DO/would you wear a kilt to a job interview?

[Daaaaang]

I have worn a kilt to every interview so far. Actually I am in the process of interviewing for a job this summer. They have a two-interview system where they do it in groups and then call back some people for individual interviews. I plan on wearing a kilt to the group one and pants to the individual one.

Why? Because I have a pretty limited kilt outfit, and a very diverse pants outfit. That's slowly changing, but still. I like the kilt for interviews because it shows confidence. It already takes guts to wear a kilt, but to an interview? Double-guts.

Also, everything I've interviewed for so far is interested in diversity, and a kilt is one of the ways a white male can look a little more cultural.

All that said, I have a pretty impractical idea of how to interview. I don't like interviews, because I think there is always an obvious "correct" answer, so the interviewer doesn't actually meet the person, they just meet the person's attempt at being an ideal employee. So, I don't do that, I just act like myself and answer everything honestly. Sometimes, that has great results because some people appreciate honesty. Sometimes, it is a bad idea because some people don't recognise honesty.

So yes, I'll wear a kilt because I like wearing a kilt. It's like Mr Plumbean said: "My house is me and I am it, and this is where I like to be, it looks like all my dreams." My kilt is me and I am it.

Matt

[Darkislander]

I would wear a kilt dependant upon the type of job the interview was for.
Anything to do with tourism for example would be a must to show my pride as a Scotsman.

[Ian.MacAllan]

I voted "yes" because I neither need nor want a job, and if I were ever trapped into applying for one I would insist that the prospective employer take me as I am or let me go, and I would probably prefer that he let me go. For many people this is of course not a realistic attitude, and I admit that it was not my attitude when I needed employment; in those days the only kilts I was aware of were hand-made-in-Scotland tanks which I could not afford because of obligations to other people.

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[johnnym]

As previously stated, it would depend on the position being applied for. An office type job - yes. Mechanic or bricklayer - no. The general rule I have always heard is to wear what would be worn to the job, if hired. Whatever is worn should be clean and in good repair (no stains, patches, holes or threadbare items).

[mbhandy]

As previously stated, it would depend on the position being applied for. An office type job - yes. Mechanic or bricklayer - no. The general rule I have always heard is to wear what would be worn to the job, if hired. Whatever is worn should be clean and in good repair (no stains, patches, holes or threadbare items).

I know that there is a bricklayer in park city that wears a Utilikilt to work and around town. The employees at Home Depot allways ask me why I am not wearing my kilt when I show up in shorts. It's good to be the Boss.

MrBill

[Frank McGrath]

No way. Unless I am applying for a celtic related job, I would want to show an image of profesionalism. I have a resume that tells all of my assets. Anyway, my wife is a human resources profesional and she would not even let me out of the house unless I was dressed to sell. I know this will probably bring comments, but as a mechanic, there is no way I could wear the kilt to work anyway.

[Gryphon noir]

I haven't worn a kilt to a job interview, but I'll give you an example of how it might work.
I was at a black-tie function with my partner. Every man in the place was wearing a black tux--except for myself, and the key note speaker. The latter wore designer blue jeans and a velvet jacket, and I wore my ancient hunting Matheson with my Argyll jacket. Later in the evening, the key note speaker approached me and told me that he thought I had chutzpah and that if I'd been looking for a job, he would have hired me first and asked questions later.
The man in question is the CEO of a major up-and-coming corporation, who has received awards for staff engagement, unconventional [and highly successful] marketing and customer interaction.
Wearing a kilt at the right time and place? Priceless.

If I had been out of work, I would have said: "See you bright and early Monday morning."

[Gryphon noir]

I haven't worn a kilt to a job interview, but I'll give you an example of how it might work.
I was at a black-tie function with my partner. Every man in the place was wearing a black tux--except for myself, and the key note speaker. The latter wore designer blue jeans and a velvet jacket, and I wore my ancient hunting Matheson with my Argyll jacket. Later in the evening, the key note speaker approached me and told me that he thought I had chutzpah and that if I'd been looking for a job, he would have hired me first and asked questions later.
The man in question is the CEO of a major up-and-coming corporation, who has received awards for staff engagement, unconventional [and highly successful] marketing and customer interaction.
Wearing a kilt at the right time and place? Priceless.

If I had been out of work, I would have said: "See you bright and early Monday morning."

[TheKiltedWonder]

If you have the ability to tell your employer "take me as I am or pass on me", then I congratulate you. To me, however, the job is more important than kilts. Indeed my wearing of a kilt presupposes the job, since I couldn't afford them otherwise. Yes, a kilt might make a statement to my employers that I am self-assured, confident and willing to take risks; many employers claim to respect these character traits. However, an interview should be about you and your resume. If you truly possess the aforementioned traits in addition to the kilt, then surely there must be a way to give evidence to that fact without dressing differently.

I understand that some here wear the kilt full-time and therefore desire only to work for a kilt-friendly company. If the ability to wear a kilt everyday is more important to you than getting the job, then wearing the kilt ot the interview would be appropriate. However, I wouldn't do so unless I was sure of my priorities.

[SteveB]

Last time I applied for a job, I showed up kilted. Still on the same job. My years of experience, and customer oriented approach to the business hired me, not the kilt. When I am to be working the floor, safety requires leg protection, and I am in 501s. Days in the field at customer locations or doing the office thing I am kilted. I work for a small mom & son hardware/industrial supply store. In the field, the kilt breaks down many barriers. Mostly because people perceive that it takes brass ***** to wear one in ten degree weather, here in New England. Also it is a unique signature identifier with the clients.i am able to be called for repeat business.
---- Steve