Job Discussion Forums

Esterita · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 18 Location: Finland

What is the TEFL dress code? What should I wear for an interview?

The interview is for a volunteering organisation, don't know if that makes a difference.

johnslat · Posted: Fri May 30, 2003 7:34 am Post subject: Dress for success

Dear Esterita,
My advice - ALWAYS look your best, especially if you're comfortable in that attire. It makes a good impression and it'll probably give YOU more confidence, make your self-image more " polished ".
Regards.
John

Esterita · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 18 Location: Finland

Thanks, John.

So you don�t think that a business-type suit would look inappropriate at an interview for development volunteering?

johnslat · Posted: Fri May 30, 2003 12:48 pm Post subject: If it suits you

Dear Esrerita,
No matter what the interview is for, you're going to it because you want to be chosen, right? So, no - I wouldn't say a business-type suit would be inappropriate at all, especially if you feel comfortable in it. Always give them your best shot.
Regards,
John

bnix · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 645

The man with the answers.And he gives another good one.Just because you are going into development does not mean you should "dress down" for the interview.Additionally,there is your own concept of self-worth.He is right.Thank God there are a few like him in this business,even though I do not always agree with him.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2003 3:12 am Post subject: A Gentlemen's Agreement

Dear bnix,
Yes, you do - you always agree with me. Deep down in your heart of hearts where truth, beauty, justice and my opinions reside. And don't give me any arguments.
Regards,
John

Esterita · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 18 Location: Finland

I got an email off them saying that the code is 'casual', jeans accepted! I don't think I'll wear jeans, though... I'll probably wear something 'smart casual'.

richard ame · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 319 Location: Republic of Turkey

Hi Forum
The topic of dress code is one I thınk that is overlooked and the old maxim" you don't get a second chance to make a first impression" is never more true than in our "profesion" . Regardless if the interview is for a road sweeper or head of department, looks count, personally I find it difficult to relate to members of my profession native speaker and otherwise who look more like a student and whine about a lack of discipline in the classroom . İf you want to be taken seriously act the part .

West Brom · Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 28

If you look too smart at your interview, they will assume that you can dress more casually if required and will probably not hold it against you.

If you look too casual for your interview, the interviewer will not necessarily assume that you are capable of dressing appropriately. You also risk giving the impression that you don't care about the job.

A business suit is always the best option.

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

They say there is no such thing as overdressed. I disagree. If you go in with a power suit they will expect too much. (My last job hired some joker who showed up in sandals and a baseball cap.) Dress as if you were going on a date. Even that might be overdoing it. Don't shave and early in the interview ask if you may smoke. (shows good manners instead of just lighting up.) Most important act like you don't want the job but might consider doing them a favor. And begin to make demands almost immediately. Get off on the right foot. Hope that helps.