The Application Process

Hi everyone,

I have an Interview with HEC Montreal this Tuesday. Here is the statement I received:

"All eligible applicants are invited to an informal interview lasting about 30 minutes, conducted by two MBA graduates. This step is now an integral part of the admission process, and is intended to personalize our analysis of applicants' files in a more relaxed setting. This is nevertheless one of our selection criteria.
We hope that you will be able to take this opportunity to discuss your application with these MBA graduates."

My question is whether it would be appropriate to wear dress pants with a blazer+tie combo rather than a complete matching suit. The full suits I have are: black pinstripe, black and a one-button grey suit. I feel that the black suit that I usually wear to formal occasions would be slightly over the top.
I may not have the time to buy a new suit and get it fitted by Tuesday.

What do you think? Thanks.

*Update: I just called and asked them if it was business attire. It is indeed...so I guess I'll have to either wear the black suit or buy a new one asap.?

mr T

Hi, Mr_T!

If you want to know my opinion - here it is - don't grasp this invitation too seriously! Well, it doesn't mean that you should not prepare, you should, and as heartily as you can! But talking about your clothes - If you want to observe a business etiquette (taking into account that your interview will be INFORMAL - that is the main point!) you need to wear pants with a coat and a shirt WITHOUT tie, or pants with a shirt and jersey, but still no tie! In some cases you may wear even good looking jeans with a shirt and a coat but forget about tie! And finally something about colour - as possible don't wear black if it is an informal meeting. If you choose your one-button grey suit it will be perfect and most appropriate in your case!

Hope this will help you!

Wish you good luck and as we saying: "Don't bring to shame our fleet!"

i was actually going to say the grey suit after reading your post.... so that falls right in line with what Alex says... depending on your stature, i think you could even do the blazer with dress pants w/ some loafers... you know that country club look and feel

Too late,

I bought a cheap classic suit at Mexx for $120. Fits well...
From the statement, it does seem very relax. However when I heard her say business attire, I thought "better be safe than sorry."

Thanks for the input

mr T