I have applied for a position that I believe I would really like and be perfect for at a large nonprofit organization. I happen to already live in the city where the organization is located, but they are advertising in several cities for this job, and willing to pay moderate relocation expenses. I received a personal email telling me that they are not yet ready to do the “big interviews” and have not selected the finalists for the position, BUT, since I already live here in town, I am invited to come in for an “unofficial” and “informal” (their words) meeting to discuss the position.
So, it is an interview and it isn’t. For the interview itself I plan to wear a business suit. However, since they specifically said informal and unofficial, I’m trying to figure out what to wear since I don’t have experience with this style interview.
From what I know of the organizations daily atmosphere, most people wear business casual. There are lawyers and doctors and lobbyists and other professionals who work for the organization, and so of course they wear suits to court and for media appearances, but for around the office khakis and sportshirts seem to be fine.
I REALLY want this position, not just because I need a job but because I think I would like it a lot and and be fantastic, so I don’t want to jeopardize any chances that I have and I would like to make a positive enough impression that even if I’m not chosen for the position they would remember me for another one. It is vital that I make the best impression, so I don’t want to go follow sleep simply emphasized informal but also don’t want to show up looking like a stockboy.
So what would you wear? I don’t think I’ll go full suit, but do you think I should wear a sport coat? A tie? Or just a nice shirt and business casual pants? I’d rather overdress than underdress, but I don’t want to overdress by much if I do.
Is it going to be at any sort of event, or otherwise during your normal business day?
For me, I’d be going in a pair of slacks / business pants and a polo / arnold palmer shirt.
If, by chance, they have done any sort of events / fundraising where they gave away logo printed tees or anything and I had one - I’d seriously consider wearing it
(or something else that showed personal support for what they do)
They said “informal”, so it might be a mistake to overdress. However, you want to impress with your professionalism. My suggestion is your best suit, or your best jacket, with your best shirt, but no necktie. That can’t be too far off the right level
When they say “informal”, they aren’t talking about dress code, they are talking about it not being part of the official interview process. This is the first chance to impress them; I would wear whatever you think is appropriate for a formal interview.
If you’re going to wear the tie, wear the coat too. The OP won’t be fooling anyone. The converse is not true.
I tend to agree with this. Did you set an appointment? Will it be in [hiring person’s] office? Are you bringing a resume? If you answered “yes” to two of these questions, it’s an interview.
If they said, “show up sometime on Monday and we’ll talk,” then it’s not an interview.
I would dress business casual, if I were going to go which I probably wouldn’t,OP.
A “pre-interview”, in my experience, is usually a waste of time and effort as a company or a concern which really wants to hire you will interview you directly and make a decision from there.
Non-profit manager here. I’d dress for a regular interview in my spiffiest suit and shoes and bring all the paperwork I would bring to a formal interview - extra resume’s, portfolio if applicable, etc. They would love to not have to pay relocation expenses, trust me, so if you are really a viable candidate that will push you up the yes list.
I think I’ll do “best sport jacket and tie”. Dressier than I would usually be while there, but not as dress as ye olde charcoal gray interview and funeral suit.
I live in a very hot state and due to genetics I sweat like a racehorse, and going someplace looking like a statue in an artesian spring can be very awkward. I discovered this product courtesy of some friends who are into cosplay and it’s wonderful: I mention it here because I mention it often, because I know I’m not the only person with this problem.
It’s a very powerful rub on antiperspirant that temporarily clogs your sweat glands. While I know that sweat is important and I certainly don’t mind it when I’m working out or cutting grass or even "just another day’ type stuff, and you obviously wouldn’t want to wear it very often, for that “once in a blue moon” situations when you want to look your best without gushing forth waters from the deep, it’s great.
I would either wear a suit, or if you are a snappy dresser or obviously uncomfortable in one, go just the tiniest bit down lf you go jacket no tie, make sure it is your best shirt and jacket, and wear some sharp shoes.
Nonprofits employees may go for a very studied form of casual, but there is an inferiority complex in the industry that makes people really, really, really appreciate someone who looks like they mean business. Dressing well in the nonprofit world will get you far. It’s not like creative or tech industries where overdressing can make you look like a bad fit. Nonprofits are eager to learn from private industry and adopt more professionalism.
