is this a job interview or not?

[CaliforniaAppli]

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So I applied for a staff research associate position at a university. The professor replied telling me to come in for a "chat". Is this an interview???

What should I wear?? I feel strange wearing a suit to an academic lab.

 

[TarHeelEMT]

If he's discussing it that informally, I doubt you need to wear a suit, but I certainly wouldn't wear anything less than a button down and khakis. I'd probably throw on a blazer or a sport coat, too, just to be safe.

 

[bucks2010]

Definitely not a suit. Button-down, khakis and decent shoes will get the job done. I think a blazer would likely be overdoing it as well, but I only know from my experience. I've never seen anyone wear a blazer to the biomedical lab that I work at - the most dressed-up postdocs have button-downs, jeans and tennis shoes. Stick with the button-down and khakis and I think you'll be safe.

 

[shopsteward]

Whether it can be formally described as an interview or not, it is a part of the job application process and you need to think of it as such. Everything you say and do from the moment you are first in the building to the time you leave it is potentially a marker as to whether or not you will be taken on, from being polite to the receptionist to showing that you are capable of doing the job.

The "come in for a chat" approach can make it difficult to pitch yourself at the right level of formality for the occasion. I'd say the advice above sounds appropriate on dress, and you could pitch your manners at the same level of "polite but not overly formal", until you have enough cues from the Prof to know how he is playing it.

Good luck.

 

[mtbtx]

Just wear a polo and khakis. It'll show the prof that you're serious without looking desperate. No its not going to be a formal interview but try to come across as interested and he may offer you a position.

 

[Disinence2]

I vote jeans and T-shirt.

Wear whatever you normally wear.

 

[venacontracta]

business casual.