Board index › Coping in life › Work and finding a Job

What Should I Wear to Interview for a Gas Station Job?

Page 1 of 2 [ 27 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

Previous topic | Next topic

ValentineWiggin
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 15 May 2011
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Posts: 4,907
Location: Beneath my cat's paw

29 Dec 2011, 9:26 pm

Quick!

I saw a sign about "open interviews" at a place near my house before Christmas, and just now got back to check the date, half-expecting it to be over.
Turns out, it's tomorrow, from 9-12.

The one time I was present-minded enough to notice employee attire, it was because the cashier had on bright green sweatpants.
Still, the outfit you wear when you got the job ain't the outfit you wear when you want the job, I'd imagine.

Any ideas?


_________________
"Such is the Frailty
of the human Heart, that very few Men, who have no Property, have any Judgment of their own.
They talk and vote as they are directed by Some Man of Property, who has attached their Minds
to his Interest."


JeremyNJ1984
Velociraptor
Velociraptor

User avatar

Joined: 9 Oct 2010
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Posts: 496
Location: Central New Jersey

29 Dec 2011, 9:28 pm

ValentineWiggin wrote:
Quick!

I saw a sign about "open interviews" at a place near my house before Christmas, and just now got back to check the date, half-expecting it to be over.
Turns out, it's tomorrow, from 9-12.

The one time I was present-minded enough to notice employee attire, it was because the cashier had on bright green sweatpants.
Still, the outfit you wear when you got the job ain't the outfit you wear when you want the job, I'd imagine.

Any ideas?



I always dress for the job im going for...as a guy I am comfortable in slacks and a dress shirt ( no tie) if its a non-serious job...i would dress casual if I was you..it would be awkard to go dressed up in a suit or dress for a gas station job. But don't look like a slob either.



ValentineWiggin
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 15 May 2011
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Posts: 4,907
Location: Beneath my cat's paw

29 Dec 2011, 9:31 pm

JeremyNJ1984 wrote:
ValentineWiggin wrote:
Quick!

I saw a sign about "open interviews" at a place near my house before Christmas, and just now got back to check the date, half-expecting it to be over.
Turns out, it's tomorrow, from 9-12.

The one time I was present-minded enough to notice employee attire, it was because the cashier had on bright green sweatpants.
Still, the outfit you wear when you got the job ain't the outfit you wear when you want the job, I'd imagine.

Any ideas?



I always dress for the job im going for...as a guy I am comfortable in slacks and a dress shirt ( no tie) if its a non-serious job...i would dress casual if I was you..it would be awkard to go dressed up in a suit or dress for a gas station job. But don't look like a slob either.


So no dresses, or suits...but no jeans, I guess?

Would a black skirt, leggings, flats, and a sweater be too much?


_________________
"Such is the Frailty
of the human Heart, that very few Men, who have no Property, have any Judgment of their own.
They talk and vote as they are directed by Some Man of Property, who has attached their Minds
to his Interest."


JeremyNJ1984
Velociraptor
Velociraptor

User avatar

Joined: 9 Oct 2010
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Posts: 496
Location: Central New Jersey

29 Dec 2011, 9:33 pm

ValentineWiggin wrote:
JeremyNJ1984 wrote:
ValentineWiggin wrote:
Quick!

I saw a sign about "open interviews" at a place near my house before Christmas, and just now got back to check the date, half-expecting it to be over.
Turns out, it's tomorrow, from 9-12.

The one time I was present-minded enough to notice employee attire, it was because the cashier had on bright green sweatpants.
Still, the outfit you wear when you got the job ain't the outfit you wear when you want the job, I'd imagine.

Any ideas?



I always dress for the job im going for...as a guy I am comfortable in slacks and a dress shirt ( no tie) if its a non-serious job...i would dress casual if I was you..it would be awkard to go dressed up in a suit or dress for a gas station job. But don't look like a slob either.


So no dresses, or suits...but no jeans, I guess?

Would a black skirt, leggings, flats, and a sweater be too much?



That sounds perfect actually. Don't overdress or underdress.. I mean if these people are on the job looking like s**t, its a safe bet that looks are not exactly what they are interested in.



JeremyNJ1984
Velociraptor
Velociraptor

User avatar

Joined: 9 Oct 2010
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Posts: 496
Location: Central New Jersey

29 Dec 2011, 9:39 pm

For the job I have now ( working as a temp for the Division of Developmental disabilities, here in New Jersey) I went in suit and tie...you should have seen my tie I had on..wasn't even tied correctly....frankly I just went into the interview with no real plan, but the art of the interview is really smiling and conversing..ask the right questions like " what do you plan on me doing?" and such. They like those questions.



Dunnyveg
Deinonychus
Deinonychus

User avatar

Joined: 5 May 2011
Gender: Male
Posts: 370
Location: Deep in the heart of Texas

29 Dec 2011, 9:41 pm

ValentineWiggin wrote:
Quick!

