Kilted interviewing...

[Raphael]

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.

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.

There will be candidates who may not recognise that you are wearing the kilt , and some of them may view you as a crossdresser. In the real world, even some of the most educated people out there may think that you are not taking your job seriously and that company is not professional enough.

Remember that you are the probably the first real impression that the candidate will get about the company. Think about the company, and not yourself and your selfish fashion statement. Think as a team. Think big picture.

[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.

[mudd]

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]

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

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

...If you never wore a kilt to work, and did so for the interview purely to see what happened, or throw the candidate for a loop, then I would say that would be completely inappropriate and unprofessional.

Absolutely, I can not imagine someone doing that!

...However, I would be interested as to how they approached the kilt. I would fully expect the candidate to inquire about it, and at least be inquisitive. I would see that as someone who is interested in engaging me and shows me that they can be a team player, not afraid to ask questions and speak out and learn something new perhaps.

I actually would not be too sure about someone who just ignored it, or pretended to, as that person may also show the same trait on the job....

Me either. I do not use the kilt as an interview technique, but I am interested in a candidates response to it. If they completely ignored it, I would wonder as well. However, possibly that person is of Scottish/Celtic descent, or an XMarks member, and has no issues with a kilt wearer!

[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