What to wear to an interview?

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AleksandrM: Legendary Member; Posts: 566; Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:01 am; Location: Philadelphia; Thanked: 31 times; GMAT Score:640

by AleksandrM » Sat Oct 04, 2008 8:31 am

The school's website states that "business attire is expected." What would you think is appropriate given this description? I do not want to wear a suit, because I think that it makes me seem uptight, which is not representative of my personality.

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CappyAA: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 124; Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:07 amFollowed by: 14 members; Thanked: 21 times; GMAT Score:750

by CappyAA » Sat Oct 04, 2008 8:45 am

I wouldn't think of wearing anything but a suit. I think it's pretty standard to wear one for an interview. I don't think you can be overdressed at all, but you can certainly be underdressed.

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AleksandrM: Legendary Member; Posts: 566; Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:01 am; Location: Philadelphia; Thanked: 31 times; GMAT Score:640

by AleksandrM » Sat Oct 04, 2008 8:57 am

Alright. I certainly would not wear a T-shirt with a pair of pants or chinos. However, I was thinking of slim-fit pants with a blazer rather than trousers and jacket. But, I guess it is better to stay within safe territory.

Thanks for the reply.

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Graham: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 270; Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:20 amFollowed by: 17 members; Location: Philadelphia & Paris; Thanked: 35 times; GMAT Score:750

by Graham » Sun Oct 05, 2008 5:29 am

Aleksandr,

If the school specifies 'business attire' they absolutely mean a suit, not a blazer and dress pants. The suit should ideally be dark (blue, grey, black, pinstripes are fine) fairly conservative, etc. You should wear a blue or white shirt and a conservative tie - nothing flashy. Avoid excessive jewelry, cologne, etc. Polish your shoes and be sure they match the suit (e.g. don't wear brown shoes with a black suit).

The goal is to have the adcom remember you for who you are - not what you were wearing. This is why conservative business attire is the safest bet.

Best of luck at your interview,

Graham

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AleksandrM: Legendary Member; Posts: 566; Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:01 am; Location: Philadelphia; Thanked: 31 times; GMAT Score:640

by AleksandrM » Sun Oct 05, 2008 7:40 am

K, thanks.

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Scottie@VeritasPrep: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 500; Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:34 amFollowed by: 6 members; Location: Florida; Thanked: 45 times

by Scottie@VeritasPrep » Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:41 pm

Graham has given you good advice. Save the pants and blazer for business casual events.

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AleksandrM: Legendary Member; Posts: 566; Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:01 am; Location: Philadelphia; Thanked: 31 times; GMAT Score:640

by AleksandrM » Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:39 pm

Yeah, I just got a very elegant dark grey suit from Banana Republic. So, I'm good to go.

Thanks.

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boatracers: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 25; Joined: Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:31 pm; Location: California; Thanked: 3 times

business attire

by boatracers » Fri Oct 10, 2008 4:04 pm

You should dress like the way you would want someone to remember you by. If an interviewer asks for business formal, and you come in tennis shoes and a knit shirt, you are under dressed. Similarly, if you come with a blazer and no tie, that is also not business formal.

Rule of thumb is to go in a nice suit in tie. I prefer the darker colors, and nothing too flashy in terms of the shirt and tie.

If you fear that you might be too formal, the easiest thing to do is remove your tie. However, if you're under dressed, there is no real good solution.

Good luck, and hope that this helps!

Paul
[email protected]
www.EssayMatch.com

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AleksandrM: Legendary Member; Posts: 566; Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:01 am; Location: Philadelphia; Thanked: 31 times; GMAT Score:640

by AleksandrM » Sat Oct 11, 2008 5:45 am

Yeah, I already decided on a grey suit; blue, white, or light tan shirt; and a striped blue and white tie; with black CK shoes.

Thanks for all your input.

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by beatthegmat » Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:55 am

Good luck at the interview!

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AleksandrM: Legendary Member; Posts: 566; Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:01 am; Location: Philadelphia; Thanked: 31 times; GMAT Score:640

by AleksandrM » Sun Oct 12, 2008 11:31 am

Thank you, Eric. The interview is actually some time in Late December, early January. Will let everyone know how it goes.

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rebounder2: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 6; Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:09 pm

by rebounder2 » Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:14 pm

yep, suit would be my choice too

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yezz: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 65; Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:18 pm; Thanked: 1 times

by yezz » Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:25 pm

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and i wonder if you can help me with the following.

I am visiting a couple of my dream schools during Nov 08 on a casual visit ( preview day arranged by the school) prior to applying to the programs that i plan by early Jan 08.

what do you recommend in terms of dress code?? should i wear a suit that i think to formal for the same event or a slim fit pants and a jacket?

would appreciate your replies

regards

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VP_MBA_Guru: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 690; Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 12:51 pmFollowed by: 3 members; Thanked: 39 times; GMAT Score:750+

by VP_MBA_Guru » Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:53 pm

I think business casual (pants, dress shirt, jacket) is fine.

Good luck with your visits

Nikhil P. | Admissions Consultant | Veritas Prep

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yezz: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 65; Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:18 pm; Thanked: 1 times

by yezz » Mon Oct 20, 2008 1:42 am

VP_MBA_Guru wrote:I think business casual (pants, dress shirt, jacket) is fine.

Good luck with your visits

Thanks i really appreciate

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