Job interview dress etiquette?

Question

Job interview dress etiquette?
I am going for a job interview with a bank. While I have formal interviews during the day, I will be meeting the head of HR for drinks at a bar the previous evening. What dress is appropriate for the evening drinks? The head of HR is a lady, and I am a man. I am reaching the venue by flight that same evening.

Answer 1

What is the bar like? Is it an upscale club, or is it more casual? If you don't know, I'd reccommend wearing a colored shirt, slacks, and a nice jacket, so it can go either way. If you find that there are t-shirted people around, you can lose the jacket.

As has been mentioned, nurse those drinks! I'd favor things that are mixed with one shot in a large glass, or a wine, which one is expected to sip slowly. If I found myself losing touch with reality, I'd make a fast switch to coffee or orange juice. I don't envy you- they're probably testing your etiquette skills! I knew someone once who failed a lunch interview based on how he ate his soup.

Answer 2

I absolutely agree w/cockroach...it is quite odd to meet in a bar. The only thing I can think of is this is the airport you are meeting at.

Anyway, you dress in nice pants, dress shirt and sport coat, a tie would be great but not necessary.

Do not drink too much even if she does. Seriously, nurse a drink all night or order a non-alcoholic drink. Sometimes businesses test you in this way, especially if the last guy had a problem. I know this is wrong but my boss did this once to test the guy. He pretended to get wasted to see what the applicant would do and the applicant got trashed but didn't get the job.

Answer 3

Dress in business casual since you are meeting the head of HR in a bar. Even though you will be meeting in a bar, it is important that you do not drink. This is still a job interview behave as you would if you were interviewing at their office. Good luck!

Answer 4

Wear a nice, clean suit (preferably a dark color). This way when you go to the bar with the head of HR, you can loosen your tie and take off your jacket.
Going to the bar is purely to see your personality and to find out more about the person beyond the formal interview.
Just remember to not drink too much, which could cause you to do or say something that you'll regret later on.
Good luck.

Answer 5

First, why are you meeting at a bar? Is it dinner or drinking?
Second, try not to drink or if you must order something that you can nurse throughout he evening.

Dress professional, if it is a bank , shirt and tie, a matching coat would be nice, something is the darker hue.

It is strange to meet at a bar though.

Answer 6

I am sorry to repeat this, but.........................this is the first time I hear this kind of arrangement.
If this is the place then go to the Restaurant section. NEVER the bar section..................and guess what? YOU are not going to drink...............you can't!, Honestly, you can't.
This is so acward, You need to show your best from the beginning, you need to wear tie and remove your coat at the Restaurant, you will have an inmaculate impression with your tie..........make sure to use your manners at the table!!!!
Please..................not in a Bar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is very unproffesional on her part. Unless she's your buddy!! and you have months and years working there, already....
Now, you have more issues to cover later? don't do this
"meeting" more than a hour...................Good Luck,

Answer 7

Slacks dress shirt, tie, and a sports coat work well depending on the location. Being it is a bank job I suspect the place will be a tie required environment. May the Lord watch over you on your travels and if it is His Will you get the job.

Answer 8

Khakis and a nice shirt. If you wish throw a sport coat on, no tie. A little odd to be meeting at a bar though.

Answer 9

I would say you still go in a suit and tie. It is still a business situation and as such calls for business attire.