How do you dress to inquire about employment?

[Macaela25]

I'm going to wait a bit before I comment about this topic. I don't want to influence the results of the poll.

[Macaela25]

To clarify, I mean picking up a job application, asking if they are hiring...not an interview.

[disabledvetswife]

You only get 1 chance to make a first impression .... and you never know who is handing you the application....

[Dengineer]

You only get 1 chance to make a first impression .... and you never know who is handing you the application....

Exactly! The quick stop to pick up an application could turn into an impromptu interview.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Dress professionally, however if this is a suit and tie, suit and heels sort of job I would think something a little less dressed would be OK. And if it was a flip hamburgers construction type job I think the casual Friday look would be OK and you would just look desperate if you came in in a suit and tie/heels.

[whatsfree4me]

Well I answered before I read past the first post. If my intentions for the day were to go out and ask people if they were hiring and had an application for me to fill out, I would dress in nice pants and shirt.

However, If I happened to see a sign that they were hiring and I was looking for a job, I wouldn't hesitate to go in and get an app if I had nice jeans and a nice shirt on. If I thougt I was less then presentable, I would probably go home and change and come back at a different time.

I would never go to an interview wearing jeans and a t-shirt though but I know many people do now.

[puakinikini]

I think first impressions are very important - not just with clothes, but also with hygiene. I think you should go to potential places of employment well groomed.

[leqet]

I think it depends on the job, but somewhere between "professional" and the jeans would be good in most situations. I mean I don't think you need a full business suit just to pick up an app, but nice clothes (not jeans) and a pulled together look would be best.

[RosieG]

I have seen my niece pick up applications dressed in a spaghetti strap top with bra straps visible. Yuck.

[frugalstafar]

maybe just a bit more casual than if I was interviewing but still nice and business like-if you are inquiring you are putting yourself out there professionally and to look like a bum could leave a bad taste in the mouth of a future employer.