Should You Remove Your Sport Coat During An Interview?

Whether or not to take off your sports coat during a job interview is a tricky question, and the answer depends on several factors. First, it's important to dress formally for an interview, so you should aim to wear a suit and coat, especially if the company you're interviewing with has a professional office environment. However, if the company culture is more casual, you might want to leave the suit at home and opt for a sports coat and smart trousers. You should also consider the weather—if it's hot, you might prefer to leave the coat behind, but if it's cold, you may look odd without one. Ultimately, you want to make a good first impression, so it's essential to do your research about the company culture and dress code before your interview.

If the weather is cold, snowing or raining

If you're wearing a sport coat to an interview and the weather is cold, snowing, or raining, there are several things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to ensure you're dressed appropriately for the weather while still maintaining a professional look. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Choose Appropriate Fabrics: Opt for warmer fabrics such as velvet or wool. A sport coat made from a heavier fabric will provide more protection from the cold. You can also layer a button-up shirt or a blouse underneath your sport coat for added warmth.

Consider a Winter Coat: Invest in a nice winter coat that you can wear over your sport coat. A long coat, such as a knee-length or thigh-length style, will help shield your outfit from the cold and keep you dry if it's raining or snowing.

Plan for Commute: The clothes you wear during your commute may be different from what you wear during the interview. Consider wearing a warm coat and gloves during your commute to stay comfortable. You can then remove your coat and gloves before entering the interview venue.

Test Your Outfit: It's important to test your outfit in a sitting position. Sit down and observe if your sport coat still provides adequate coverage and warmth. You may also want to consider layering with a cardigan or a sweater underneath your sport coat for added warmth during the interview.

Check the Forecast: Always check the weather forecast before your interview. If it's going to be particularly cold, snowy, or rainy, consider wearing a hat to protect your hair. Additionally, knowing the temperature can help you decide on the appropriate weight and fabric for your sport coat.

Ask About Coat Storage: When you arrive at the interview venue, ask if there is a place to hang your coat. Many offices have coat hangers in their waiting areas. If there isn't a designated space, you can drape your coat over your lap or the back of your chair during the interview.

Give Yourself Extra Time: When travelling to the interview, allow for extra commute time in case of delays due to inclement weather. This will help you arrive calm and collected, ensuring your outfit remains neat and presentable.

If the company dress code is formal

You should research the company's dress code and aim to dress slightly more formally for the interview. For example, if employees at the company typically wear suits, you should also wear a suit to your interview. If the company dress code is relaxed, you may be able to wear a sports coat with smart trousers or a skirt.

It is generally advised not to remove your suit jacket during the interview, as this can give the impression that you are uncomfortable or not used to wearing a suit. However, if the temperature is very high, it may be appropriate to do so, especially if you are at risk of sweating. In such cases, it is best to ask the interviewer if you can remove your jacket.

It is worth noting that there may be cultural differences in the expectations for interview attire, and it is always a good idea to research the specific company and industry standards.

If the company culture is casual

A good rule of thumb is to dress one level of formality higher than you would for a typical day on the job. For example, if employees at the company wear jeans and t-shirts, consider wearing a shirt and trousers to your interview. If the dress code is relaxed, a sports coat with smart slacks or khakis is usually acceptable. You could also pair a sports coat with a button-down shirt, with or without a tie.

If you're unsure about the company's dress code, there are several ways to find out. You could ask someone who works there, visit the office at the start or end of the workday to see what people are wearing, or do some online research to find pictures of employees. You could also ask the recruiter or company contact person for dress code recommendations.

Remember, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for an interview. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and wear a suit.

If the interview is with an unorthodox company

If you're interviewing at an unorthodox company, it's a good idea to do some research on the company culture beforehand. This will help you determine what to wear and how to behave during the interview.

For example, if the company is in the tech industry, the dress code is likely to be more relaxed than a professional office such as a law firm or financial company. In this case, a sport coat with khakis or smart slacks would be a good choice. You can also call the company's human resources department or the hiring manager to inquire about the dress code, or simply observe what employees are wearing as they leave the building.

Unorthodox companies often ask unusual interview questions to test a candidate's ability to think on their feet and their fit with the company culture. For example, you might be asked to describe yourself in one word, or to rate yourself on a scale of weirdness. These questions are designed to assess your creativity, problem-solving skills, and whether you would be a good fit for the company's culture.

It's important to be prepared for these types of questions and to remain calm and collected during the interview. Remember, the interviewers are looking for candidates who can remain positive and proactive in the face of a challenge. So, even if you're caught off guard by a question, take a moment to collect your thoughts and provide a well-thought-out response.

Overall, when interviewing at an unorthodox company, it's crucial to strike a balance between dressing appropriately and reflecting the company's culture and values. Doing your research and preparing for unusual interview questions will help you make a strong impression.

If the suit doesn't fit you

Whether you're wearing a sports coat or a suit to an interview, it's important that it fits you well. A well-fitting suit or sports coat can help you make a good first impression, which is crucial during an interview. Here are some tips on what to do if your suit doesn't fit you:

• See a tailor: If your suit is too big, a tailor can re-measure you and make alterations to ensure a better fit. They can tighten up areas of the suit to match your body. However, if your suit is too small, a tailor may not be able to do much, and you might need to consider buying a new suit.
• Address specific fit issues: There are several common signs that a suit doesn't fit well, including shoulder sag or bite, a gaping jacket chest, sleeves that are too long or too short, trousers that are too tight or too loose, and a jacket that is too long or too short. Each of these issues may require different adjustments, so it's important to identify the specific areas where your suit needs alterations.
• Consider your body type and changes: Our bodies are constantly changing, and weight gain or muscle growth can affect how your suit fits. If you've gained weight, you might consider using suspenders instead of a belt to create more room around the waist. If you've gained muscle, you may need to tailor the suit to accommodate your new body shape.
• Err on the side of caution: If you're unsure about the fit of your suit, it's generally better to go with a slightly larger size. A suit that is too small can be very uncomfortable and restrictive, while a larger suit can be altered more easily.
• Choose the right style for your body: Different suit styles will flatter different body types. If you're unsure, seek advice from a tailor or a fashion-conscious friend. They can help you choose a style that complements your body shape and makes you feel confident.
• Buy a new suit: If alterations are not feasible or do not yield the desired results, purchasing a new suit that fits your current body may be the best option. Look for suits that flatter your body type and consider having them tailored for an even more precise fit.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident during your interview. A suit that fits well will not only make a good impression but will also ensure you feel your best throughout the interview process.

Frequently asked questions