Academic interview, should I suit up?

[Gibson]

Hi Guys,

Just got word from Aus that they want to interview me for PhD candidature tonight at 11. Just not too sure how professional it should be, its with my potential supervisor so should I wear a suit? Or just normal attire?

Thanks to anyone whose been through it and can offer advice

 

[Goblin]

To me the first impression is always the most important. I would suit-up.

 

[noxibox]

In what field?

To me the first impression is always the most important. I would suit-up.

Which can easily make a bad impression.

 

[Gibson]

In what field?


Which can easily make a bad impression.

Forensic Criminology. He's always been pretty formal in emails, the most familiar I got was a "Hello", so thinking a suit may be the way to go

 

[RiaX]

yes always suit up for every and any interview

 

[BobsLawnService]

When in doubt rather be more formal than less.

 

[Bar0n]

Wearing a suit will seldom, if ever, create a bad impression on people. Dressing too informally might, though.

 

[atomcrusher]

Forensic Criminology. He's always been pretty formal in emails, the most familiar I got was a "Hello", so thinking a suit may be the way to go

You said the interview was late at night, SA time? Then wear your best py-jams. If you are dressed up he may get the impression you're a night-joller, and are on your way to a nightclub after the interview

 

[cerebus]

Bare minimum should be a buttoned shirt. Tie would be better. I don't even own a full suit so I've never suited up for any interview, and I don't think it's mandatory for an academic sphere. But do make a bit of an effort to look professional.

 

[agentrfr]

Do something semi-formal. A button shirt with a blazer is cool, tie might over-do it. Look smart, crisp and professional.

 

[googoodoll]

Wear a suit.

A suit isn't 'formal' btw, unless its a tuxedo.

 

[GforceD]

yes always suit up for every and any interview

Yes! Always suit up, even if you know the dress code for the company is a little less formal.

 

[Gibson]

Awesome, thanks chaps. Will definitely get out the suits and try make an impression.

Ah, the time difference sucks but at least it gives a little more time to study up for it.

 

[Paul Hjul]

ja I wouldn't go formal - which in an academic context is a dark suit with academic gowns
but smart casual or semi-formal and suiting up is what I would do without even thinking about it

 

[Batista]

Wear a full bioharzard suit?

 

[noxibox]

Wearing a suit will seldom, if ever, create a bad impression on people.

Definitely does in electronic engineering and software.

 

[Jehosefat]

I can't believe that you trust the internet more than your friends...

 

[Gibson]

I can't believe that you trust the internet more than your friends...

Haha, but you know how sexy I look in a suit, so its a bit biased. But nothing wrong with getting some extra opinions

 

[noxibox]

It's not something you need to leave to chance. If the person you're going to meet is the head of department or even a senior professor or lecturer you can contact the department secretary to ask about appropriate attire or if anyone even cares. In the case of companies you can also ask. If it is local you can do some reconnaissance instead. Because quite contrary to what some people would like to believe you can go wrong with a suit. If someone can have a negative opinion due to not seeing a suit, another can have one due to seeing suit.

One also cannot judge an individual purely from their writing style.

Personally I'd be a bit concerned about studying under an academic that puts weight on an individual's clothing rather than their ideas and proven academic merit.

If it were me I'd contact the department before the interview and just ask.

 

[Bar0n]

Definitely does in electronic engineering and software.

Going for an interview? I've never seen a programmer pitch up for an interview without at least a tie and formal shirt/pants combination. That's the minimum, otherwise a suit.