Electrical Engineering Internship Interview Attire

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hi,
I recently got two suits, and I happen to like both of them.
But I got some intern interviews in the future and I dont know if those suits will be appropriate.
Here are my concerns, one of the suits is one buttoned. Not sure if this is too trendy???
And the other one does not have the smooth material like most suits have.
Although it looks like it does and one more thing about it is that it has black (not really noticeable) stitching around the collar.
Should I return any of these suits??</p>

2

<p>BTW,
here is a pic to that second suit i talked about
<a href=“http://static.zara.net/photos//2012/I/0/2/p/5608/577/800/5608577800_2_4_1.jpg?timestamp=1344853166068[/url]”>http://static.zara.net/photos//2012/I/0/2/p/5608/577/800/5608577800_2_4_1.jpg?timestamp=1344853166068&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Engineers are not known for being fashion forwarded. From the picture and your description, these suits you have do seem a bit too trendy. I would suggest returning a least one for a traditional suit. Go to a department store like Macy’s etc., Joseph A. Banks or Men’s Wearhouse and tell them it is for interview and get their advice. You can also google what to wear to an engineering position interview and ask your friends. Appearance is one of the easier things to control in an interview, so why not make it something that boost your confidence.</p>

4

<p>If thats you, definitely shave.</p>

<p>The color seems conservative enough.</p>

5

<p>Ha, its not me.
Thanks for the advices, I think I will return the one button suit as other people say its too trendy and not conservative.
As of the stitching from the pic, do you guys think thats appropriate? (you will have to zoom in to see those)
thanks!!</p>

6

<p>Those at casual dress workplaces won’t care or even notice how fashion-forward or trendy your suit is.</p>

<p>Those at dressy workplaces may be more likely to object to anything other than a conservatively styled well fitting suit.</p>

7

<p>I recommend a dark blue solid suit and a red or blue tie. Might sound boring but you will never question whether your choice in dress caused you to lose out on an opportunity. Black is not usually considered appropriate. Black is more appropriate for evenings. Dark grey is also a good choice. Engineers usually do dress more causal, but for interviews a nice suit is appropriate.</p>

8

<p>Optimally, interview suits should be either Charcoal or Navy with “normal” material, 2 or 3 button, a White or Light Blue shirt, an a conservative red tie. I think Engineering majors have a lot of slack in that their dress does is not expected to be perfect. Pick whatever you think is the most professional looking outfit you can make with what you have. Realistically, as long as you’re reasonably appropriately dressed (ie. don’t show up in sweats and a t-shirt), for Engineering jobs it’s not going to matter.</p>

9

<p>Make sure to be sensitive to a company’s culture. It’s as bad to be overdressed as it is to be underdressed (e.g. don’t be wearing that suit to an interview with Google…a t-shirt and jeans are probably more appropriate here).</p>

10

<p>Where are the interviews? I mean what part of the country, you don’t need to name the companies. Only asking because it really varies by company and area. Many of the companies in the NW are more casual-- no one would wear a suit to an interview. Same in many CA companies. Khakis and a nice shirt would be considered formal, many employees would be wearing jeans.</p>

<p>NE companies would be more formal. So like sumzup said before you exchange suits or buy something else try to find out what the company atmosphere is like. It would be ok to ask whoever you set up the interview with</p>

11

<p>Son interviewed for all his summer paid engineering internships and this past Fall for full time employment for when he graduates (had three job offers- yeah!) and wore a black suit, black dress shoes, white or blue shirt and yes, that tie that has lots of red in it!</p>

<p>Clothes for the internships- Khakis of different colors and either polo shirts or button-downs.</p>

12

<p>Also, if you can return the suit with the black stitching, do!!</p>

<p>Considering you will not need many suits for engineering, stick with nice classic basics. Purchased my son a great navy suit while he was home over break and he has a couple of nice traditional blazers (black and navy) also.</p>

13

<p>Depends on the company. If it is a defense contractor like lockheed martin or northrop go with a suit. If it is a startup company in the Silicon Valley then go with a collar shirt and khakis.</p>

<p>For engineering interviews you wont really be docked for what you wear. We want to see what type of mind you have. We all know it is hard deciding what to wear for an interview when you don’t really know the company culture.</p>

<p>If you are unsure whether to go suit or polo shirt go suit. A suit will almost never hurt you.</p>

14

<p>Marchballer is correct. Also, just like others suggested stick with solid navy or dark grey suits, not black.</p>

15

<p>Im at soCal.
So to sum up, I should go with a polo or button down shirt for a fairly new company. (And if I do wear the polo or shirt, should i tuck them into the pants???)
And a dark grey or navy suit for a decent company?</p>

<p>Just out of curiosity, why isn’t black suit appropriate?</p>

16

<p>Black suits for daytime use is a bit too severe unless you are in mourning.</p>

17

<p>If you are uncertain, wear a dark gray conservatively styled properly fitting suit.</p>

<p>However, if you have other information about the company culture, then adjust as appropriate. E.g. the recruiter tells you not to wear a suit, your friends at the company describe it as a casual dress place, or the manager mentions something about working around machinery (i.e. wearing a tie is a safety hazard).</p>