Job Discussion Forums

ogni strada · Joined: 22 Jan 2009 Posts: 24 Location: Novosibirsk

Hello everyone, apologies for the bizarre subject title and for my current ignorance of life in Mexico.

I arrive in DF April 21st and am planning to try and find work once I touch down. I feel as though I may be in a slight Catch 22. I am hoping to teach business English, therefore I need to look as smart as I can whilst job hunting.

Problem is, when I put on my best suit, I look like a TV evangelist with a republican haircut. Picture a young 'Swiss Tony' and you have the idea. People have told me that it's important to dress down in Mexico so as not to appear wealthy (In my case 'appear' being the operative word) and become a target for kidnappings. However I want to portray myself as a non-psychotic Patrick Bateman to an employer.

I'd be very grateful to hear people's experiences with this issue. I have tried to paint a light hearted picture of the situation but am a tad concerned about it. I know common sense is called for (i.e. I don't own a flashy watch and if I did I would keep it under wraps, etc) but is this something that's a non-issue? Or would people recommend a modest suit? Or maybe it's too hot for a suit anyway?

Many thanks for your time and any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

notamiss · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject:

I�m thinking the most formal degree of business casual, just one step below a suit. Business casual can take in a range of styles, but the wikipedia definition should be a good guide http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_casual, in particular that it's something that looks neat and complete without a tie, but could accommodate a tie if needed.

D.F. is almost never too hot (though you will be there at the hottest time of year�just stay out of the sun or carry your jacket over your arm if necessary.)

As for dressing down; many, many men have suit-wearing jobs; licenciados of every sort, sales clerks in large department stores, etc. and you will not stand out in the least in zones with offices and malls.

Peeps with actual experience and fashion sense feel free to correct me.

Edited to add, from your self-description it sounds as though you will look like an LDS missionary. They can be spotted from time to time around here and I've never heard of any of them being kidnapped.

ogni strada · Joined: 22 Jan 2009 Posts: 24 Location: Novosibirsk

Thanks for your reply notamiss. That is reassuring to know that wearing a suit is common-place.

leslie · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 235

tagastelum · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 11:45 pm Post subject:

If you rely on the Metro or use buses, suited or not, your likelihood of being targeted by kidnappers is low. The truly wealthy would never be caught using public transportation.

You might be pickpocketed or groped, but you won't be kidnapped.

And besides, as mentioned earlier, many men in DF wear suits to work. Many of these may be cheap or unfashionable suits, but they are suits nevertheless. I see more suits in DF than I did in the Chicago Loop.

Yes, the city has its share of crime, but don't live as a paranoid. Maybe it's the wisdom which comes from being attacked in the street myself, but just keep your eyes open and go about your business. Chances are, you'll remain unscathed.

Oh, and if you really do look like an t evangelist...does it matter? People in Mexico would never think that about you. It's out of cultural context here.

Good luck!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 6:46 pm Post subject:

I normally wear khaki slacks, a short or long sleeved button down shirt, leather shoes and a leather belt. If it's cold I wear a coat or jacket.

A suit is fine for business classes, but it's not needed.

JakeJakeJake · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 135

suits are everywhere in DF, though I don't know any teachers that wear them. I don't get paid enough to think about wearing a suit!

I've never felt so safe in a city. I'm British though, Mexican youth don't seem to have the desire to prove anything physically, I'm still a little wierded out that teenagers don't shoulder barge here just to start a fight.

I read an article in the News last week proclaiming "GRINGOS TARGETED ON METRO" shock horror.... "english speakers" it continued "are the targets. one foreigner every day is a victim of crime in Mexico City".

they wrote an article for one crime a day?

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

Up here in the north i rock slacks and a dress shirt with tie most every day, leaving out the tie when i dont feel like wearing one.

on days when its cool outside sometimes i use a blazer with jeans.

as someone else said, a well pressed shirt and pants are essential, as are polished shoes.