Hi everyone,
I'm looking to find a suit for interviews and the workplace. I've been suggested that charcoal and navy is the way to go with 2 buttons.
Any suggestions?
Suit for interview/workplace
bargin424 on 21/07/2014 - 18:52
Comments
Entry level positions/graduate programs, IT sector
If you wear a suit to an interview for a programmer role, that will be wrong. Polo shirt + khaki is considered quite formal in this case. However, it makes sense to suit up for a project manager role. Make sure you double check with the company if in doubt before you invest.
Quote from the internet:
I've interviewed for jobs in informal companies and have felt very out of place when I arrived in a suit and tie. In today's world, proper business attire is so confusing that I don't think anyone should use it to evaluate candidates. They should instead give candidates a heads up of what is expected."
I respectfully disagree. I have recruited close to 100 people in the IT industry and first impression for any role is always what counts. Within five minutes you get a feel for whether the person will be worth recruiting, so everything that gives you an edge counts in an interview. A finely cut suit makes the person look smart and also makes you feel better in an interview so will give you a psychological edge. There is also a talk on Tedtalks about power postures - some science about postures pre interview -worth watching and trying.
Many internal roles wear polos and jeans but for an interview you should always look your best. The only exception to this I can think of, is if you have been head hunted from another company and don't want to make it obvious you are going to an interview (i.e. turn up in a business casual environment wearing a suit) as long as you have checked with the potential employer beforehand.
Single breasted is more stylish currently, but it's personal preference. Don't go for a quirky tie. I heard of one recuitment process and they were down to the final two and there was nothing between the candidates so they chose the one with the best tie! Crazy!
And research their company before you go in and think of some intelligent questions about the role or the strategy of the company. You'll go far!What sort of things do you look for within the first 5 minutes, and what is your best advice you can give for someone like myself looking for a job?
Agree charcoal and navy double breasted 2 button. White shirts and conservative tie, or no tie with an open neck if you are very confident it is a "no tie" place. When you start work you can get some coloured/patterned shirts, but at interview stage, just stick with white.
Just head down to Ron Bennett or Myer or whoever is local and figure $350 each. If there is any chance you will be in Asia in the near term, get them made there.
I have been eyeing of the http://www.ctshirts.com.au/ suits as I was quite pleased with their shirts, should you want to buy online.
I agree with this, and only do up one of the two buttons when you wear it. I saw some decent looking 100% wool suits at Trade Secret the other day for around $100 if you are looking for more of a bargain buy. Making in Asia is also highly recommended and it's hard to go back once you have worn a properly tailored suit.
double breasted
Hard to wear a double breaster well. Single breast much better.
Was going to post the same thing - single breasted is more fashionable these days
But agree with everything else mskeggs said
And yes those Charles Tyrwhitt shirts are just great. They're on sale on a regular basis. (Bit like Kathmandu; only tourists and fools pay full price!)
A white tuxedo should do you well
are you in victoria, this guy http://derango.com.au/ comes to my work and sells us suits
cheaper than shops by a fair bit, studio italia and a few other brands, comes to you
but the kicker is that every suit comes with free alterations, he measures you up and brings the suit back and gives it back to you in a day or two, recommend.Navy, single breasted, plain white shirt with spread collar and a spray or two of subtle cologne.
Don't attempt the double breasted yet. It is not as common and are harder to get the fit right.
Always go with a tie, grenadine if you can find it. A tie won't make you out of place but no tie might. Once you are there, you can always lose the tie if need be.
Don't spend too much if it is your first suit. MJ Bale, Peter Jackson and Myer should have some on discount.
Once you put on your jacket,assuming your shirt fits properly, your shirt cuff should be visible about 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch. If not, that means your jacket is too long. Get it altered. Last button of the suit should be left unbutton.
Hope that helps
Man to Man $59 & $49 suit set, instore only.
Consider Sires, they start at $150 for the lower end suits.
