18 year old son has an office interview

[Gummybear23]

Would like suggestions (with links) on what to wear.
Not a massive budget.

Dark trousers and a smart shirt? or even a suit, depending on the business.

George (Asda) do suit jackets for £28 & trousers £12.50, shirt for £9 or wear an old school shirt and borrow a tie. Charity shops will have shirts & ties too.
https://direct.asda.com/george/men/coats-jackets/black-suit-jacket/G007633148,default,pd.html?redirectFromInt=1&cmpid=ppc--geor-------_-dskwid-_dc&utm_campaign=pla:Fashion-Mens_BAU-_Performance_Max&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9oCk8bzlgwMVpqWDBx0rPQkfEAQYASABEgIlpfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://direct.asda.com/george/men/trousers/black-formal-suit-trousers/GEM948938,default,pd.html?cgid=D2M1G10C9

I don't think he needs to invest in a full suit, but trousers, buttoned up shirt and tie should do.

Black smart shoes, black trousers, long sleeved shirt and tie. No jacket needed

Good advice from previous posters!

Good luck to your son!

Smart trousers and a propert shirt, tie if possible but these days not as eesential

Agree with above, but remind him that one of the most important aspects of his look is his posture. Good posture is essential.

I think l would suggest go without the tie. But it very much depends on the company/organisation. To give extreme examples, you would expect a huge difference between, say, Google and an old established law firm with 2 elderly partners.

lf you know someone who could give him a “mock interview” all the better. But that work coming from his mum.

Wishing him good luck.

And practice with him walking confidently into the room and giving a good firm handshake. First impressions really count. I hope he gets on well.

What sort of business? Will he wear "work attire" every day if he gets the job?

Since he's 18 I'm assuming he has neither need to wear a suit on a regular basis or is not a uni grad so the interview is unlikely to be at a law firm or investment bank. So there's a happy medium to meet. Unless it's an apprenticeship interview at a large successful organisation, then it's worth going the extra mile.

Grey or navy. Not black (funeral) or brown (not smart enough).
There are charities that help people get into work and can supply interview suits. I'd have a look for a local one if you live in an urban area. Charity shops in smart area, Facebook marketplace etc. you are more likely to get hold of something decent.

If he's interviewing for a role in a small local business he could be more in formal given his age. Smart trousers, proper shirt and a v necked jumper. Wouldn't bother with a tie these days. They are rarely worn even in the City

DS is a teacher and wears chinos, a shirt and sweater to work. No tie.
Tell your son to look at the person who has asked him the question when he answers.
A mock interview would be a good idea.

Definitely look at the person asking the question but look at the others too, catch their eye and engage with them, always coming back to the questioner. Don't just look at them.

Posture, form handshake (not painful) while looking people in the eyes and having a genuine, open smile - and impeccable manners (basic please and thank you makes a huge difference.) Practice the “Hello, Ms Jones/ Sir/Miss, it’s lovely to meet you.”, “Thank you for your time. I really appreciate the opportunity to meet with you.” So it flows naturally.

DS works in the City. His work attire is smart dark trousers, shirt and plain half zip jumper. Smart black work shoes. All bought usually from M & S. No tie or jacket ever.

DS works in an office (local government) and it's definitely smart casual. He doesn't wear a tie but when he had a customer facing job he did wear a smart jacket (not a suit) but I'm sure a shirt and jumper would have been just as acceptable.
As a PP has said, it depends what type of office. A solicitors office may expect a shirt and tie but in 2024 I don't think I'd be investing in a suit unless it appears to be the clothing of choice for that particular office environment.

To add, if you are unemployed and have an interview, Timpsons will dry-clean a suit for free!

When DS18 had an interview, he wore black trousers and a charcoal shirt, with black shoes and he looked very smart. He didn't bother with a tie, as he looked at the company website and nobody was wearing a tie on the photos, so he said he wasn't either!

If you're in any doubt, I'd go with a tie, but I don't think he needs a suit. Eldest DS wore a suit and tie for an interview, but that's because he had it from his prom and didn't have any other smart clothes!

Smart shirt and trousers - would only wear a tie for certain industries - great idea to look at their team pictures on website
Hope it goes well for him

I recently interviewed for apprentices (finance) and most of them did wear a suit. Even though our office wear is mainly shirt and trousers for men, I felt that they looked like they’d made an effort and were serious about the role.