I have applied to a machine shop looking for apprentices. This week I will have in interview and was wondering the typical attire for this type of interview. I've always been taught to dress neatly in the typical attire of the employees working there. Shop attire there is typically jeans and a t-shirt.
I have no time to purchase any clothing due to my schedule. Would wearing a pair of work pants and a dark t-shirt be okay? That would be typical attire of the employees there. The only other option I have is a 3-piece suit, which I believe would be out of the question for this type of job.
"mr electron" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:
Wear the slacks from your suit along with the tie. I haven't seen anyone wearing a three piece suit in about 15 years.
When I was in your position I always wore a tie and more often than not was offered the job. You only get one chance to make a first and lasting impression. If they get 20 or so applicants that they interview, what are you going to do to stand out? If nothing else taking the time to dress up and look your best will show that you are serious.
Will you feel out of place? No doubt. The prospective employer will almost always comment on the way you're dressed. Often along the lines of "you're not dressed for working in a machine shop. Are you sure this is what you want to do?" The best response is "If you want me to start today, I'll run home and change." "I just figured if you were going to give me some of your time, I would show you that I respect that." Sounds corny but it works.
When applying for an apprentice job make sure to ask questions about what they do and how they do it. Avoid questions along the lines of "What's in it for me?" Apprentice jobs rarely if ever have negotiable wages and/or bennies. You also want the employer to know that you have mechanical ability. If you know how to read a micrometer, have some experience, etc. make sure they know that as well.
For this type of opening an employer will often ask what your habbies are. Fixing cars, woodworking, etc. are always good. But don't lie. You never know if the guy is a gearhead or a woodworker himself. Another question is what do you want to be doing in ten years? Have an answer ready. "Right now I plan on being the best journeyman in your shop" is a pretty good answer. I answered "Your job" once and was offered the job. The guy laughed and said, "Well at least your honest." I wouldn't use that as a pat answer but it felt right at the time.
I would suggest the shirt and pants from your suit. I would NOT wear a tie nor would I wear a suit jacket.
If you have a shop apron, I would suggest bringing it (but not wearing it). If they want you perform an operation on a machine (which is highly unlikely), you can put it on.
Be sure to take it easy. If you're desperate for a job, they'll smell it and you won't get it.
That's because they haven't sold them in 20 years. Myself I like to get three piece with 2 pairs of pants. Often I never even don the jacket and the vest carries the day.
Slacks of some sort and maybe a nice polo style shirt. I'd go with the cheapy WallyWorld versions. Throw a pair of overalls/coveralls in your bag or car in case you're asked to demonstrate your skills.
"mr electron" wrote: (clip) I have no time to purchase any clothing due to my schedule. (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Do you live in an area where no stores are open evenings? I would MAKE the time if it matters to you. For an interview, I think you should look a little neater and dressier than the guys working at the machines. Your suit with a tie might look a little pretentious, so I would settle for an shirt with an open collar, worn with your suit pants, and some kind of a light jacket, sport coat or windbreaker. (I'm a slob, but I know when not to look like one.)
During one interview, I was told, "You will get your hands dirty." My answer must have been OK, 'cause I got the job. I said, "Good." Hope YOU get the job.
Neat, clean and understated is far better than "fine raiment". I'd be more favorably disposed to an apprentice applicant in a clean pressed cotton or chambray shirt and pressed (yes, pressed) Levi's or work pants than one in a hotshot suit. If the shirt has pockets with flaps, button them. He isn't looking for a salesman, but one who is capable of precision and attention to small details.
I'd recommend wearing a real shirt, not just a tee shirt. You can shed the shirt if you're asked to demonstrate your skills, but wear a real shirt for your office visit.
Get a haircut. It needn't and shouldn't be a $40 "do", just a neat, clean haircut. If you have a beard or moustache, groom it or have it groomed as in trimmed neatly. Again, attention to details. (Don't ask how many ways I spelled "moustache" before I got it right.)
If you wear leather shoes, shine them. If you wear workboots, clean them up and treat them with mink oil or whatever you use so they look well-maintained. Don't wear Nikes.
You should look as meticulous and functional as the work he wants done. Skip the aftershave and cologne. If you have any odor at all it should be eau d'Tapmatic or perhaps a hint of Hoppe's #9.
If I sound "military", it's no accident. "Military" suggests discipline, particularly to a veteran, and precision metalworking is definitely a discipline.
Don't ever think you can bullshit an interviewer other than HR pukes who thrive on bullshit -- but you'll not be dealing with them, I hope. Experienced managers and foremen have very good bullshit detectors. They have to. If you don't know the answer to a question, the best response is "I don't know but I can find out." Be prepared to say how you'd find out, because that'll be the next question. I always asked at least one job-relevant question I was pretty sure the applicant couldn't answer, just to see what he/she would do with it. If I got a smoke 'n feathers bullshit dance, that was a reject even if they looked good up until then. I was pinging for integrity.
