Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Forgive me if this is a dumb question, but,
I have an interview today,
And I've decided to present as 'male' as I possibly can,
Since I put my chosen name on the application and checked the 'male' gender box.
I mean, I realize that they'll see my license if I get hired,
But...maybe they won't notice? o___O; (I know that's slim, but c'mon, I never check the gender marker when I ID customers, so maybe? *Crosses fingers*)

And since I've been getting called a male lately by a lot of strangers, I actually have a little hope.

But the truth is, that I don't know what I should wear to the interview.
This is the first time that I've 'tried' to present as male during an interview.
It's at Best Buy, if that helps. So it's not like some uptight office thing where I need a suit, because I think that would be overdoing it.
But would a nice pair of slacks and a collared shirt be suitable?
Should it be a plain colored shirt, and should I avoid patterns?
Or am I just over thinking this too much?

I usually wear a sweater or a turtleneck and slacks with black shoes, but that is just me. I would say patterns are okay as long as it is not overly busy or loud. A collarded shirt and slacks should be fine, or a plain button up and tie if you want to be formal

But, that is only my opinion.

Thanks for your input.
I've been a little paranoid from looking things up online,
Almost every site that I go insists on a suit x___X;
I don't have a suit.

My boy actually told me not to overdress to an interview. Plain patterns work well and only wear a tie if you are going to something more formal. His reasoning was if the interview is not at some sort of office and you walk in in a shirt and tie, chances are you will be better dressed than the manager that does the interview. I tend to listen to him, as he has much better fashion sense than I do.

Hmmm, that sounds reasonable,
Thanks for the advice!
I guess it's time to go shop now xD

a plain light blue oxford dress shirt (has buttons on colar) tucked in dark pants but not suit pants dark chinos or black jeans not skinny and a loosely tied stripped or solid non-skinny tie. this is the most masculine business casual outfit although you wont look very stylish wearing it.

You're absolutely right, Beverley.

It's amazing how some people can't follow simple instructions. When I worked at Burger King anyone who asked for a pen to fill out their application weren't even considered at all. It just shows you're unprepared.

Even when I went to a factory interview I dressed up in a collar shirt, dress pants and dress shoes. I was the only one. Every one else was wearing flip flops, jeans, shorts, etc. I was also definitely the youngest one there, which I was surprised since I assumed older people would be more traditional and formal for an interview. And yes, I got the job hahahah.

Since it's for Best Buy, I'd say dark slacks and plain collared shirt tucked in with a belt.  Maybe a plain tie.  Nice shoes matching the pants (no brown shoes with black pants, etc).  I really wouldn't wear a suit.

The last several interviews I had I wore a suit (charcoal pants/jacket, white dress shirt, plain tie).  These were interviews for a professional nursing position with a large insurance company.  My first interview was with a smaller, less formal place, and I wore dark slacks, white dress shirt, and a plain tie.

Looking good is always preferable to dressing down even when the corporate uniform seems to be khaki pants and blue knit shirts with a collar.  At the very least wear dress pants, a dress shirt, tie (a business tie, not a cool tie, and done up right not looking like you just walked out of a bar) and sport coat.  A suit would be better.  If you don't have one, you should buy one, it's a basic investment in business/job side of your life.  You want to stand out.  And if your resume can't do that for you, your look should.

I'll jump on the bandwagon, too. If you want to go to the interview, wear whatever you want. If you want the job, wear a suit. Hugs, Devlyn

Dress a level above what you would wear if you worked there.

Don't worry about buying a suit just yet, you can look well put together without one. Since I don't have one yet I usually do white or blue button down, tie, slacks, brown or black shoes and a grey wool coat. I don't think not wearing a suit has hurt my chances in any of said interviews but I do think a well paired tie and shirt is important. Good luck :)

Slacks, dress shoes (Oxfords for example), and a tucked button down shirt...with a belt. Just have to dress nicer than how people dress for the job you're interviewing for. Business casual should do it.

I also interview lots of people for different jobs. I also live in a hot temperature  country where wearing suits is not that common.

Very much what Beverly has said. Be clean, be groomed, to be honest I tend not to like people wearing piercings anywhere with exception of ear rings and then make them neutral.

Don't fidget and follow Bev's advice in regard to etiquette.

Research the job. Know as much as you can about the company as you can. Have some questions ready for when you are asked, and not what you are going to get out of the job.

A nice one to practice to answer and to have information for is why should you get the job rather than another candidate. If it isn't asked tell them anyway. By that I mean tell them what you can bring to the job.

If you are in a place where suits are usually worn, buy one from a second hand clothes shop.

And good luck

Cindy