Dress up for interview for lab position?

[sixpence]

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I have an "interview" with a PI to discuss finding a mentor in his lab. I basically have the position, or the PI has implied that it is mine to lose. Last year when I interviewed with another PI I just wore gym shorts, because I had just come from tennis and he seemed to have no problem. So does it really matter if I dress nice? I'm not going to come in gym shorts again but I don't need a dress or anything like that right?

 

[lisasimpson87]

whats "dressed up" to you? i'd wear at least slacks and a polo, but preferably a button up shirt...no harm in making a good impression

 

[linguini]

Always better to be overdressed. I wore a skirt and blouse to my lab interview. Got the position on the spot and proceeded to wear jeans and sneakers for my entire time there.

 

[tabrazinski]

I have an "interview" with a PI to discuss finding a mentor in his lab. I basically have the position, or the PI has implied that it is mine to lose. Last year when I interviewed with another PI I just wore gym shorts, because I had just come from tennis and he seemed to have no problem. So does it really matter if I dress nice? I'm not going to come in gym shorts again but I don't need a dress or anything like that right?

i had always been taught that rule of thumb is to dress one level above the dress code of the establishment. ie: in a lab where everyone is wearing jeans and t-shirts you should wear nice pants and a nice shirt. if you're interviewing in an office that is business casual attire, then you should wear a suit. etc. you'll feel overdressed, but you'll look sharp and make a better impression.

 

[kac714]

i had always been taught that rule of thumb is to dress one level above the dress code of the establishment. ie: in a lab where everyone is wearing jeans and t-shirts you should wear nice pants and a nice shirt. if you're interviewing in an office that is business casual attire, then you should wear a suit. etc. you'll feel overdressed, but you'll look sharp and make a better impression.

i wore a suit for my lab job interview. also hired on spot.

 

[bcat85]

Don't blow a spot in a lab because you didn't dress up. Dress nice.

 

[schismal]

One of the grad students in my lab was lambasted by his PhD committee during his dissertation defense because he wore a suit. One of the professors felt that "no true scientist would wear that." The professor in question was clothed in flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt.