Australian interview clothes (males)

[spanky]

Hi guys!

Nice to meet you all. This is my first post. I hope you don't mind offering your opinions on a question that I've been wondering about.

I'm applying for JET for the 2012/2013 year in Australia and am wondering what the standard dress for interview is?

I am 26 and have had a number of professional jobs but I've become a bit confused as usually the US posts on this topic push that you need to meet Japanese expectations of formality and a suit or business jacket is expected. I am worried as the interviews will most likely be held in the middle of Summer (Feb?) and wondering what most Australian JETs saw people wearing when they attended the interview in previous years?

[Luthien]

I was interviewed at the Melbourne consulate in February this year, and everyone I saw was in a dark business suit, including a jacket. The guys were in suits with ties, and the girls were in suits with skirts or trousers. If you are really worried about the heat, I would suggest getting there a little earlier so you have a chance to cool down (the Melbourne building at least had a cafe on the ground floor, would expect similar elsewhere), maybe wear a shortsleeved shirt and carry your jacket on the way in. For what it's worth, all the japanese male staff I saw were also wearing jackets that day - on later visits I saw shirts and no jackets. Yeah, wearing a dark suit in Australian summer heat is no fun at all, but I would be surprised to see anyone not doing it, an opinion only based on my experience of course!

[Patryn]

same here for Melbourne. In the end of Summer, but still quite warm. Wore a full suit and tie. I also got there early (took the train/tram in) and carried my jacket and tie in. Once in the buiding, thankfully airconditioned, I took a few minutes to cool off and then put my tie on and then my jacket. I saw girls were able to wear a bit more lighter clothes but still acceptable for business dress, but all the guys were in full suit and tie. Might as well get used to it if you plan on coming here... there'll be plenty of times you'll be required to wear a full suit in the middle of the humid summers. Bring a small handkerchief or hand towel to dry urself off if required.

[EricaHartmann]

Suit up. If you think wearing a suit in February is bad, you will not survive in Japan unless you get placed in Hokkaido.

[spanky]

Exactly the information I was looking for. Thanks very much for clearing that up for me guys. I knew I'd have to buy a suit for working in Japan anyway but was mostly worried about being the odd-one-out in the interviews.

Black suit and tie it will be!

[hunterofpeace]

Rather than start a new thread, I thought I'd throw this question in here. I've seen a lot of questions about male interview clothes... but what about females? Thoughts on pants suit vs skirt suit?

I know its a bit early to be worrying about the interview but hey... gotta take advantage of those Black Friday sales.

[Patryn]

up to you what you choose to wear. For women, I think it's a bit more flexible.