how to wear an overcoat over a suit?

[Koa Zo]

This is embarrassing that I have to ask...
But I've never worn a suit.

Tomorrow I have an interview for an internship in the PA State Capital building, and went out and dropped nearly $400 for a nice suit, shoes, tie and all that.

And I thought I was all set, but now realize with the weather near freezing that I will need to wear an overcoat as well.

Around the Capital complex almost all men with suits have those long calf length black wool overcoats.
I can't afford one of those right now.

I do have a nice casual dark brown corduroy winter coat, but will that be too awkward?

Any suggestions?

[captpain]

Just wrap yourself in a Power Rangers blanket.

[Koa Zo]

Just wrap yourself in a Power Rangers blanket.

why are you being a jerk?

[BulletMagnet]

It's kind of tough to say...depending on who you're there to talk to, he might figure that as long as you're not wearing something crappy that it doesn't matter (as you say, the suit's the main thing, appearance-wise), while others might be pickier about it. I wouldn't worry TOO much about it...is there a picture you could post of a coat like the one you might wear?

[captpain]

...you'll be doing the interview inside? If so, I don't see how this will really be an issue for you.

[Koa Zo]

...you'll be doing the interview inside? If so, I don't see how this will really be an issue for you.

Because I have to walk from my car into the building where I will be greeted by the people interviewing me. And I don't want to start things off feeling uncomfortable because of my choice of overcoat.

It's kind of tough to say...depending on who you're there to talk to, he might figure that as long as you're not wearing something crappy that it doesn't matter (as you say, the suit's the main thing, appearance-wise), while others might be pickier about it. I wouldn't worry TOO much about it...is there a picture you could post of a coat like the one you might wear?

Thanks, this is reassuring.
I've gotten a little anxious considering this is the state capitol and everyone dresses impeccably. Though I would be working in the basement (literally).

After eating dinner, I'm going to do a "dress rehearsal" (so to speak), and see how it looks. I'll try to post a picture then.

[BulletMagnet]

Well, either way, spend more time preparing for what you'll be saying, anticipating the questions you'll be asked, etc...if you do well on that part, then even if the coat is less than a perfect match it shouldn't dock you any points, at least if the interviewer isn't stunningly superficial. Good luck!

[trivial]

From deep in the hart of hunting country, home of the unhealthiest city in the first world, I relate this missive:

Thermal underwear is to be had more cheaply than what you undertake.

[D]

Well, either way, spend more time preparing for what you'll be saying, anticipating the questions you'll be asked, etc...if you do well on that part, then even if the coat is less than a perfect match it shouldn't dock you any points, at least if the interviewer isn't stunningly superficial. Good luck!

-What are the chances the actual interviewer will see you come in?
-How long do you have to travel? maybe the last part just take the coat off.
-borrow something long from somebody/anybody. Just ask in your circle of friends/family/colleages
-maybe there's a rent service somewhere?
-And indeed focus on you actual talk. I got butchered a couple of times after worrying about my outfit, etc. I guess you have to go through that process yourself or take our word for it.

captpain was just trying to break the tension, I think

[Koa Zo]

captpain was just trying to break the tension, I think

Being that I was already uncomfortable not knowing how to dress myself
it sort of sounded like he was rubbing it in.

From deep in the hart of hunting country, home of the unhealthiest city in the first world, I relate this missive:

Thermal underwear is to be had more cheaply than what you undertake.

Now, I like that advice. And had actually considered doing just that - wearing thermal underwear. ...good thing I didn't.

Good luck!

Thanks!
Yes, I was adequately prepared for the questions. ...had studied for a good solid week.
Unfortunately, other circumstances sabotaged me...

Stepping out of the elevator I almost hit my head on the pipes lining the low ceiling. The temperature was well over 100 degrees(F), and I start sweating right way.
Told to turn "right" out of the elevator to go to office B-00, but the numbers are increasing down the hall, so I double back and ask a janitor. Indeed, it is the last office at the end of the hall. The janitor tells me "you don't have to ring the bell, just walk right in." I probably would have rang the bell anyhow, but the janitor watches me all the way down the hall, and yells "Yeah, that's it. Just push the door! It'll open!"
And I end up barging in on everyone sitting around eating doughnuts and drinking coffee. As heads snap around towards me, more than a few faces looked annoyed and questioning of me, like "who the hell do you think you are" I didn't realize until much later that it was because I didn't knock, or ring the bell. And I'm thinking the worst having just received a particularly nasty look from one woman, and uncomfortable greetings from everyone I was introduced to.
..so the interview didn't go the best.

Anyway, the suit and overcoat I wore looked good.[/journal]

[Pixel_Outlaw]

Maybe the Janitor didn't knock either.

Oh sorry that was cruel.

[Koa Zo]

Maybe the Janitor didn't knock either.

Oh sorry that was cruel.

I don't get it, of course the janitor doesn't knock.


So, despite my self-doubt and less than stellar interview I got a call today offering me the position! This is the first time I've interviewed and been told "We still have to interview other people...we'll get back to you", and then actually got the job.

Come January I'll be cataloging and archiving documents in the basement of the Pennsylvania State Capital! Whoo hoo!

and here, since I looked so good , is the $370 outfit I'll be paying off until next summer, the coat I was so worried about wearing is on the chair but not really visible. ..it looked fine, I was just geeking out at being unexperienced with "dressing up":

(the funny thing about that picture is it looks all sunny and warm in my apartment, but it was below freezing with a couple inches of snow outside!)

Thanks again for the reassuring advice BulletMagnet, and thanks for the other thoughtful comments D, and trivial! You guys rock!

[TLB]

I was actually just thinking about bumping this to see if you got the job O.o Congrats =P

[Ceph]

Congrats! It's nice to hear about someone getting a job, for a change

[Jockel]

Congrats! It's nice to hear about someone getting a job, for a change

Oh, i just got a job at a videogame merchandise shop @ www.kingplayer.de
Are you happy now?

[themachinist]

Congrats man.

Hey I "got" a job at Circuit City as a seasonal employee... not sure if that's good or bad. Somewhere in the middle.

[Koa Zo]

Thanks guys!

Jockel, that store looks pretty cool! Must be a dedicated gamer who own the place. Too bad we don't have any "real" game stores like that anywhere in the US, that I know of.

Thanks for the congrats from everyone else too.
Yeah, I consider my self really lucky to have landed this job.
An internship is required for graduation, and this was seriously the only one I knew of that was a paying position. I'm actually going to earn a higher hourly wage at this job than any other job I've ever had!

Though like themachinist, it is really only temporary (through June), but I'm thankful to get a job as the country slides further into economic depression.

[BulletMagnet]

Hey, one more congrats to throw on the pile. Now back to looking for something full-time myself...

[UnscathedFlyingObject]

Good for you man! I'm looking for something full-time right now and companies aren't hiring many entry level people. I found some but they're usually located in the middle of nowhere 2hrs drive away. Let's all hope things get better soon...

[sven666]

congrats man, looking sharp in the suit too

[undamned]

TEH SEXY!! J/K

Congrats on teh job. I hope it's more exciting than the job I had scanning medical claims for one of Ross Perot's companies, back in the deezy.
-ud

[Jockel]

Nice signature, undamned ^^