Question about interview attire

[Eristheunorganized]

So- I'm going to interview with the steamfitters union. I've interviewed with them before- I wore traditional interview clothes. Slacks, dress shirt etc. I'm wondering if this is the right way to dress for this blue collar work. I noticed I was one of the only ones dressed that way.

[citykid3785]

I would say you did the right thing.  I had a friend in the same situation, and they told him they gave him the job because of that.  You can never be faulted for dressing up, only dressing down.  It's shows common sense and self awareness.

[hyla]

I think the general guideline for interview clothes is to dress one notch above typical work attire for the place you are interviewing.  So, if typical attire is blue collar, you can probably get away with khakis and a polo shirt, rather than going with a dress shirt.  I don't think slacks and a dress shirt is so fancy that it would be a turnoff though (the way showing up in a full suit may be). 

[Jack]

Sometimes it's hard to tell what's appropriate, even between jobs in the same industry. When I interviewed for my previous software engineering job (at a company located in GA), I wore a suit and it felt appropriate. When I interviewed for my current software engineering job (at a company located in MD), I also wore a suit but ended up taking off the jacket and tie to fit in better.

[gillstone]

Err on the side of caution.  You might be overdressed but shy of a tuxedo or Cappa Magna a little effort to look good can go a long way.

[Eristheunorganized]

Thanks for your responses guys! I went with my dress shirt and slacks, and I think I did well.

Now I just have to convince my room mate that I won't be laid off from the union 24/7...