. I'm sure you are glad to be done with all the hoops to GET the job.

May 26, 2011#44

fade

I was hoping that each interview would be slightly more formal than the last. Business casual, business suit, tailored suit, tuxedo... After the 4th interview or so, you'd be in royal robes.

May 26, 2011#45

TheBrew

Or as a game changer, completely naked.

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