Answer every question fully and honestly, then shut up and sit still, look pleasant -- but shut up. Be able to be quiet, let the interviewer lead. That was another test I used. He or she who can't be still when they have no material contribution to offer would not be a good member of my small team.
Expect ambiguous questions. If you don't understand a question, make it clear what you didn't understand about the question before you respond. That's another test. A machinist must understand what is ezpected to get it right. The print should convey that, but prints don't always convey all relevant details e.g. schedule or what machines and materials are immediately available for the job.
After he or she is done, it doesn't hurt a bit to ask a polite intelligent question or two yourself to subtly establish that the interview is a mating dance that cuts both ways. It can subtly confirm your presence as competent applicant rather than supplicant. That can be very effective. It isn't bullshit, just good psychology. It has always worked well for me. It cost me a couple of jobs that wouldn't have fit me well, and I'm convinced it got me better offers for the jobs that did fit. Both were good outcomes.
As a fellow who hires 25 part time employees a year, I'd tell you to read this advise three times. Its spot on.
I continue to be amazed at people who show up for jub interviews with dirty clothing, too many body rings, smelling of last night's alcohol, and only interested in what it pays and do I have to work every day.
Good advice. I'd bring the change of clothes. Leave it in the car, or bring the rucksack if you're hoofing it.
Too pat, too corny for my taste. "Shucks darn, you betcha. I even warshed behind the ears this morning." Or better: "My Daddy taught me to show the proper respect. I brung me some proper work clothes, right chere, just in case." Always think, plan, and stay one step ahead. Not just in the interview, but all through life. It's easy if you're serious about your work. There's no way to fake it if you're not.
Dress cleanly and shave. Attire depends on the kind of job, for a machine shop type of job I would just wear jeans and a shirt, but I would make sure that they are freshly washed.
An easy way to go through an interview is to get the interviewer to talk about himself or what he or she does, and then listen attentively using "active listening" techniques. People love to talk about themselves and, when there is someone who seems to listen, then start feeling (with no basis in reality) that the other party is an intelligent, pleasant person. Whereas all you have to say is stuff like "this is interesting", "could you tell me the reason for that decision", etc.
It helps to remember what the interviewer actually says and then bring it up at a relevant moment later in the conversation.
That's what Dale Karnegie recommends and I must say that it works almost every time.
It will not get an unqualified person hired, but it does help anyone to get a more favorable impression.
Bring various papers with you, diplomas, certifications, photos of your previous work, whatever that could give you some credibility. Interviewers do not always look at these papers in detail, but showing them usually gives the interviewee some credibility.
Make sure that you remember all employment dates, otherwise you might appear that you are lying on your resume, even though in fact you may just be forgetful.
If you have a spouse or a partner, get her/him to ask you most embarrassing questions prior to interview, to get a little bit of confidence building.
Ive interviewed hundreds of people, and have been interviewed. Ive always given credit to those that dressed neat and clean, and in a fashion that shows that they could leave the chair, and go straight to work.
Its worked for me also. Shrug.
Gunner
"Pax Americana is a philosophy. Hardly an empire. Making sure other people play nice and dont kill each other (and us) off in job lots is hardly empire building, particularly when you give them self determination under "play nice" rules.
Think of it as having your older brother knock the shit out of you for torturing the cat." Gunner
With regards to "Level" of attire (suite and tie or t-shirt), dress one notch better than the highest person you are *likely* to see but not so much better tht it appears you think you are better then them. Dressing below the interviewer is often percieved as not taking the interview seriously and dressing much above is often percieved as thinking you are "better" than them. Sometimes it's a hard razor blade to walk but you can rarely go wrong if you shoot for the "one notch" better level. FYI, the "one notch better" is because interviewers usually think they are dressed better than they actually are :)
CLEAN AND NEAT IS EVERYTHING. This includes personal grooming such as well washed hair, clean shaven, and clean/neat fingernails. Clean and neat also applies to verbage and speech. Speak clearly and avoid bad grammer and slang unless it really fits. Anyone who says "he axed me...." around here is out he door unless they are speaking of a personal assault with an axe. people often get into lazy speech habits like "gunna", "wanna", "goin", and similar which are best to avoid. Nothing wrong with them in casual conversation but they might make the difference if the interview is "close".
Make sure you have a good pen with you also. Simply having to ask to borrow a pen can be the death of an interview...it instantly makes you seem unprepared.
When I applied for my Aircraft Mechanics job at an airline I wore nicely pressed pant (dockers) and a ironed collared shirt with a navy blazer. I would recommend pressed pants and a ironed button down or polo shirt. If it is going to be cold take the jacket. No tie. Throw the work clothes in the vehicle in case they want you to do some shop work. If the employer is worth working for they will appreciate the clean neat professional appearance and the being prepared for the a likely demonstration of your skills.
Michelle (>I have applied to a machine shop looking for apprentices. This week I
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