Interview > Smart Casual dress code

iAmbu · Post by **iAmbu** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:53 pm

Hi all

Apologies for the very off topic post, but hence why I'm posting in the Off Topic section!

I have an assessment and interview day coming up for a job as a Paramedic with an NHS Ambulance Trust. I am already qualified but looking to change location.

The letter says the day will consist of the following:

Practical assessments (I think these are likely to be clinical scenarios, but classroom based)
Formal interview

The dress code states 'Smart casual'.

What do people think this means? I am thinking of wearing a smart collared business shirt (may buy a new one with double cuffs so I can wear cufflinks with it), smart black trousers and smart black shoes. Also probably a tie (but not sure about that?), if so it would be a plain or subtle silk tie.

I guess it is better to be over-dressed (hence the tie query) than under dressed?

Any advice appreciated! Thanks

wigit · Post by **wigit** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:57 pm

i so hate the term smart casual, personally i'd ditch the tie but beware of a shirt that is too plain (ie it looks like you have taken the tie off), more importantly good luck

iAmbu · Post by **iAmbu** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:05 pm

Thanks for replying andy, I also don't like the term smart casual, contradicts itself!

CTRnutter · Post by **CTRnutter** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:00 am

I personally would look for those that look like they have made the extra effort! it shows keeness and effort. My smart casual tends to be a dark pair of jeans, shoes, crisp white shirt and a smart (fitted) blazer.

On the other hand again crisp white shirt, a nice plain tie and a decent suit can always go down a treat in these circumastances, It might say smart casual but your interpretation of smart might be higher than theirs

Good Luck

jmn82 · Post by **jmn82** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:01 am

I'd go with CTR on this; definitely overdress. If it's something new like a job interview then I tend to go for a suit and shirt but lose the tie (although I tend to stick one in my bag just in case!), whereas if it's a more familiar situation e.g. work conference, then I go for the jeans, smart shoes and shrit combo.

drnick · Post by **drnick** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 1:30 pm

jeans, shirt, shoes, blazer.............. It's Jeremy Clarkson!! Good luck and let us know if you're successful!!

LCM · Post by **LCM** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 6:55 pm

andy wrote:i so hate the term smart casual, personally i'd ditch the tie but beware of a shirt that is too plain (ie it looks like you have taken the tie off), more importantly good luck

Holy shit your taking fashion tips from Andy!!!!!!

I regularly have to turn up at business functions that are smart /casual - I tend to wear a suit and business shirt with no tie (two top buttons undone - no medallion).

Sounds a bit weird but I know several employers in the property industry who specifically ask their interviewees to turn up smart/casual just to see what their intepretation of this is when attending a business meeting. Devious yes but let's just say nobody that turned up in jeans (no matter how expensive they were ) ever got a job.

Good luck

iAmbu · Post by **iAmbu** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:00 pm

Thanks for all replies.

LCM, that is sneaky of them! I don't own a suit (never needed one as the only interview I've ever had was for University, when I was 17). So I'm thinking as I'll be indoors for the whole time, I'll wear a nice shirt and I think a tie, can always take it off I guess. Either that or a nice shirt with a smart, thin fitted V-neck jumper. Will try both combinations before the day and see which looks best!

What a hassle!

CTRnutter · Post by **CTRnutter** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:01 pm

iambu wrote:Thanks for all replies.

LCM, that is sneaky of them! I don't own a suit (never needed one as the only interview I've ever had was for University, when I was 17). So I'm thinking as I'll be indoors for the whole time, I'll wear a nice shirt and I think a tie, can always take it off I guess. Either that or a nice shirt with a smart, thin fitted V-neck jumper. Will try both combinations before the day and see which looks best!

What a hassle!

if you dont own a suite or a blazer, then JEANS are a no and so is a tie!!!

Jumper yes (lambs wool or cashmere) and casual shirt not a windsor collar maybe cheque not plain, pair or slacks or cords and casual shoes oh and wear a belt!

x5pea · Post by **x5pea** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 11:22 pm

i think you should wear shorts and a vest mate ull knock them dead

iAmbu · Post by **iAmbu** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:09 pm

Thanks for all your help on this guys. I wore a suit with a tie.... And got offered a job!!

wigit · Post by **wigit** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:07 pm

congrats

drnick · Post by **drnick** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 4:53 pm

congrats mate!

CTRnutter · Post by **CTRnutter** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 5:30 pm

Congratulations

dangermouse · Post by **dangermouse** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 10:43 pm

Good for you, always good to hear of a success in the current climate

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