engineer80

I was just wondering, for those of you that met on an informal basis with potential employers/did the rounds with CVs to hand, what did you wear? It may sound like a really silly question but since it technically isn't an interview, did you go in work attire or casual or somewhere in between? Thanks for any replies!
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Cassie 10000

They don't really wear suits here in Canada, formal seems to be chinos and a polo tee.

engineer80

Ok, so some linens with a smart casual top may be good....thanks! Good thing I asked or I could have looked like a right muppet in a suit!

AdrianR

Partly true...and I would still recommend wearing a suit if it's an office-based job you're seeking.

jericho

Maybe so, but if you're going for an interview or want to make a good impression, you should wear a suit (for most jobs)...

engineer80

Yes the job would be office based....

Dave+Jules

I set up some information interviews while on our research visit and I turned up in smart casual (smart trousers, cotton shirt without tie and clean shoes). One of them hired me 2 years later when we landed (ah the old days of applying and waiting 2-3 years for processing). I was an IT Project manager

capillano

I would recommend wearing a suit including a tie. No one will hold it against you. First impressions count.

Good luck with the interview!

Alberta_Rose

mmm that is "smart casual" and a possibly unwise generalisation.

Hubby wore a suit for his "informal interview" and also for his formal one when we landed some 2 years later. He got the job, and now wears a suit at work.

Scotty boy

I phoned a company up from the uk and when we visited , the whole family went to meet the employer. It was great he gave the kids tshirts and caps. And done coloring with them

Dave+Jules

I agree

triumphguy

No one is going to dock you marks for being too formal, but they will if you show up too informal. You can always take your jacket and tie off if needs be.

Also, at my office everyone wears a jacket and tie. It's definately not business casual - except for Stampede week!

Bonsai

A good rule of thumb is one step up from what the general employees generally wear (granted....handy if you know...not much use if you dont).

Alan2005

Jacket and tie? blimey - i thought those days were over.

For an informal chat - I'd wear business casual simply because that's several steps up on what I'd normally wear in the office (hoodies, trainers, jeans etc). I wouldn't wear a suit if it was really just an informal meet up but I would to an interview. Maybe I wouldn't get that far for being a scruffy bugger - but there you go.

G77

Not strictly true, sometimes part of the "test" is to see if you turn up in casual clothes - I once went to a graduate event where they'd specified NOT to turn up in a suit but smart casual. My uncle gave me advice to ignore this and turn up in a suit..... So I did and everyone else was in smart casual, I got rejected for "not fitting in"

Admittedly, this is probably more for graduate type nonsense than a straight interview at a fully qualified level, but moral of the story is use your best judgment and go with it (I didn't).