Job Discussion Forums

BigPoppa · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 28

I know that professional dress is expected, but not sure what is considered professional enough.

Is an actual suit expected for job interviews/working or is it acceptable to dress as a teacher would in the US (khakis, tie, dress shoes, buttondown shirt, sportcoat)?

Thanks

movinaround · Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 202

ndorfn · Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Posts: 126

as per previous poster.

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

A lot depends on where you work. Many eikaiwas just require a tie, button-down collared shirt, slacks with a crease, and formal/semi-formal shoes. Professionalism is important, but a lot of younger people don't seem to care so much about attire.
But for an interview, try to look as formal as possible. Being clean-cut usually helps too.

BigPoppa · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 28

I'm going to be interviewing in Japan.

I have no problem bringing nice clothes for work (and I'm very clean cut). I just hate the idea of dragging a suit all the way across the globe solely for interviews, but I'll do it if I need to.

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:53 pm Post subject:

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

BigPoppa · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 28

Thanks, that's what I needed to know

fluffyhamster · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 9:39 am Post subject:

It probably goes without saying, but if the employer pays peanuts yet still expects you to always adhere to a strict dress code, then you should look for a job elsewhere (or pack several suits LOL).

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:10 am Post subject:

You could always wear the suit on the way over. I've done this before and ended up getting upgraded to Business Class.

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

Believe it or not, I have a suit to wear in Japan for the first time in 2 1/2 years (brought it from England at xmas).

But then, I interviewed over the phone and got a job in an eikawa where I was told 'shorts or jeans are fine'. I interviewed for my BoE job in a tie and shirt (from D2, the arms were way too short, and I'm sure the joke we had when I pointed this out to the examiners was what got the me the job!).

In short, you can survive without one (yes, even here) but I'd strongly suggest bringing one anyway, because it will undoubtedly come in handy, especially if you're working at a chain school. I always see the Nova teachers in theirs. I basically brought mine because I felt like a tit at the graduation ceremony at my last school because I was the only one without one. I now have two weeks to lost two inches of waistline to fit into it for the next one! Wish me luck....

Neongene · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 51

I acutally don't own a suit, or a tie for that matter, I work in a very casual enviroment so I never needed to buy a tie.

Anyway, my question is does anybody know a good place - online or offline where you can find a suit for under 150 bucks?

What is the fashion trend - plain black suit? 2 buttons? 3 buttons?

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

BigPoppa · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 28

This apparently is the perfect time to buy a suit in the US, as they're swapping out for the new fashions.

I just got a $600 Ralph Lauren suit for $140.

markrendl · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Osaka

While a suit can help, it's not always required; you might be able to check company dress codes via websites, or maybe via previous posts here.

Nova doesn't require suits; just dress shirt, tie and nice pair of slacks. I didn't wear one to my interview here in Japan, nor have I ever worn one to the office. Some of the guys do wear them, but not even all the trainers wear them. I work at the MMC, maybe branches have different policies.

Mark