Question for the board.

[woodchuck]

Okay, for the past two weeks I've been conducting interviews for an open position we have at my job. I looked through all the applications and narrowed it down to the best five qualified applicants. One brother showed up wearing jeans, a hoodie, and sneaks. I didn't automatically veto him, but it did make me do a double-take. Is this the thing now?

 

[Dannyblueyes]

Depends. What kind of job is it?

 

[woodchuck]

Depends. What kind of job is it?

Logistics at a biomedical firm. I was always taught, no matter what the job is, don't show up to an interview dressed like that. Again, I am an old-school cat, so maybe things have changed.

 

[tallblacknyc]

Besides his attire how was the interview with him and how was his qualifications?


don’t be that guy to disqualify someone for something so small as his dressing attire.. if He was the best employee out of all the applicants would you rather a person who dresses for the occassion but sucks at the task or the guy that dosent dress for the occasion but will be the best worker hands down? The clothes don’t make the man, the man makes the clothes

 

[HellBoy]

Interested to see the replies here. I know in IT, I've seen some "whiz kid" types who have shown up looking like shit. IMO, they come across as a possible "Antonio Brown" situation. Ultimately, I'd base my decision based on the face to face interview.

 

[woodchuck]

Besides his attire how was the interview with him and how was his qualifications?


don’t be that guy to disqualify someone for something so small as his dressing attire.. if He was the best employee out of all the applicants would you rather a person who dresses for the occassion but sucks at the task or the guy that dosent dress for the occasion but will be the best worker hands down? The clothes don’t make the man, the man makes the clothes

He was just as qualified, but he fumbled the interview. After doing a double-take, I moved on. It still caught me off guard.

 

[34real]

Is this the thing now?

It's not a thing now but it just might be his thing and that thing can consist of an careless attitude or a bad situation he might be in,you never know.

 

[roots69]

Bruh, it all depends.. Were in sum different times.. The kat that shows up casual, might be the best guy for the job.. Just because someone comes to the interview dressed to the T, doesnt mean hes the best for the job!! Thats a tough call..

 

[Tito_Jackson]

I hear many of you regarding the don't disqualify him for attire. But, a couple of questions have to be asked. Is he being rebellious? Is it just ignorance? Does the office wear business attire? Did you ask ask about his attire? If it is a company setting where individuality is not welcomed, this could be a future problem. Many companies are "go along and get along" places. I can't say it is bad or good. Company culture is what it is.

I wouldn't put him in a situation to fail.

 

[woodchuck]

I hear many of you regarding the don't disqualify him for attire. But, a couple of questions have to be asked. Is he being rebellious? Is it just ignorance? Does the office wear business attire? Did you ask ask about his attire? If it is a company setting where individuality is not welcomed, this could be a future problem. Many companies are "go along and get along" places. I can't say it is bad or good. Company culture is what it is.

I wouldn't put him in a situation to fail.

My job is located inside of an office building, but everyone wears what they want to wear. To me, it's a first impression thing. Again, his resume was just as good as the other applicants, but during the interview, there were some questions about the job he couldn't answer. I'm a big believer in process improvements, and when he was asked to give an example of a time that he did that, he couldn't. There were about five or six questions he couldn't answer.

Conversely, the brother that I ultimately went with, had his shit on point. My only red flag with him was, I thought he may have been a little too overqualified.

 

[Mack1052]

My job is located inside of an office building, but everyone wears what they want to wear. To me, it's a first impression thing. Again, his resume was just as good as the other applicants, but during the interview, there were some questions about the job he couldn't answer. I'm a big believer in process improvements, and when he was asked to give an example of a time that he did that, he couldn't. There were about five or six questions he couldn't answer.

Conversely, the brother that I ultimately went with, had his shit on point. My only red flag with him was, I thought he may have been a little too overqualified.

Sounds like you made the right choice based upon qualifications and you still bet on black.

I ain't mad atcha

 

[Tito_Jackson]

My job is located inside of an office building, but everyone wears what they want to wear. To me, it's a first impression thing. Again, his resume was just as good as the other applicants, but during the interview, there were some questions about the job he couldn't answer. I'm a big believer in process improvements, and when he was asked to give an example of a time that he did that, he couldn't. There were about five or six questions he couldn't answer.

Conversely, the brother that I ultimately went with, had his shit on point. My only red flag with him was, I thought he may have been a little too overqualified.

