Kilted interviewing...

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

If you have a slight worry on what the Interviewees will think of you and the company, just wear a pair of pants. What is the big deal here, even if you have to put a pair of Dockers back on? It is not going to be the end of the world.

Raphael, I really do not have a worry, I was interested in others' experiences. I have no worries, and the company has supported my desire to wear a kilt. If you review my posts, I began wearing the kilt because I had determined (at least to some degree), that I am of Welsh descent. That descent gave me a "reason" to wear the kilt. However, in doing further research, it is not a certainty that the Welsh ever wore the kilt/cilt historically (anyone with different information, chime in!). I now where the kilt because I want to, nothing more. I am not convinced that I have any historical/cultural/ancestral claim to wear it.

As an Interviewer, you will be view as a representative of the company. You have to do the best to protect the company's image. You job is more than just asking questions, but it will also be the time for the candidate to get a feel of the company. If you don't present a porfessional attitude, kilted or not, the candidate may not want to join the company even a job offer was made.

Yes, I am a representative of the company, and the company (based in the UK!) has shown that the way I dress is considered a fair and professional representation. I did not realize that what I wore would cast question on my professionalism. As for a candidate not wanting to join the company because I wear a kilt, I would view them the same as someone who would not joing the company because I wore a bow tie, bolero tie, cowboy boots, or a cravat. If what I wear, as opposed to what I represent through my conversations and interactions, is more important to the candidate, then I don't want them. My hire, my choice. Sorry if I seem to be harsh, but somehow you have pushed my buttons, maybe I expected more support or understanding from a XMarks brother with "Chinese Blood, Kilted Heart, One United!" as their signature. I hope that this does not offend you as it is really a lack on my part.

[Sherry]

I know this is slightly off topic, but I have been thinking about it the whole time I have been reading this thread and I have to share.
It was Halloween and we have a tradition of allowing employees to dress in costumes for that day. A coworker of mine had come to work in a cow costume, which was a complete body suite with a hood and covered the hands. At the last minute, she was asked to cover for someone else and do an interview of a candidate. Both she and the candidate acted very professional throughout and neither mentioned anything about the costume.
I told my coworker afterwards, that she should have asked the candidate if they would be willing to dress as an animal if it was necessary for the job.

Sherry

[MACKAY]

.... however, possibly that person is of Scottish/Celtic descent, or an XMarks member, and has no issues with a kilt wearer!

Would it not be ironic if one of your canidates did walk in to the interview in a kilt as well! I'd probably hire them on the spot ! :-)

Brian

[Raphael]

Well, I didn't give my opinion from a point of view of a kilted brother, but rather from a point of view of a Recruiter.

[Colin]

Yes, I am a representative of the company, and the company (based in the UK!) has shown that the way I dress is considered a fair and professional representation. I did not realize that what I wore would cast question on my professionalism. As for a candidate not wanting to join the company because I wear a kilt, I would view them the same as someone who would not joing the company because I wore a bow tie, bolero tie, cowboy boots, or a cravat. If what I wear, as opposed to what I represent through my conversations and interactions, is more important to the candidate, then I don't want them. My hire, my choice. Sorry if I seem to be harsh, but somehow you have pushed my buttons, maybe I expected more support or understanding from a XMarks brother with "Chinese Blood, Kilted Heart, One United!" as their signature. I hope that this does not offend you as it is really a lack on my part.

Personally I don't see what the big deal is. If you wear kilts full time, than wear a kilt. I don't see what the company being based in the UK has to do with the matter, unless the head office has everyone wearing kilts or you are wearing kilts because the company is based in the UK (which is obviously not the reason you have stated in your post).

I do agree with Raphael in terms of wearing what you want to project for your company. You may wear kilts full time, but the message being sent to the prospective employee is that everyone can wear what they want at this firm. I am sure you had reservations about going kilted the first few times to work and for good reason I am sure. It also depends on what is being worn with the kilt. If you are wearing a kilt but still projecting a business image (no sandals, t-shirts, etc) and are wearing clothing representative of your position with the firm, why not. If the kilt is just for shock factor, why?

It seems like a few people on the forum always want to ask "should I wear a kilt for.....?" and I don't get it. Use common sense.
If a kilt is a part of your regular clothing choices...go for it,
If you have to ask if it is appropriate for the situation....maybe leave it at home,
but if it's all you wear everyday...why wouldn't you wear it? and will permission (or reassurance) from the forum really make it better and ease your mind?

If you are confident in the kilt and it's more you.......of course you should wear it. Personnaly I wouldn't wear it if it was just a statement. It would be like wearing pants with a t-shirt that says " I normally wear a kilt".

Well, I didn't give my opinion from a point of view of a kilted brother, but rather from a point of view of a Recruiter.

I know Raphael, and respect him a great deal as a friend, a family man, and as a business owner. He and I have discussed each other's businesses in the past and bounced ideas off each other. Questioning his support or loyalty based on his response and his signature is silly. A question of business appropriateness was asked and answered by a business owner and kilt wearer. I know that when Raphael is representing someone else's business he is complete business. However when he is representing his own business he is himself and wears what he likes and feels comfortable in.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Would it not be ironic if one of your canidates did walk in to the interview in a kilt as well! I'd probably hire them on the spot ! :-)

Brian

Brian, I would be sorely tempted as well! As long as the technical skills matched up. And my manager would definitely be prodding to make sure they were qualified in that situation before letting me extend an offer. In thinking about it, I am not sure he could handle 2 kilted people in the department!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Well, I didn't give my opinion from a point of view of a kilted brother, but rather from a point of view of a Recruiter.

Ok, I can understand some concerns as a recruiter, but then what would your approach be for bringing the subject up? You are correct that some people may not be comfortable with a kilt wearer and so might not accept a job offer, but I would personally rather have that situation, than to hire that same person because I interviewed them while wearing pants and have them find out on their first day in the office that a kilt is my standard attire. Then I would have an unhappy new hire, that might feel the job and work environment were mis-represented during the interview, and might decide to continue their job search.

I am curious about your thoughts since you are a recruiter. I certainly don't have the answers and that is why I post questions here.