Job Discussion Forums

[JakeJakeJake]

I'm in the process of packing. Do I need full formal dress at interviews? Or will shirt n tie suffice? I don't really feel like bringing my nice yves suit, more the space than anything.

[Linda T.]

I don't have an answer for JakeJakeJake, but would just like to ask responders if they would mind including info for the gals as well (and not just about interview clothing, but teaching/living in general).

Sorry for piggy-backing on your request for info JJJ . . . hope you don't mind.

[JakeJakeJake]

[MELEE]

It depends.
(isn't that always the answer in Mexico)


On which cities you will be interviewing in, and at what type of school.

[sarliz]

I read a lot before coming down here that Mexico is much more formal than us gringos may be accustomed to, clothing-wise, so I went out and bought some skirts and nice shoes and things that I don't otherwise like wearing. I used them during my teacher training program and for my practice teaching sessions, and than promptly landed a job at a laid-back language school in Oaxaca where I wore jeans every day. Now I'm working for myself, and I pull out a skirt once in a while, but I prefer to dress comfortably. And I have a lot of shoes that sure look cute but I never wear.

That being said, if you're looking to teach at a more professional school, or give classes to executives, smart-looking would be the way to go. I doubt designer suits would be necessary, though.

[dixie]

My advice would be to assume dress pants, and blouse (no short sleeves).

I can wear jeans to work, and there are people who also throw in runners. However, there are other schools I know of where you must wear a suit (male), or the dressy equivalently (female - dress pants/long skirt, blouse, maybe a jacket). Sometimes these schools provide financial assistance in the purchasing of such items.

I also know some girls schools require their teachers (female of course) to wear long skirts only.

Skirts in general are not typically worn in Mexico. Woman tend to go with pants, and blouse (sometimes jacket).

[MikeySaid]

I would say that in terms of work and interviews, slacks, long sleeves and tie will be sufficient.

Where a suit really comes into play is if you are a social person and you end up going to quinces or weddings... but the beauty of that is... you can find suits for little to no money in Mexico.

My answer: you don't need to bring a suit.

[notamiss]

One thing useful to know for living in general, is that up to the present time, shorts have rarely been worn as street wear, either by men or women. They are usually reserved only for sports and resorts. The rare person wearing shorts is likely either a tourist, an eccentric or at the forefront of fashion.

[sarliz]

[notamiss]

OK, then the shorts thing is more region-dependent than I knew.

[MO39]

I'd say that shorts on men are a no-no in Mexico City. I can always tell a male gringo, even from a distance, if he's wearing those baggy knee-length shorts still in favor with the younger generation. Younger women don't wear shorts in the street here, though they may wear tight knee-length toreador-type pants or short skirts or skorts.

[leslie]

Bye

[dixie]

Shorts are certainly not an item commonly worn here, but I would have to say that from what I have seen (on the street, and at school) that they are becoming ....not more common....but seen a little more. I see people at the park wearing them with their dog(s), and they seem to becoming a fashion of sorts for girls.

[mapache]

It's 42 in Chiapas today so if you wear a coat, tie or a long sleeved shirt, one may come to the conclusion you are "loco"

Interview dress is a collared shirt, slacks like Dockers, and polished black shoes. After that, with any luck, you can wear jeans, a collared short sleeve shirt and black shoes. Only turistas wear shorts. People here are appalled to see an old gringo with skinny pale legs.

[MO39]