Yeah, being overqualified can 100% be a problem. You gonna have to help him navigate and manage his expectations.

 

[woodchuck]

Yeah, being overqualified can 100% be a problem. You gonna have to help him navigate and manage his expectations.

This my interview style: I know what the job posting said, but this is what you're actually going to be doing.

 

[Fright Night]

Im starting to realize these youngins (early 20's) didn't get the same lessons we got.

Doesn't mean they are dumb they were just never taught.

Some don't listen no matter what. Others are just winging it until someone schools them.

But over all I think things are more relaxed. However a job may allow plain, nice fitting jeans and Cole Haans with rubber bottoms. But u kno Bae Bae's kid gonna wear distressed True Religion's and some all white Air Force Ones......to the same job!! With a gucci belt and a beat down car.

 

[4 Dimensional]

Man, presentation goes a long way. I wouldn’t automatically disqualify a person for “certain” attire, but I wouldn’t show up to an interview in casual clothes.

If another brother with the same resume and qualifications as the casual clothes brother came in wearing business profession attire, then would that make a difference to you?

Part of what we address at my school is professionalism. Knowing when and when not to be professional. First impressions is EVERYTHING followed by how you communicate.

 

[woodchuck]

Man, presentation goes a long way. I wouldn’t automatically disqualify a person for “certain” attire, but I wouldn’t show up to an interview in casual clothes.

If another brother with the same resume and qualifications as the casual clothes brother came in wearing business profession attire, then would that make a difference to you?

Part of what we address at my school is professionalism. Knowing when and when not to be professional. First impressions is EVERYTHING followed by how you communicate.

Had a white dude show up suited and booted, and it was painfully obvious he was just shooting his shot. And for that, I wasn't mad at him! It was obvious he couldn't do half the shit on his resume!

 

[Spectrum]

Man, presentation goes a long way. I wouldn’t automatically disqualify a person for “certain” attire, but I wouldn’t show up to an interview in casual clothes.

lol.. you show up in some Fila flip flops, you better be a genius.

 

[Coldchi]

I remember when I first moved to Atlanta and all my shit was in storage....all my dress clothes...shoes...ties...etc.....and I had an interview at a company. I showed up in jeans and a polo shirt. I still apologized for my appearance and let them know the situation. The interview went great but I still didn't get the job. The lesson learned here.....No Excuses.

 

[tallblacknyc]

Man, presentation goes a long way. I wouldn’t automatically disqualify a person for “certain” attire, but I wouldn’t show up to an interview in casual clothes.

If another brother with the same resume and qualifications as the casual clothes brother came in wearing business profession attire, then would that make a difference to you?

Part of what we address at my school is professionalism. Knowing when and when not to be professional. First impressions is EVERYTHING followed by how you communicate.

Some of the best teachers I had did not dress up to par.. it’s usually the 1s that don’t follow the standard are usually the most insightful

 

[4 Dimensional]

Some of the best teachers I had did not dress up to par.. it’s usually the 1s that don’t follow the standard are usually the most insightful

Oh, I’m not talking about AFTER the job, but just for the interview.

But, I follow standards too well after I get hired. I’m just play the game until I’m in. Then I do me.

but you’re right about those type of teachers Ls I’m that type for sure.

 

[Sango]

Presentation matters. If you or the job posting didn't say show up in flip flops then show up in business setting attire and let the company tell you that you're overdressed for the day-to-day. I wouldn't disqualify right away, but would be intrigued by his reasons for showing up in casual wear.

 

[4 Dimensional]

lol.. you show up on some Fila flip flops, you better be a genius.

I did my teaching interview in Kakis and Wheat Timbs. Wifey was not please at my attire

 

[woodchuck]

I did my teaching interview in Kakis and Wheat Timbs. Wifey was not please at my attire

My dumbass showed up in a tailored suit, but hey, I got the gig!

 

[Spectrum]

I did my teaching interview in Kakis and Wheat Timbs. Wifey was not please at my attire

told you not to wear them damn Timbs!

 

[playahaitian]

@woodchuck @4 Dimensional

when I had to do interviews it AMAZED me how well dressed OVERALL the brothers and sisters were...

and NOT being well dressed Black applicant is something that used to SURPRISE me

but WHITE MEN qualified or not routinely walked in on some Seinfeld dress code sh*t

and it was the casual no stress of it that always got me.

