Job interview

[Riverkilt]

Look them in the eye and ask for the job.

Visions of a female forum back in the 60s - if there were Internet then..."Should I wear a pantsuit to a job interview?

I'm with Madman. Wearing the kilt to the interview for sure lets you know. Sure, there are pros and cons and it for sure depends on the company and the position. Most companies look for self-assured employees...a kilt says that hands down.

For sure would give you a read on the company too. The tried and true advice for a job interview is to be sure and use the rest room. The condition of the rest room tells a LOT about any company. Kilts add to that read.

I haven't worn a kilt to a job interview, but I wouldn't hesitate to. I have worn a kilt to an interview for a position on the board of directors of our local domestic violence service agency and often wear the kilt to board meetings and functions of that agency.

[SteveB]

Gregg,

Do your homework first!

Consult the potential employer's website, if it has one. -Not just for the appearance of suits, but for the background. If the Scot's Whisky sales is a small part of a mega-module distribution company - wear a business suit as they might fill one position fast and look to hire for a position that includes more than the Whisky function.

Also on the website should be something about the products they market. Look at the ads and be very familiar with them. If any display tartan or use a kilted gent as part of them, it would be a one ready to be conversant in the ad material and the tartans represented. The same goes for any other "background" that is used with the product display. IE.: A field of sheep with a mountain scene and mist covered Loch. The bottle on a table with a fold of Gordon tartan. Sell yourself as ready to sell the product.

I personally would wear a business suit with some Scot decoration. It might simply be my clan tartan tie, of a Saltire tie clip, or lapel pin. Small and subtle is usually the better. If the interview heads in the direction of working attire, then you could introduce your familiarity with proper Highland attire, and that you are quite comfortable displaying it in public.

my tuppence.
Slainte

Steve

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Greg,

I'm with Jock and the others on this-- don't do it. Here's why:

1) You are not a Scot.
2) You have an American accent and an obviously Irish last name.
3) Showing up in "costume" (sorry Zardoz, but that's what it will look like) could be construed as culturally, cringingly, disrespectful.
4) Showing up in a "costume" would probably send the message that you don't really understand the brand positioning of Scotch in the NA marketplace. Less than 20% of Scotch drinkers are of Scottish descent. Let me put it another way-- would you show up for an interview with a French wine importer wearing a beret and stripped tee-shirt? Of course not.

BY ALL MEANS mention that you play the pipes, wear kilts, and have no objection to doing that to promote the company... but don't walk into the room looking like a caricature of a Scotsman.

[Downunder Kilt]

I would go with SteveB's advice regarding wearing a suit with some piece of scottish decoration (especially a tie in your clan tartan). If the interviewer is switched on, something will be mentioned about it, giving you an opening to express your thoughts.

Good luck with the interview.

[rtc872]

I am not going to pretend that I know what is expected of applicants in America, but from what my grandfather told me, in Australia and Britain you don't want the interviewers to be talking at the end of the day and say remember that guy who answered the questions right, oh and the guy with the great work experience... and then one saying what about the kilt man. *laughter ensues*

My grandfather's point is you want YOU not your clothes to stick in their mind.

[highland mafia]

I think that Jock Scot hit the nail on the head.. That is some of the best advice you could get...

[KFCarter]

This is an important meeting, particularly for you, do not even consider wearing the kilt, but you should let it be known that you are happy to wear the kilt properly, if the occasion should arrise.

I think Jock's right on the money.

[GaRebel211]

I agree with what Jock and others have stated, Sell yourself first then if the interview goes in a positive way explain "the kilt" and how you frequently you wear it. From a purely business aspect it will go a longer way... Good Luck in the interview!

[auld argonian]

Greg, on all of the occasions that I've met you, you have never looked "Brigadoon-ish".

I'd go the safe route and maybe do the sport coat and slacks bit but maybe go with the tartan tie and, if you have one, the tartan vest...though it's summer and wearing the vest could be fatal even in Wisconsin. If'n you don't have one, look at Target...they've been carrying Black Watch and Red Stewart ties for a while though you may want to find one more clan appropriate...a Gordon maybe.

Good luck in this...a scotch buyer, eh? Kid in a candy shop!

Best

AA

[Steve53]

Me? Wear a kilt to a job interview? It all depends on what type of job it is.

If it's something involving me climbing ladders or such, no.

Office work, that would depend also, but primarily on how conservative the company is. The more conservative, the less I'd be inclined to wear a kilt.

Work at home, but gotta get interviewed situation: No.

In general: Get hired, then were whatever is appropriate or required.

<Edit> I shoulda read all the above comments before I commented. </Edit>