Would wearing something like this be pretentious/rude?

[Bejma]

While I was an exchange student in Japan I was of course expected to wear a school uniform just like the other students. I am a big guy, not the biggest, but pretty big (6'1 215 lbs) and had to get it tailored before I could wear it. Would it be rude if I cleaned it up really nice and wore it to my interview, or would it show that I was proud of my time as an exchange student? Just popped into my head and I thought it might be cool! Edit: I mean it is pretty much a suit, I've worn it to other job interviews in the past and the interviewers always got a kick out of it when I've told them what it is.

What are your thoughts guys?

[word]

Sounds a bit weird to me; I would worry it would send a different message. Whatev', though; do what'cha think is best and makes you the most comfortable.

[Bejma]

Sounds a bit weird to me; I would worry it would send a different message. Whatev', though; do what'cha think is best and makes you the most comfortable.

Yeah, you're right. I'm not going as a student this time so maybe they would think I was confused or something. Bah, at least it's pretty to look at.

[jim]

You'd look like a pervert, but I'd love to see the look in the interviewers' faces.

[Bejma]

You'd look like a pervert, but I'd love to see the look in the interviewers' faces.

I'm not sure how I'd look like a pervert... it is just a suit more or less.

[merkypie]

While I was an exchange student in Japan I was of course expected to wear a school uniform just like the other students. I am a big guy, not the biggest, but pretty big (6'1 215 lbs) and had to get it tailored before I could wear it. Would it be rude if I cleaned it up really nice and wore it to my interview, or would it show that I was proud of my time as an exchange student? Just popped into my head and I thought it might be cool! Edit: I mean it is pretty much a suit, I've worn it to other job interviews in the past and the interviewers always got a kick out of it when I've told them what it is.

What are your thoughts guys?

You're applying for a job not a cosplay contest. What grown man dresses up in a school uniform for a job interview?

[Teishou]

One word: ouch.

But to actually add to the discussion: wearing your school uniform doesn't give a great overall impression, rather like you're trying to relive the good ole days instead of pushing yourself forward towards something better. It gives a sense of childishness and may not score all that well for you. Wear it after you get the job. Impress your students. However, I honestly don't think your interviewers will be all too impressed by you should you wear that. Cute, perhaps, but hardly professional.

[EricaHartmann]

They might laugh. They may also think you're one of those people who apply to hit on school girls and try to recreate their favorite anime series in person.

[Bejma]

While I was an exchange student in Japan I was of course expected to wear a school uniform just like the other students. I am a big guy, not the biggest, but pretty big (6'1 215 lbs) and had to get it tailored before I could wear it. Would it be rude if I cleaned it up really nice and wore it to my interview, or would it show that I was proud of my time as an exchange student? Just popped into my head and I thought it might be cool! Edit: I mean it is pretty much a suit, I've worn it to other job interviews in the past and the interviewers always got a kick out of it when I've told them what it is.

What are your thoughts guys?

You're applying for a job not a cosplay contest. What grown man dresses up in a school uniform for a job interview?

I do, and I've gotten really great jobs even though it is a school uniform. The only reason I asked in this particular instance is because of the situation of the interview. It looks just like a suit and most people here in America would never be able to tell. It is very professional looking hence why students in Japan wear them. Just thought it might be a neat idea. No need for the hostility merkypie, just a fun idea.

[maulen]

Wear a suit and tie.


I don't think it would be "rude"...just makes no sense.

Think of going to a job interview in a school uniform from whatever country you're from...now realize that one or two or all of your interviewers are from Japan...it's not "cool" or "unique" - it's an adult wearing a kids uniform to a job interview.

[Bejma]

One word: ouch.

But to actually add to the discussion: wearing your school uniform doesn't give a great overall impression, rather like you're trying to relive the good ole days instead of pushing yourself forward towards something better. It gives a sense of childishness and may not score all that well for you. Wear it after you get the job. Impress your students. However, I honestly don't think your interviewers will be all too impressed by you should you wear that. Cute, perhaps, but hardly professional.

Yeah, I agree. Thanks for the input!

[merkypie]

I do, and I've gotten really great jobs even though it is a school uniform. The only reason I asked in this particular instance is because of the situation of the interview. It looks just like a suit and most people here in America would never be able to tell. It is very professional looking hence why students in Japan wear them. Just thought it might be a neat idea. No need for the hostility merkypie, just a fun idea.

I'm not being hostile. I'm simply just baffled as to why someone who's applying to a high competitive grassroot exchange program would, out of the blue, decide to wear a Japanese school uniform. If I was the interviewer, I would think that someone like you is obviously not taking the job seriously or trying to relive something that is not what the job entails. Also, I would have some red flags. Why is a grown man still wearing a school uniform? Is there something wrong? You're not going to win any brownie points by dressing up like a school boy.

These are Japanese government employees. I'm pretty sure they know what a high school uniform looks like. I'm also pretty sure the cut of a Japanese school uniform is quite different from the cut of an actual well fitted business suit.

You are a grown adult that is applying for a job. They already know you went to Japan, studied abroad, party hard, and love the country. Anything else is simply overkill.

[AichiPA_Kevin]

This thread turned unnecessarily hostile pretty fast. If the "uniform" really is suit-like, as the OP says, then maybe it does work when no one on the interview panel is likely to recognize it. But I agree with maulen:

... realize that one or two or all of your interviewers are from Japan...it's not "cool" or "unique" - it's an adult wearing a kids uniform to a job interview.

The uniform might look just fine, but you're running the risk that someone will recognize it for what it is and think it's kind of weird, even if it's not outright inappropriate. (Or, as others on this thread have suggested, they may draw some other untoward conclusion about you.) You'll need the suit and tie when you get to Japan anyway (unless you plan to do all your aisatsu in your school uniform), so get 'em now and wear 'em to the interview. Good luck!

[BasilG]

I'm not condoning hostile comments, but asking the question "Should I wear a school uniform to a job interview?" just seems really strange. And, I can understand some of the posters baffled responses.
Wearing a school uniform would be a little creepy considering you're applying for a job where you'll be in a position of power and a role-model for young people. It would make you seem childish at best, paedophillic at worst.

Seriously, I would advise against wearing it. Wear a proper business suit. As someone else said, you'll need one if you get the job anyway.

[rollins]

I think the fact that it's caused so much controversy on this one thread is probably a good sign that you should go with a suit and tie. I'm sure the OP has only the best intentions for applying for JET but the main problem is you're going to open yourself up to misinterpretation by your interviewers and will probably work against you. Better safe than sorry.

That being said, bring it to Japan with you if you get in. Depending on your placement (if your school has a formal dress code, etc etc) you may be able to endear yourself to your students/staff with something like that.