Interview Attire

[pumpkinbread]

I have a question about interview attire. A little background information:

I am interviewing off-campus in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City for Kellogg in the next two weeks. I have been in Vietnam for the past few months working for a nonprofit microfinance company. My time is spent either in the branch offices, or in the countryside working with entrepreneurs/borrowers. Because of this I do not have a suit in Vietnam.

I am interviewing with the Managing Partner of a private equity firm in Vietnam, and I am wondering if it is absolutely necessary to wear a suit to the interview? My business casual attire is quite formal for business casual (the same sharp uniform from my banking analyst days), but I am debating whether I should go out and buy a suit for this one-off occasion.

I appreciate any thoughts you have on this matter. Thank you for your time and input.

Best,
PB

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear PB,

A suit is always best for an interview, especially if the interviewer has not specified business casual dress. If you are not in a suit, it might create an impression that you do not intend. While I certainly understand not wanting to spend the money on a suit for the interview, it might be a worthwhile investment. If the clothes you have can "create" a suit, meaning if you add the right shirt and a tie (assuming you are male), then you might be able to do that instead of buying a full suit. [for women, putting a jacket with a dress or nice slacks is also acceptable] Essentially, you want to be in professional business dress.

Good luck,
Lisa