Is it too much to dress formal to just to ask about a retail job?

Question

Uniform retail jobs at places such as GameStop, Circuit City, Staples, Best Buy, Wal*Mart, McDonald's, and GAP.

I'm talking about walking in there for the very first time and telling the manager that you want to apply for a job. Would it be overboard if someone dressed formal just to do this? Would it be a good thing? Or does it even matter?

On the flip-side, what if I came in with T-Shirt and jeans?

Please tell me what you think, and if you work at these places or not.

Answer 1

For those types of job you wouldn't want to show up in a suit & tie, however jeans & a t-shirt gives a bad impression. Some nice khaki's and either a cotton shirt or collared polo shirt (pretty much anything clean & pressed with a colar, and no slogans, pictures, etc.) would be appropriate. The main thing is to be clean, neat, and professional looking - as if you were ready to start working on the spot.

Answer 2

Many of these places, especially the retail stores, have certain minimum requirements for dress underneath the uniform jacket or smock. Go into these stores and observe what most people are wearing (I'll bet it's chinos or other non-denim slacks or skirts, and oxford or polo shirts or the equivalent). Then, dress like that with pressed pants and a shirt that is smooth and crisp. Like the previous answerer said, then you'll look like you're ready to start work on the spot.

Answer 3

It shows that you take the job seriously and would look well turned out but I belive in the saying "when in Rome...". If you overdress you might look like an uptight **** who wouldn't fit in in CircuitCity but equally if you turned up in t-shirt & shorts you'd look like a drifter. Slacks and a polo shirt would probably be the best idea. It shows that you can look smart and presentable but no-one in Staples wears a suit so you shouldn't either.

If there is a heirarchy of dress codes dress at or one above the prevailing code in the place of work. Take a look below and see what I mean.

Tuxedo
3 piece suit
2 piece suit
Shirt & tie
Open neck business shirt and suit trousers (sleeves down not rolled up and not short sleeves)
Openneck business shirt and slacks (as above)
Polo and slacks
Polo and smart shorts
T shirt and shorts
Swimming costume

All the time wear decent shoes not scruffy ones or trainers.

Bon chance.

Answer 4

Dress the way you would if you were going to work there (or just a little better).

If you dress much nicer than they do, it looks like you're trying too hard. If you dress down too much, it looks like you don't care.

Finally, formal dress (e.g. tuxedo) isn't appropriate for any job interview. Never wear more than a suit.