When it Rains...

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...It Pours! After a long drought of no calls, suddenly I am faced with three interviews in a VERY short period of time. The dilemma I am facing is how to dress. While working as a Social Worker it was easy to dress for an interview. Wear the clothes that you guessed you'd wear to the office. As a Tradesman, do I go in wearing Business Casual or what I'd wear in the shop? Tie or No Tie? Button down shirt or nice plain Polo style shirt? Kahki's or Dress Pants?Should I pack along a spare set of shop clothes just in case they want me to take a welding test 'RIGHT NOW'? Packing my gear is no big deal as I have a few gear bags ready to go. For those wondering, it's 2 different CNC Machine Operator Positions and an 'Installer Technician' position for a company that installs electronics into cop cars.The world is amazing when you are slightly strange.
Reply:I don't know that you need a suit for this kind of interview. You simply state that you have come ready to test in any mode that they see fit. More important is be on time(early) clean, neat clothes. Shirt tucked in not hanging out. Wear a belt and used but not shot work shoes. A watch and a wedding ring might indicate stability , it has worked for me. In the end it is about what you can do for them, not how you look, unless you plan to do modeling for them. LOL.  Good Luck."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:That's what I keep trying to explain to my GF and her parents. The job is going to care more about if I can walk the walk and talk the talk than if I'm wearing what is considered the latest 'Office Appropriate Work Attire."I think I'm going with a simple dress shirt (Solid Colour) my hand made (by me) Chain Maille tie, dress slacks and my nicely and freshly oiled worked boots. The Tie is a REAL eye catcher and since I am going for a position that requires the use of my brain and my hands, I can use it as an example of my work.The world is amazing when you are slightly strange.
Reply:As a rule of thumb I always go prepared to start work that day.  I'd pack a bag of work clothes next to the equipment bag.
Reply:I've been asked this question by many students.I have also been the interviewer for perspective employees at my shop.I always recommend to dress in proper formal attire.At this point you're involved with the "office" end of a business, not the shop.I like to draw a comparison to your speech patterns.When on an interview, do you speak with a potential employer as thoughhe were one of the guys sharing banter in the shop? Hopefully not, let your dress and attitude show your professionalism whileallowing your experience and qualifications speak on behalf of your skills.I also recommend to always bring shop clothes and PPE in the event that you are asked to take a weld test on the spot, which happens quite frequently.CWI, CWE, CST for Miller, Lincoln, Thermadyne, Hypertherm & ESABMillermatic 350PLincoln Invertec 205 AC/DCVictor combo torchESAB PCM 1125
Reply:Dexter, as a general rule "dress the part".  If going to interview for an office job wear a suit and tie, if for a manual trades job, wear your best work clothes.  This doesn't mean faded, clean ones with holes and advertising your favorite beverage or pastime!  Best work clothes means just that.  Almost new, no stains or holes, well fitting and clean!  With a belt and please tuck your shirt in. Also if you have tattoos on your arms, you may want to consider a long sleeve shirt.  Your interviewer may not appreciate them the way you and your buds do. Wear clean boots or shoes also.  Even if you leave your work boots in the car, clean them up!  You may have to get them for testing or taking a tour of their facilities.  Remember to take what ever  you need for testing also.Remember, you are selling yourself!  Don't sell yourself short but be honest.  Don't tell them you can do something if you can't.  But, you are willing to learn! Good luck, Bob."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:I agree with the guys that advise good, clean, work clothes. I have been passed over a couple times due to my clothes. After applying a second time for a different position with one employer they recognized that I had been there before for interview. After working in the fab shop a while we had a discussion about the first time I applied and why they passed me over. I wore nice shoes, slacks and a dress shirt with no tie to the interview and their impression was that I would be afraid to get dirty. So, I have to disagree with Maedar although he can use any interview/screening process he deems fit, I hope he does not pass over good prospects because of their attire unless it is completely unacceptable clothing.UA Local 598
Reply:Bit of an update... Went for the interview and I got the position! I am now an Apprentice CNC Machine Operator. The job consists of setting up the parts, pushing a button, measuring for tolerance and cleaning parts. I will also be pahsed into learning G-Code and other operations around the shop (Setting up Machines etc etc). Pay is decent enough that I don't have to worry about my wages for a while. Took the advice of "Dress Nice" and it helped. I think the big thing with getting a job is just looking like you know what you are doing. I wore my chain maille tie and it really wowed my new boss. The best advice I can give is look sharp, look CLEAN and know how to talk to people. If you go in wearing a 'ghetto banger' shirt and can't put 2 or three cogent sentences together, forget it bub. You won't be getting much more than just flipping burgers.The world is amazing when you are slightly strange.
Reply:Congratulations on the job! Sounds like it's gonna be a good journey.AlA man is judged by what's between his legs...always ride a good horseMiller DialArc HFLincoln Classic 300DThermal Arc 181iPowermax 45Scotchman Ironworker(2) BridgeportsOkomota Surface GrinderAutoCAD 2010
Reply:as a combo welder i always go in jeans an my long sleeve shirt and steel toe boots, ready to take my weld test... my welding hood always in my truck.
Reply:Sounds like the beginning of a very rewarding career. G00,X0Y0Z0. M30.Good luck ,Bob."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:Originally Posted by WHughesSo, I have to disagree with Maedar although he can use any interview/screening process he deems fit, I hope he does not pass over good prospects because of their attire unless it is completely unacceptable clothing.
Reply:Forgot one thing, Congrats Dexter.CWI, CWE, CST for Miller, Lincoln, Thermadyne, Hypertherm & ESABMillermatic 350PLincoln Invertec 205 AC/DCVictor combo torchESAB PCM 1125
Reply:Congratulations on the job Dexter. Could you please post a pic of your chain maille tie? I am curious to no end. jrw159
Reply:Congratulations on getting the job.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Congrats on the job Dexter.Bill