Business Professional or Casual Attire?

redwings191

redwings191

Well-Known Member
Lets see how well I do at explaining this.

I received a phone call from a flight school/charter service about a resume I submitted. We had a, kind of, informal phone interview and he said he would get back to me in a couple days. I sent an e-mail the next day thanking them for the phone call and I would look forward to hearing back from them. He sent me an e-mail back asking if I would like to fly out and check out the operation which, of course, I did. So, they bought me and my girlfriend two tickets to fly there next week. We are getting together for dinner the night we get in, then they are putting us up in a hotel, then we're meeting at the airport the following day to check out the company, airport, equipment, etc. They also wanted me to put together a summary of how I would go about promoting the flight school to bring in new students.

Any suggestions on proper business attire for something like this? I'm thinking maybe business casual for dinner and then suit and tie the next day?

Thanks.
 
Seems like they're going "all out" to introduce themselves to you. I'd reciprocate. But that's just me!
 
IMO, a suit may be overkill. If it was me, I'd show up in slacks, dress shirt and tie. It all comes down to you though. What would you feel the most comfortable/confident in?
 
A good rule of thumb for dress is to wear one level higher than what you'll be expected to wear on the job. For example, if you're going to be wearing khaki's and a polo on the job, wear a shirt and tie for the interview. If you're going to be wearing a shirt and tie, go with a suit. There are always exceptions to the rule, though. Obviously, you wouldn't wear a tux for an interview, unless your trying for something like a butler.
 
As an employer, a suit is always appropriate for an interview. I would not be put off by a sports jacket/tie/slacks, but the suit shows that you are prepared to conduct yourself professionally and that your care enough to make a good impression. Everyone is on best behavior for an interview. If someone comes in for an interview and they do not care enough to put their best effort in I know they will not put their best effort into their work. Looking your best will not get you the job but it will give you the opportunity to show them why you are the best candidate for the position. Prepare well and best of luck!
 
Nomattr said:
As an employer, a suit is always appropriate for an interview. I would not be put off by a sports jacket/tie/slacks, but the suit shows that you are prepared to conduct yourself professionally and that your care enough to make a good impression. Everyone is on best behavior for an interview. If someone comes in for an interview and they do not care enough to put their best effort in I know they will not put their best effort into their work. Looking your best will not get you the job but it will give you the opportunity to show them why you are the best candidate for the position. Prepare well and best of luck!
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Something that I have been doing now for interviews that has always gone appreciated is this. I will wear slacks/dress pants, a shirt and a tie with a jacket (like an actual, it's cold jacket).

This works out best for me because I'll wear unconventional colored shirts and ties. Like a pair of black pin stripe pants, a purplish/pinkish dress shirt, and a stripped dark purple tie with a black wool jacket/coat. If you want to go one step down, but still look sharp, remove the tie, and have the shirt pressed up to have your collars of the shirt pointed. Its one of those looks that it says "hey, I took the time to look professional" but doesn't say "I'm wearing this suit just because I think I'm supposed to"
 
The interview for my current flight school job was more of a business casual thing as it involved flying a plane to another airport and having lunch and the interview was conducted at lunch. The most recent interview for the new freight job was also business casual. The interview paperwork specifically said business casual and no ties. I saw on the interview gouges for this company that one guy showed up with a tie and was asked to take it off!:rotfl:
 
Stomp16 said:
IMO, a suit may be overkill. If it was me, I'd show up in slacks, dress shirt and tie. It all comes down to you though. What would you feel the most comfortable/confident in?
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ditto... That is pretty extreme. Must be a serious flight school if they are flying you out...
 
I tend to say wear the suit or a jacket and tie but that's just me. They're obviously going to some great lengths to recruit you as well incurring substantial expense so I think under dressing could be viewed as a slap in the face. No one would fault you for overdressing for an interview.

Also, if you're going to wear a tie for God's sake wear a jacket. Otherwise you look like a used car salesman or Homer Simpson (or an airline pilot :D ). If the dinner is casual, try a nice shirt with a sport coat sans tie.
 
WOW what a lot of conflicting advice - as someone who worked in recruiting and has prepped about 1000 people for interviews here is how I see. ALWAYS WEAR A SUIT. You can never overdress for an interview, a suit says 'I am serious about this, I am professional in my work and I respect you and your organization' - if you are required to do anything, you can always remove you jacket and tie. NEVER wear just slacks a shirt and a tie - that is what high school students applying for jobs wear - to me it basically says that the candidate lacks professionalism.

As for the evening I would wear a collared shirt and sports jacket - kind of like this!

p90658.jpg
 
I_Money said:
NEVER wear just slacks a shirt and a tie - that is what high school students applying for jobs wear - to me it basically says that the candidate lacks professionalism.

As for the evening I would wear a collared shirt and sports jacket - kind of like this!

p90658.jpg
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Preach on man!!!
 
Pépé le Pilot said:
Good point, looking overdressed is also a killer. Nothing worse than seeing a guy totally uneasy wearing a full suit.
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If totally uneasy, it hardly matters whether the interviewee is wearing a white tail tux or a swimsuit.

I'm with Nomattr and I_Money (and notice what they say is their experience in this area) and will vote for the suit. So far, I have never heard of someone not being hired for being "overdressed."
 
MidlifeFlyer said:
If totally uneasy, it hardly matters whether the interviewee is wearing a white tail tux or a swimsuit.

I'm with Nomattr and I_Money (and notice what they say is their experience in this area) and will vote for the suit. So far, I have never heard of someone not being hired for being "overdressed."
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:yeahthat:

My first ever job interview I had khakis and a collared shirt. I got hired, but I felt underdressed. (I'd just landed from pattern practice back in the student days and the phone rang "Hi can you come down in :20?")

I'd wear a suit unless I got clear indications not to. So far I've been suited for all the interviews I've had and it's never bitten me.
 
Thanks everyone for the great advice. I'll definitely err on the side of being overdressed rather than under dressed.
 
I'll further chime in here. If you're going to wear a suit, wear it properly also! Nothing is worse than an ugly fitted suit with shirts and pants that arent pressed neatly.

When I wear a suit or anything that gets tucked in, I always wear shirt stays. Maybe that's the sheriff's stuff that I got used to, but it always looks so much neater to have your shirt always pulled down in your pants instead of getting slack in your back and sides making you look sloppy. Also, properly shined shoes is a must too.
 
redwings191 said:
Thanks everyone for the great advice. I'll definitely err on the side of being overdressed rather than under dressed.
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Good choice. This is aviation and they are putting their life in your hands every day; don't let them think you can't even dress yourself in the morning. This isn't a job sacking groceries.
 
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