DMI dress code

[Rammstein]

Hi all,

I've been invited to attend a DMI soon and was wondering if anyone could tell what people tend to wear? I'm an internal applicant so for all other stages I've worn my uniform, but on the email for this one it states "smart standard of dress". Would it be more advisable to wear a suit for this one?

Many thanks in advance.

PS any tips for the actual interview would also be much appreciated!

 

[martin2345uk]

100% suit every time.

 

[Rammstein]

100% suit every time.

Brilliant, thanks so much for the quick reply!

 

[DarloRich]

suit and tie. Best to be over dressed in a room full of casual than casual in a room full of suits. It shouldn't matter but it does.

 

[$Cm$zS2*]

I wore a shirt and tie, formal trousers, and got the job.

 

[GG96LFC]

Most of tbe men there are going to be wearing suits, so if possible, take your suit to the next level with a fitted waistcoat and pocket square. The interviewers might remember you more positively because of it

 

[Trico382]

I wore a suit for mine and was successful. I’m sure other smart dress would be fine but when I saw people in less than that at different stages I didn’t see them again. Of course that could be pure coincidence but why risk it! Suit is the best option and shows you are taking it seriously with pride in your appearance which is something they are looking for as a representative of the company

 

[Bletchleyite]

suit and tie. Best to be over dressed in a room full of casual than casual in a room full of suits. It shouldn't matter but it does.

Generally speaking wearing a suit and tie to an interview will never be to your disadvantage, but not wearing one may well be. So always best wear a suit and tie to an interview. Though I think talk of waistcoats and pocket squares is a little over the top.

 

[Highlandspring]

Unless you’re going for a job at Google or somewhere like that then interview = suit every time, for men in the UK at least.

 

[Rammstein]

Thank you everyone, being a lass I might skip on the tie and pocket square side of things but I'll certainly dust my best jacket and trousers off!

 

[Stigy]

Suit every time, although sometimes internal candidates are told to wear uniform or smart attire. I’d ditch the uniform every time in favour of a suit for an interview definitely!

 

[Gemz91]

If you're internal I'd wear your uniform personally, but I seem to be in a minority there. I've never worn a suit to a job interview, mainly because I don't own one, always shirt and tie, and its never been a problem.

I did ask two different managers, both who do interviews, before my DMI if I should wear uniform or not, one said yes the other said no and to go smart. Seems even the managers aren't goo sure.

 

[Stigy]

If you're internal I'd wear your uniform personally, but I seem to be in a minority there. I've never worn a suit to a job interview, mainly because I don't own one, always shirt and tie, and its never been a problem.

I did ask two different managers, both who do interviews, before my DMI if I should wear uniform or not, one said yes the other said no and to go smart. Seems even the managers aren't goo sure.

I think either is acceptable as long as you’re smart. My uniform isn’t particularly smart (it’s a different uniform to other staff) but would wear a suit anyway. Shirt, tie and smart trousers is okay, and just as smart as a suit. It’s jeans and t-shirts that are frowned up on and won’t get you a job.

 

[sw1ller]

I’d say it depends if the interview was on your day off or not. If you’re working and have been released for an hour or two to attend the interview (I’ve known it happen) then your uniform is suitable, you can work it into the conversation. But go as smart as possible if it’s your day off. The driver managers may not know you at all so first impressions and all that. Even if you are in work on the day, I’d take a change of clothes to be sure.

On that note, at the testing stage, my letter said come in comfortable clothing and I still wore a suit. It was either a suit or my pyjamas! I don’t own anything in between!

 

[king_walnut]

You're applying for a 50-60k job, dress like it.

 

[Mag_seven]

I always go for the default assumption for dress code for any interview - suited and booted.

 

[OneLowban]

I wore a shirt, tie and smart cardigan/jacket thing.



Trousers and shoes, too, of course.

 

[Ray90]

I'm female and had a DMI internally, and wore my smartest clothes - shirt, smart trousers and brogues. Agreed with the above post, dress considering the salary. I also personally feel wearing my uniform would have made me feel less smart and less ready for the interview, as I wear it most days. A crisp, smart outfit that makes you feel confident will help you keep in the right mindset too.

 

[Rammstein]

I'm female and had a DMI internally, and wore my smartest clothes - shirt, smart trousers and brogues. Agreed with the above post, dress considering the salary. I also personally feel wearing my uniform would have made me feel less smart and less ready for the interview, as I wear it most days. A crisp, smart outfit that makes you feel confident will help you keep in the right mindset too.

Excellent, that's exactly what I wanted to hear! I agree with what you said about everyday uniform feeling less smart, I don't wear a suit very often so it'll help with the interview mindset definitely!

 

[Ray90]

How did it go?

 

[Tom Quinne]

Hi all,

I've been invited to attend a DMI soon and was wondering if anyone could tell what people tend to wear? I'm an internal applicant so for all other stages I've worn my uniform, but on the email for this one it states "smart standard of dress". Would it be more advisable to wear a suit for this one?

Many thanks in advance.

PS any tips for the actual interview would also be much appreciated!

Is it just me who’s eyes roll back into their skull when people ask the same question ?

Assessment day: Suit/polished shoes, youcan loosen your tie and remove your jacket to be comfortable.

Interview: The smartest suit and shiniest shoe you can muster!

Medical: smart/causal you’ll be expected to bend and show ease of movement.

Maybe we could sticky this one !

 

[Ray90]

Is it just me who’s eyes roll back into their skull when people ask the same question ?

I think you're being harsh. The OP said they are a woman, and what qualifies as smart has a lot more ambiguity. I didn't wear a tie or blazer to my interview and I passed. I agree this could be sticky though, for the benefit of everyone heading for an interview.

 

[MostlyHarmless]

Is it just me who’s eyes roll back into their skull when people ask the same question ?

Assessment day: Suit/polished shoes, youcan loosen your tie and remove your jacket to be comfortable.

Interview: The smartest suit and shiniest shoe you can muster!

Medical: smart/causal you’ll be expected to bend and show ease of movement.

Maybe we could sticky this one !

Agree with this with the possible exception of the assessment centre - I think smart trousers and a shirt will be fine unless the TOC says something different. Personally I think a loosened tie with the jacket off actually looks quite scruffy - but that's just me!

 

[12guard4]

If your uniform is shirt trousers and a blazer wear that. If you have polos or something else for uniform wear your own smart clothes.

 

[Rammstein]

Hi all,
Just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone who responded, I had my medical today and assuming the drugs test comes back clear (I'd be very confused if it didn't!) I'll be starting in a few weeks!!
As for what to wear, I had spoken to a senior manager before my assessment day who told me as an internal he would wear uniform because it shows pride in the role and company, and the ability to wear it smartly etc so I followed this advice for assessments and MMI. My uniform is smart trousers, blouse and waistcoat etc so perhaps this helps. For my DMI I wore my suit, and I do think that dressing smartly and differently to how I usually would helped my mentality on the day.

Thanks once again everyone, I'm very excited about the next stage!

 

[RadioFlyer2]

Good luck girl and enjoy it

 

[Rammstein]

Good luck girl and enjoy it

Thank you!! You went for Arriva right? How's it all going?

 

[Bennski]

Ive known people to just wear smart causal and get driver jobs so its not all down to what you wear. I agree its important but its not something that would determine if you get the job or not...

 

[MidlandsChap]

Great news, well done.

 

[RadioFlyer2]

Thank you!! You went for Arriva right? How's it all going?

Amazing. Already the best decision I ever made you will love it! Best of luck!