I saw a sign about "open interviews" at a place near my house before Christmas, and just now got back to check the date, half-expecting it to be over.
Turns out, it's tomorrow, from 9-12.

The one time I was present-minded enough to notice employee attire, it was because the cashier had on bright green sweatpants.
Still, the outfit you wear when you got the job ain't the outfit you wear when you want the job, I'd imagine.

Any ideas?


Valentine, I run a small nonprofit and have hired well over a hundred people over the years. I've never hired anybody because of their clothes, but I've not hired a few because of their appearance. Just think of what you'd wear on a date if you wanted to impress a guy, though conservatively. Just look nice. I'd wear the newest clothes you have.

Again, I really don't notice what most interviewees wear unless it is inappropriate. For example, one girl came in to interview wearing a ratty old Harley-Davidson tee shirt and flip flops. Another girl that I'll simply say was attractive interviewed in a top showing an almost obscene amount of cleavage.

I'd say there isn't any need even to go in a black skirt, though you can. Nice slacks with a conservative matching top, along with nice shoes should do it.



ValentineWiggin
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 15 May 2011
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Posts: 4,907
Location: Beneath my cat's paw

29 Dec 2011, 9:51 pm

Dunnyveg wrote:
Just think of what you'd wear on a date if you wanted to impress a guy, though conservatively.


Jeans, some boots, and a sweater?

What about my mane?


_________________
"Such is the Frailty
of the human Heart, that very few Men, who have no Property, have any Judgment of their own.
They talk and vote as they are directed by Some Man of Property, who has attached their Minds
to his Interest."


JeremyNJ1984
Velociraptor
Velociraptor

User avatar

Joined: 9 Oct 2010
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Posts: 496
Location: Central New Jersey

29 Dec 2011, 9:55 pm

ValentineWiggin wrote:
Dunnyveg wrote:
Just think of what you'd wear on a date if you wanted to impress a guy, though conservatively.


Jeans, some boots, and a sweater?

What about my mane?


Ditch the jeans...you want a business casual look for the job you are applying for.. ( i assume).. what kind of job at the gas station would you be doing?



ValentineWiggin
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 15 May 2011
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Posts: 4,907
Location: Beneath my cat's paw

29 Dec 2011, 9:55 pm

Dunnyveg wrote:

I'd say there isn't any need even to go in a black skirt, though you can. Nice slacks with a conservative matching top, along with nice shoes should do it.


Well. I don't have any pants other than jeans, unless you count pj's and the ratty black yoga pants I'm in atm.
I'm normally found in jeans or long boho skirts.

I'm planning on being overdressed as opposed to under.

Otherwise, I'd wear khakis.


_________________
"Such is the Frailty
of the human Heart, that very few Men, who have no Property, have any Judgment of their own.
They talk and vote as they are directed by Some Man of Property, who has attached their Minds
to his Interest."


Last edited by ValentineWiggin on 29 Dec 2011, 9:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.

ValentineWiggin
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 15 May 2011
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Posts: 4,907
Location: Beneath my cat's paw

29 Dec 2011, 9:56 pm

JeremyNJ1984 wrote:
ValentineWiggin wrote:
Dunnyveg wrote:
Just think of what you'd wear on a date if you wanted to impress a guy, though conservatively.


Jeans, some boots, and a sweater?

What about my mane?


Ditch the jeans...you want a business casual look for the job you are applying for.. ( i assume).. what kind of job at the gas station would you be doing?


The kind where I wait outside to make sure the girl I overheard a trucker hitting on gets to her car safely.


_________________
"Such is the Frailty
of the human Heart, that very few Men, who have no Property, have any Judgment of their own.
They talk and vote as they are directed by Some Man of Property, who has attached their Minds
to his Interest."


Dunnyveg
Deinonychus
Deinonychus

User avatar

Joined: 5 May 2011
Gender: Male
Posts: 370
Location: Deep in the heart of Texas

29 Dec 2011, 10:01 pm

ValentineWiggin wrote:
Dunnyveg wrote:
Just think of what you'd wear on a date if you wanted to impress a guy, though conservatively.


Jeans, some boots, and a sweater?

What about my mane?


As long as the jeans are nice looking and new or almost new. Boots should be fine, as long as they are in good condition and well polished. A sweater would be very appropriate this time of the year--again, as long as it looks nice.

If you're an aspie, the best thing I can tell you is to dress in a manner not to bring attention to how you are dressed--nondescript but nice.

It's the same with your hair. Don't wear anything too elaborate, though don't look like you just stepped out of a sauna either.

If you're being hired for a cashier's position at a gas station, they want somebody who can exercise good judgment. And showing up in outlandish or shabby clothes is a red flag that you can't exercise good judgment. Just be conservative in your appearance. Again, your appearance can't help you, but it can hurt you.



