Tie or not to tie - that is the question

[GeekyMcGee]

Hi all,

Have an interview for UCL this week (first interview after 5 attempts ) and in a bit of a kerfuffle wondering what I should wear.

Is it standard practice for men going to these interviews to wear a tie? I don't wear one at work and was thinking of attending with smart shoes, formal shirt and trouser with a blazer but no tie. Sound ok?

[stephenkingfan]

I'm sure that would be smart enough. Most of the men at the interview day I was at last week were wearing ties. There was huge variation in how smart the women were dressed though. Some in formal suits/smart dresses, through to a nice evening blouse and trousers, through to a fairly casual jumper and skirt.

I think if a tie is uncomfortable for you then you don't need to wear one

[workingmama]

I personally love a tie, it seems to show real respect for the situation (in my totally own personal opinion), however it doesn't seem to correlate with success on gaining a training place, or ability as a clinician (in my extensive survery of the tie wearing community), so I'd go with whatever rocks your socks. Good luck! x

[GeekyMcGee]

Thanks for the above both of you. Think I'll probably plump for wearing one.

[purpledot]

I'm always a fan of being prepared - why not take it in your pocket/bag and decide when you arrive?

[stephenkingfan]

Great idea! I took flat and heeled shoes. Opted for heels on the day but had flats in case I decided against heels.

[purpledot]

Haha, me too! For one of my interviews I opted to wear a dress and tights, but somehow managed to ladder both my usual pair & my emergency pair on the morning of the interview... I wore trousers to the next interview

[Alexander]

The usual advice for interviews is to dress up. Look the part, and all that.

[Lancelot]

I didn't wear a tie and got on. It's certainty not make or break! A cravat on the other hand will be the making of you young lad

[GeekyMcGee]

Now that's an idea I can get behind. I will look so positively spiffing with my cravat, monocle and pocket watch that they won't be able to resist choosing me for the course.