Fair
Spring is upon us and campus is awash with the visual delights it brings. Seersucker is resplendent in striped glory;
white bucks gleam with care; pastel colors abound with new vigor; and the bow
tie graces the neck of many an Auburn Gentleman. With all of these clothing inspirations
strutting before us, some may even be tempted to purchase a new bow for their
job search or to jazz up their already established professional wardrobe, but before
you saunter into your favorite men’s clothier and commit to becoming a member
of that most noble and honored league of bow wearers there are several things
to consider…
On
the Job Interview
It
is important to note that bow wearers are in the tie minority. When you see them you notice them. Bows are individual, striking and at times
loud. It takes a certain amount of moxy
to confidently wear a bow in a straight tie dominated world. They do a magnificent job of drawing
attention to oneself. So at this point
you’re likely saying to yourself: “By Jove, then the bow is the perfect way for
me to stand out from my peers and have jealous looks cast upon me. I’m rushing to the haberdashery this very
instant.” Cool your jets Bennie. As a
bow tie wearer myself it brings me great pain to write these next words, but…
DO NOT wear a bow tie to your interview.
Yes you will stand out, yes you will be remembered, but often not for
the reasons you desire.
I
know, you’re likely a little morose at this point. I’ve spent all this time discussing how
amazing bow ties are and now suddenly, a stupendous let down. You’re thinking, “But Torey, Robert Frost
said to take the road less traveled and it made him happy as a lark in
springtime. Surely he knows what he’s talking about.” Don’t listen to Robert Frost, he’s a dead poet
laureate. I am your alive career
counselor, and in this instance conformity is suggested.
The
entire, let me repeat that, entire point
of an interview is to be remembered for how well you sold your candidacy as a
potential employee. Instead, if all you
are remembered for is your accoutrement selection, then you have failed. In the vast majority of interview situations
the bow tie is not your friend. Stick
with the traditional, if however tired, straight tie. Your future paycheck will thank me and you
for it, and once you have the job you can reward yourself. Go on, newly hired employee, get that bow,
you deserve it.
On
the Job
Once
you have secured your hard-won employment our tie discussion changes. Without question, our dear poet laureate
friend Frost gives terrible advice about the interview attire, but on the job he’s
not that bad. However, before you break
out that brocaded floral paisley number in tasteful lilac, cream and accents of
gold, you should pay attention to your workplace culture. Notice what your fellow employees are
wearing. Are ties of any sort common?
Have you seen an elusive bow before? Is there a strict dress code policy? Will you be castigated, called mean names and
subjected to all sorts of heinous treatment for daring to wear a bow? Ok, maybe
not that last one, but you get the picture.
A
bow tie can be a great way to punch up a drab professional wardrobe or to
showcase a little personality. (I have a
fondness for those tasteful floral paisley numbers; bold stripes and polka
dots, but that’s just me.) Recognize, the
thing about wearing bow ties is that you must be confident. One cannot wear a bow tie think every whisper
a verbal jab or every finger pointed a spear of judgment. They could just be marveling at your taste
and refinement. Will disparaging
comments be made, probably, but they’re likely just jealous. Pay them no mind.
Bow
ties are fun, and if you are going to wear one have fun with it. Don’t be afraid of their tying complexity
(Pro Tip: They’re Not), nor the looks of the passerby. We started with a question —–should you bow
tie or should you not bow tie– and now an answer: it depends. As in all things, use critical thinking, do
your research and above all else ask your alive career counselor if you have a
question.
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