ValentineWiggin
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 15 May 2011
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Posts: 4,907
Location: Beneath my cat's paw

29 Dec 2011, 10:03 pm

Dunnyveg wrote:
they want somebody who can exercise good judgment.


Oh, lord, I'm doomed. :(
I dress more like a homeless person than a street hooker- not sure which is worse. (A lady offered to buy me a hot dog t'other day. 8O )

Is a 3 month stint in retail 3 years ago enough employment history to bother drawing up a resume for?


_________________
"Such is the Frailty
of the human Heart, that very few Men, who have no Property, have any Judgment of their own.
They talk and vote as they are directed by Some Man of Property, who has attached their Minds
to his Interest."


Last edited by ValentineWiggin on 29 Dec 2011, 10:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.

JeremyNJ1984
Velociraptor
Velociraptor

User avatar

Joined: 9 Oct 2010
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Posts: 496
Location: Central New Jersey

29 Dec 2011, 10:06 pm

ValentineWiggin wrote:
Dunnyveg wrote:
they want somebody who can exercise good judgment.


Oh, lord, I'm doomed. :(

Is a 3 month stint in retail 3 years ago enough employment history to bother drawing up a resume for?


You'll never know unless you show up...whats the worse that happens? they say " we'll give you a call in a few days"...and thats it....

rejection happens to everyone. Plus, it gives you experience regardless for job interviewing. That ALWAYS gets better as you go on more..you learn how to tailor your message and how to properly answer questions.



ValentineWiggin
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 15 May 2011
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Posts: 4,907
Location: Beneath my cat's paw

29 Dec 2011, 10:08 pm

JeremyNJ1984 wrote:
ValentineWiggin wrote:
Dunnyveg wrote:
they want somebody who can exercise good judgment.


Oh, lord, I'm doomed. :(

Is a 3 month stint in retail 3 years ago enough employment history to bother drawing up a resume for?


You'll never know unless you show up...whats the worse that happens? they say " we'll give you a call in a few days"...and thats it....

rejection happens to everyone. Plus, it gives you experience regardless for job interviewing. That ALWAYS gets better as you go on more..you learn how to tailor your message and how to properly answer questions.


Yes, I put in at a hotel/conference center a few weeks ago. No phone call, but that and this make for more job pursuing than I'd done in the previous two years, and I feel great. :)


_________________
"Such is the Frailty
of the human Heart, that very few Men, who have no Property, have any Judgment of their own.
They talk and vote as they are directed by Some Man of Property, who has attached their Minds
to his Interest."


JeremyNJ1984
Velociraptor
Velociraptor

User avatar

Joined: 9 Oct 2010
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Posts: 496
Location: Central New Jersey

29 Dec 2011, 10:11 pm

ValentineWiggin wrote:
JeremyNJ1984 wrote:
ValentineWiggin wrote:
Dunnyveg wrote:
they want somebody who can exercise good judgment.


Oh, lord, I'm doomed. :(

Is a 3 month stint in retail 3 years ago enough employment history to bother drawing up a resume for?


You'll never know unless you show up...whats the worse that happens? they say " we'll give you a call in a few days"...and thats it....

rejection happens to everyone. Plus, it gives you experience regardless for job interviewing. That ALWAYS gets better as you go on more..you learn how to tailor your message and how to properly answer questions.


Yes, I put in at a hotel/conference center a few weeks ago. No phone call, but that and this make for more job pursuing than I'd done in the previous two years, and I feel great. :)


Thats awsome...the fact your trying is a great accomplishment. It took myself a while after college to get myself together, and with the added pressure of aspergers it made it real difficult. I must have applied for something like 500 jobs but only got 3 call backs...i got hired by 1....and its that 1 that matters the most.



Dunnyveg
Deinonychus
Deinonychus

User avatar

Joined: 5 May 2011
Gender: Male
Posts: 370
Location: Deep in the heart of Texas

29 Dec 2011, 10:13 pm

JeremyNJ1984 wrote:
ValentineWiggin wrote:
Dunnyveg wrote:
Just think of what you'd wear on a date if you wanted to impress a guy, though conservatively.


Jeans, some boots, and a sweater?

What about my mane?


Ditch the jeans...you want a business casual look for the job you are applying for.. ( i assume).. what kind of job at the gas station would you be doing?


All I can say is I've never not hired an interviewee because they were wearing jeans--or khakis as long as they are pressed and in good condition. But I will say this is just my opinion.

The most important part of the interview is, well, the interview. It's whether or not you can convince them that you can do the job and not cause problems--in this case that you will help them make money with a minimum of headaches.

Jeremy does have a good point. I'm under the impression that you're applying for a cashier's job. If you're applying for managerial (e.g., assistant manager) position, a business suit isn't necessary, but that black skirt would be very appropriate. If you are applying for a professional position (e.g., MBA), a business suit is absolutely mandatory, and your hair done up. The more responsible the job, the more you will be scrutinized.



Last edited by Dunnyveg on 29 Dec 2011, 10:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.