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[blarg07]

I apologize if this has been covered before, but what is the proper attire for the day after your interview when you are leaving? I'm only going to be driven to the airport so would a sweater and khakis be okay (I'm wearing a suit the day of my interview). Or should I wear a shirt and tie then as well.

[dark_globe]

My theory is that you can never offend anyone by dressing too nicely, but you could if you dress too sloppily. I would stick with the formal attire and ditch the tie as soon as my escort was out of sight.

[larryc]

I think sweater and khakis would be just fine.

[smurfette]

Ha ha, I am just packing for my first flyout this season and was wondering the same thing... I plan to dress relatively nicely for the day they pick me up at the airport (day before the interview). For some reason I am less concerned about the day they drop me off, so I think I too will go with nice pants and a sweater.

[dr_crankypants]

One thing to keep in mind: do you have other activities that morning?  When I was on the market, the interview occasionally stretched to the next day with something like a breakfast meeting.  If that's the case, obviously, go a bit more formal.

I wouldn't wear a suit, but something reasonably nice (not jeans), like nice pants and a sweater set.  (Of course, this also depends on who's driving you to the airport.) 

[j_source]

Having had my luggage not arrive with me more times than I like to remember, even on direct flights, I always dress for business travel in a way that's acceptable for the conference/interview/whatever AND pack a full change of clothes  in my carry-on.   I once spent 5 full days without my checked luggage while Lufthansa sent it back and forth between airports and when it arrived it was completely soaked through.  You only get one chance to make the first impression and it's crucial to not blow it. 

[science_expat]

I agree with LarryC. It doesn't matter in the least and you might as well be comfortable.

[smurfette]

Ok, I just realized something. I normally just carry everything on the plane but it occurs to me that THIS time I will have to check a bag because of the whole "no liquids on the plane thing".  I hope my bag with my clothes doesn't get lost, but of course I shall have my notes and ppt with me in my briefcase. What is everyone else doing about this?

[science_expat]

We're allowed liquids in Europe now. We can take through security small amounts in no more than 100 ml containers and no more containers than will fit in a 1 liter bag.

And once past security we can buy water (or whiskey) and carry it onboard.

Are you sure about the current US restrictions?

[not_a_gradstudent1]

In the US - carried-on liquids have to be in travel-size (3 oz or smaller) containers and all fit in a one-quart ziploc bag.

[science_expat]

In the US - carried-on liquids have to be in travel-size (3 oz or smaller) containers and all fit in a one-quart ziploc bag.

Carried on or carried through security? I think it's the former, http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10

[fiona]

I vote for wearing job-interview clothes at all times, especially for women. You want to be seen as professional, and Yes, luggage does get lost. Even if you're going home, you don't want your best clothes to be lost.

The Fiona

[crazybatlady]

I agree with The Fiona.  She is Always Right.

I carried all of my luggage on and changed in an airport bathroom (gross!) after my many-hour travel day before I was picked up by the committee member.  More than once.  You can change in just a few minutes, and the CM never knows.

This way, you can wear your comfy jeans on the plane and still look fresh and crisp when you are picked up.  And, there is no risk of losing luggage.

cbl

[bigsky]

I must share this related story. I picked up a candidate at her hotel the morning of her interview. She was somewhat heavy set and asked me if there was a store open where we could go for her to purchase a new pair of pants because the only dress slacks she had with her split. She was terribly embarrassed but I was fine with it, helped break the ice. I took her to our small town's finest discount store and the interview continued.

And for the record, I have picked up several candidates at the airport and I can't recall what any of them wore. Nice jeans and nice shirt (even sweatshirt) are fine in my opinion. Make sure you are comfortable.

[graine]

I carried all of my luggage on and changed in an airport bathroom (gross!) after my many-hour travel day before I was picked up by the committee member.  More than once.  You can change in just a few minutes, and the CM never knows.

This way, you can wear your comfy jeans on the plane and still look fresh and crisp when you are picked up.  And, there is no risk of losing luggage.

cbl

The only time to be wary of this is flying into regional airports that are so small the person picking you up can see you get off the plane, and head into the restroom from the other side of the security divide. I've only encountered one airport that is this small, but it's worth remembering (and on flights to small airport,  the plane might be very  small and you don't want to even attempt changing in the restroom on those planes).

As for the day you leave - again, I'd dress smartly until I am sure the visit is over and then change at the airport restroom (the wheelchair access stalls are the best for this)