Americans only - help!?

Question

Please only reply if you are an American.

1) If you were to interview someone, what would you expect him to wear? (Assuming that the person is male)

2) In my country it is customary to address the person interviewing you as "Sir" or "Ma'am" How would an American expect me to address him/her during the interview process? Forgive me if this sounds like a stupid question (it probably is) but a friend told me to just address the person as Mr XYZ

Thanks!

Thank you all for your replies, you were all so helpful, it's a shame that I can pick only one best answer :) So a suit it is

Thanks

Answer 1

I did job placement at my last job for almost 7 years and this is what I would like out of good interviews.

1. Business Casual wear slacks, dress shirt, dress shoes. Tie optional, if it's a very professional business type company then definitely the tie and even a suit. Clean shaven, no piercings on face, on ears it didn't bother me as long as it wasn't like 10 hoop earrings in one ear. Clean fingernails and well done hair. If you wear a mustache or beard make sure they are well groomed.

2. I would introduce myself by my first name because I wanted people to feel comfortable and not be so uptight. But I did like to hear "yes Ma'am" or "no Ma'am" answers. Not some lazy sounding "yyeah". But normally if you are meeting with Mr. Smith then you would introduce yourself as "hi my name is ____, nice to meet you Mr. Smith". Then once you get talking use Sir. You do not need to say Mr. Smith after every question/answer.

Additional tips:
TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE

NO CHEWING GUM

TAKE NOTES, YOU MIGHT HAVE QUESTIONS LATER

ASK TO SEE IF IT'S OK TO CALL FOR A FOLLOW UP, DON'T JUST ASSUME IT'S OK.

DO NOT GRAB THINGS FROM THEIR DESK---THIS IS COMMON WHEN PEOPLE ARE NERVOUS.

LOOK THEM STRAIGHT IN THE EYE

BE CONFIDENT AND GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

I'm not a male, and I've never been interviewed, but as far as I know, while being interviewed it's best to dress in decent business attire, like slacks, etc. A full blown suit might be a little much for an interview. And if I were the one being interviewed, I would use "Mr/Ms. So-and-so" during the introduction, then "Sir/Ma'am" during the rest of the interview. As far as I've heard, they're both just fine. I hope I helped for someone with absolutely no experience. Good luck, and stay confident!!!!

Answer 3

It sounds as if you plan to be interviewed in America by a potential employer. If that is true, then all of the previous answers have elements of truth - the key is knowing when to use what. Your clothing should reflect the upper level of what someone in the position you are applying for would wear.
If your interviewer is quite older than you, it is appropriate to address them Sir or Ma'am, however if the job site is more relaxed then calling them Mr. XYZ is fine. If you aren't positive, simply introduce yourself with firm confidence and ask them (while looking them straight in the eye) "How would you prefer I address you?" It's never wrong to ask. It would be wise to gather as much info about the job, the people and their history, from the lowest to the highest before the interview if it is a very important job for you. Study the company's history and prospectus. Know their competitiors.
Read reviews on the company and try to know where they want to go in the future. What do you have that is special and will work for them?

Answer 4

A navy, grey or black suit, white or blue shirt, and a conservative tie (burgundy and blue are safe bets). (I'm assuming you are interviewing for a professional job; if you are interviewing for a job in a trade or a business like a restaurant, I honestly don't know if that level of formality is required).

Address the interviewer as Ms. X or Mr. Y (or by their first name if that is what they tell you to call them). If I were interviewing for a job at Microsoft, I would feel 100% comfortable saying, "Good morning, Mr. Gates, it's a pleasure to meet you." (BTW - I work in LA, and "sir" and "ma'am" are rarely used. I think the posters above are correct though -- in the east, south, and middle of the U.S., it's way more common for people to use these forms of address.)

Not a stupid question at all. Good luck on your interview!

PS - I have to disagree with the posters above who say its OK to skip the suit. I am a lawyer in a big law firm. We dress business casual every day. But for an interview, a suit is mandatory. It would be seriously frowned upon if an interviewee showed up in business casual attire. If you're in doubt, wear the suit.

Answer 5

1. Attire, depends upon the job you are interviewing for, if it is a job which would not require a jacket and tie, then a casual look is fine, chinos and a collared shirt. If the job requires a jacket and tie, then chinos, dress shirt, tie and jacket.

2. Take your cues from the interviewer, they will likely introduce themselves to you as "Steve" "Jane" or "Mr. Jones" "Ms Jones", call them by name, it always makes a great impression, limit your use of "Sir" and "Ma'am" ...

Also shake hands with a firm handshake, not too hard, but not limp either, not holding the shake overly long. Look them straight in the eye, and sit up straight. Sit comfortably, relaxed but not lazy looking :) you'll do fine.

Answer 6

1). Something casual and appropriate. Wearing sloppy attire or innappropriate clothing is extremely negative and can hurt your application process. On the surface of an interview, apperance is key.

2). In any interview, a majority of Americans like yours address employers as Sir or Ma'am. This is generally seen as a universal concept because it indicates respect, attention, and gratitude.

Answer 7

Depends on the job. If it's a good, business job, nice suit and tie and jacket. Go out all it impresses people. And make sure your shoes look shiny it's an American thing that you can tell a lot about someone by their shoes. Same goes for your tie. (nothing to frilly)

And Sir or Ma'am is great. Don't call them Mr. anything.


Oh and another thing, CONFIDENCE IS KEY. Good luck!

Answer 8

I am an American and proud of it! 1) you should wear a suit(preferably black) with a crisp white shirt, black shoes/socks, a very conservative tie(no flashy designs ,or flowers)It could even be black...a watch if you have one(nothing gaudy) if it's chilly out a black trench coat or a longer leather jacket that covers the length of the suit jacket.2) Hello Mr. Jones, Good Bye Mr. Jones.....in the middle of a conversation,if asked a question a yes or no will do...

Answer 9

1) Nothing too fancy or too casual. Obviously t-shirt and jeans is out, but a suit might be a little too much. I'd say nice pants and a nice collar shirt with a tie.

2) Well that depends. Sir or Ma'am might be too formal. At the start, you can ask them if you may call them by their first name.

Answer 10

I would expect them to wear something classy and not too casual. The more "corporate" the job, the better dressed they should be.
If you are doing the interview, you don't have to say "sir" or "ma'am", but if you are being interviewed, then say it! It makes you seem like you are willing to submit to their authority.