I personally used to get so dressed I actually had a secretary tell me when I showed up damn she THOUGHT I was HER NEW BOSS!

 

[Knuckles666]

No matter who you hire, they eventually wind up in HR for one reason or another!

 

[playahaitian]

My dumbass showed up in a tailored suit, but hey, I got the gig!

BOOM

that was my go to, it was like my superhero outfit, when I was dressed like that I felt READY for BATTLE.

 

[playahaitian]

My job is located inside of an office building, but everyone wears what they want to wear. To me, it's a first impression thing. Again, his resume was just as good as the other applicants, but during the interview, there were some questions about the job he couldn't answer. I'm a big believer in process improvements, and when he was asked to give an example of a time that he did that, he couldn't. There were about five or six questions he couldn't answer.

Conversely, the brother that I ultimately went with, had his shit on point. My only red flag with him was, I thought he may have been a little too overqualified.

you did it right...

you can't come in causal like THAT AND not be fully prepared.

I don't mind a stumble here and there but out right not knowing?

Nope

 

[playahaitian]

@woodchuck

did they ALL have masks on?

 

[woodchuck]

BOOm

that was my go to, it was like my superhero outfit, when I was dressed like that I felt READY for BATTLE.

I agree! A tailored suit does something to you mentally.

 

[woodchuck]

@woodchuck

did they ALL have masks on?

Yep! You can't get in the door without a mask. When we are in our office, you can close the door and take them off, but the minute you leave your office, you have to have a mask on.

 

[playahaitian]

I agree! A tailored suit does something to you mentally.

^^^^

exactly

again I UNDERSTAND if that just AIN'T your fit? You could feel like you going to court

but for ME the way I was brought up it was how I knew it was serious, and feeling fresh like that gave me confidence and an ability to bullsh*t better if and when needed.

And as an interviewer I APPRECIATED that an applicant took the time to do that.

Now the TRICKY PART at least for me

and this is PRE #metoo

was when women dressed VERY revealing.

I would ALWAYS ask the receptionist or secretary what they thought of the applicant just they vibe

and if the woman had they chest all out short skirt etc etc?

It was FASCINATING how different women saw it differently

I would get a range from

Nope Mr. Playa she a hoe.

She just got some big ole tiddies she can't hide them

to even this: she or HE wore they best they could afford, don't be a snob.

So what you wear?

REALLY does matter.

 

[4 Dimensional]

@woodchuck @4 Dimensional

when I had to do interviews it AMAZED me how well dressed OVERALL the brothers and sisters were...

and NOT being well dressed Black applicant is something that used to SURPRISE me

but WHITE MEN qualified or not routinely walked in on some Seinfeld dress code sh*t

and it was the casual no stress of it that always got me.

I personally used to get so dressed I actually had a secretary tell me when I showed up damn she THOUGHT I was HER NEW BOSS!

When I used to go to those weather conferences, I was always on my A game when I dressed, especially if I had to do a presentation. But them white boys would be wearing flip flops, shorts, and a polo looking scruffy as hell.

Regardless, I don’t assume I can do what they can do. That in itself is how racism works and another example of something they’ll never understand.

I, like many board members here, was taught we have to always one-up white folk.

 

[4 Dimensional]

I agree! A tailored suit does something to you mentally.

Not just YOU, but to other people as well.

I ran this social experiment many times at my school. I challenged some young brothers to come to class dressed and watch the reactions from everyone. They were amazing at how differently they were treated.

Some would come to class dressed permanently after that.

 

[playahaitian]

When I used to go to those weather conferences, I was always on my A game when I dressed, especially if I had to do a presentation. But them white boys would be wearing flip flops, shorts, and a polo looking scruffy as hell.

Regardless, I don’t assume I can do what they can do. That in itself is how racism works and another example of something they’ll never understand.

I, like many board members here, was taught we have to always one-up white folk.

Should be a DAMN STICKY

I've worked in OFFICE high level

where white men yelled

white women cried in meetings

White folks napped and insisted EVERYONE else be quiet

White folk took 2 hour lunches

white folk dressed like hippies

NOTHING

but let a black secretary who worked there 5 years never called in sick be late cause they train breakdown?

Had to bring PROOF.

We ALWAYS were told to be 2 steps ahead of these white folk and we WERE SUPPOSED TO watch each others backs

and by and large?

We did.