Dressing For Success - What is wrong with people?

[Bikini Mod]

I had someone come in this morning for an interview at 7:30am. Now I work in Business Banking for one of the largest financial groups in the world. I "Suit Up" everyday! No if's and's or buts about it. At work = Suit. The ONLY time I am working and not in a suit is if I am playing golf with a client. That's it!
The guy came in wearing dress pants and a golf polo? WTF was he thinking...
Now even if the job was business casual (which it is not) I would still wear a suit on my interview. No way am I hiring him. Am I being harsh or what?

Did you see The Pursuit of Happyness?

Did you ask the guy why he was dressed that way for an interview?

 

[yonkers weights]

Yea, I saw it. He went for a broker position. That is OVER THE PHONE SALES. Not face to face.

No, you can not ask that question. Against the law.

 

[Bikini Mod]

Yea, I saw it. He went for a broker position. That is OVER THE PHONE SALES. Not face to face.

No, you can not ask that question. Against the law.

There are creative ways to ask every question.

I thought it was interesting how they posed the question in the movie, "What would you say to me if I told you that I hired a man who came on a job interview without a shirt?"

I realize that it is a movie/not necessarily real life even though it was based on a true story and I also realize over-the-phone sales (which is a lot of how we conduct business - though are largest accounts are in-person) need most importantly have a good "phone face" (as in radio face LOL).

I suppose I think outside the box and would be aghast that someone would show up for such a position dressed that way, especially someone with experience. My curiosity would get the best of me and I would want to know what that person was thinking/what their situation was.

Just goes to show that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

 

[yonkers weights]

Very true!

 

[Bikini Mod]

I am thinkin maybe he really didn't want the job? ...just goin through the motions...

 

[yonkers weights]

Could be true. He sent me an email last night thanking me for my time and was looking forward to hearing back from me. Sounds like he is interested. He did do the right thing. I was just not WOW'ed. Maybe invite him and 2 others back for 2nd interviews. Maybe that will push him...

 

[heatherrae]

Can't ask that, against the law!

Against the law? What law? I don't think so.

 

[nefertiti]

My firm basically gets to hand pick the best and the brightest from the top business schools in the country. When there isn't much to seperate me from another candidate, it comes down to intangibles. Knowing how to send a message with how you present yourself is a part of the job, and can easily be a tie breaking point.

 

[yonkers weights]

You can not ask someone about their clothes? There are certain questions and or topics you can not talk about. I have a whole list from HR to review before ever interview.

You can ask if someone has been convicted of a crime but not if they have been arrested?
You can ask someone if they are able to work in the US but not if they are a resident?
You can ask someone if they are atleast 18 years of age but not how old they are?
You can not ask if someone owns a car but can ask if they have transportation to get to work?

We are a huge company and people set up interviews just to see if someone asks the wrong question so they can sue us! It sucks!

 

[yonkers weights]

Agree! You need to seperate yourself from the group. All are usually in the same area of knowledge when you get to this level. It is a Regional Manager position not an entry level.... They will be running our new market place in Boston! Big time! a lot fo eyes on this area for us.

My firm basically gets to hand pick the best and the brightest from the top business schools in the country. When there isn't much to seperate me from another candidate, it comes down to intangibles. Knowing how to send a message with how you present yourself is a part of the job, and can easily be a tie breaking point.