But don't buy their shirts, I was unimpressed with the $50 shirt I bought, the $20 FITS shirts I got on special were of a much higher quality. I've also worn pelaco and various other brands, they are all fine.Also try Rivers for shirts, I have worn their shirts recently and found them to be of a higher quality than other $50 shirts I have bought, you can get them for as low as $10 or $15 on sale.
I'm in IT sector
Don't have to buy an expensive suit as most jobs are business casual (polo and trousers) or casual (jeans and t shirt) once you are in.
But do look smart at the interview - first impressions are lasting. Good Luck!
PS i'd go with single breast navy with a tie unless you are of a larger build- then go double breastedI personally only ever wear black suits, just a personal preference. Light colored/white/pale blue for an interview and nothing too loud for the tie. They style again is personal preference and will be more about what suits you, just try the different styles on with someone with you as a second opinion. I'd look at spending $3-400, you can usually tell a cheaper suit from the look, diminishing returns spending more than that I find though.
If you only have 1 suit, then a charcoal grey two button single breasted suit is the best way to go. Once you begin building up multiple suits - then I would suggest branching out into something more exotic/unusual (if that is your style).
Any one have suggestions (direct link) of a suit? Or a direct link to the suit you currently own?
Looking at options of:
Colour: charcoal or navy
Button: 2 single breasted
Purpose: Interview, workplace. IT sector
Budget: Up to and under $400, probably can stretch to $500 if justifiablehttp://www.mjbale.com/on-sale/mens-suits/armidale-navy-jkt
http://www.mjbale.com/on-sale/mens-suits/atlas-navy-suit-143…
http://www.mjbale.com/on-sale/mens-suits/crespo-navy-suit-18…
http://www.mjbale.com/on-sale/mens-suits/david-denim-jkt
http://www.mjbale.com/on-sale/mens-suits/oberon-navy-jkt-139…others such as below will have the same
If you are in Victoria (especially southern suburbs) contact me (somehow) if interested.
I have 2 pair hardly worn (work experience student wore for 2 weeks), size 32 (82R) black pants.
They look really smart on, especially with quality white shirt and tie (that is if you don't need entire suit).
When needed once again son required size 34".
One pair cost me $40 … no luck selling on eBay so am about to give them to Vinnies soon.If you are registered with a Job Network they are supposed to assist you with suitable clothing for interviews etc. too. Doesn't hurt to ask does it?
Slim Fit Mens Suit Only $113 with Free Delivery @ Moss Bros —> https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/153704 ; )
You're correct..can't go wrong with charcoal/navy 2 button, and single breast.
It's around stock take sale, I would spend say $4-600 on a RHODES & BECKETT suit.. I heard MJ Bale also make great suits but have never owned one.
Buy/borrow a decent shirt and tie. oh decent shoes too, not an old unpolished one from highschool.
Good luck.
Better to overdress than underdress.
Sure, your job performance should be the only thing that counts when getting the job, but life is unfair, so don't yourself a disservice by dressing sloppily.
I've made decisions to hire people.. 2 equal candidates- we would always hire the better presented candidate.
forget the brands as such. It goes without saying that some brands make better suits.
The most important factor, by far, for a suit is the fit. A really well fitted suit is very impressionable so try a few on at a few places rather than shopping by store and buy one that fits tight to the max extent your budget allows.
Double breasted is good… if you are 70.
If you are going for your first job definitely suit up. whoever said to wear a polo (albeit in the IT industry) must be on meth, that might be fine after you land a job… there may be a few exceptions (Google/Start up Company but i'd research first). Your colour choice so far is solid. Make sure your shoes are clean and sharp too.
I'm in IT and to confirm hummdog: I said suit up but it doesn't have to be expensive as you said ;) after you get the job then most places are business casual or casual … So no point in spending top $
PS I'm not on meth either
Do you have a budget? What type of jobs are you interviewing for?