<p>Not only that I think oldfort would know what kind of shoes would be appropriate for the finance job because she works in the industry. Once you get a job, you can repay her if you like.</p>
<p>I think I’m going to do it – I’d definitely want to repay somehow, though.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, oldfort!</p>
<p>I’ve been on CC for over 5 years now… probably longer than what is considered even reasonably healthy. 
It never ceases to astound me how amazing this place can be – I owe so much to this site for a variety of reasons. I’m honestly not sure where I’d be right now without it; I certainly wouldn’t have even been able to attend Wharton, at any rate! So much great advice on this site. These interviews may seem silly to people who’ve gone through the whole process already, but for me, these are massively huge and are hopefully the final obstacles to overcome before I can finally achieve what I’ve been striving for for so many years now. I appreciate the advice and help from everyone here to help push me through past the finish line.</p>
<p>Max:</p>
<p>Best of luck to you - I’m sure you will do very well. A couple of hints from my experiences over the years - both as a hiring manager and as an interviewee…</p>
<p>1) Take an extra shirt along with you on the trip. In the event you spill breakfast on yourself, you will have a change available.</p>
<p>2) Go to the interview site at least 15 and preferably 30 minutes early. You can always go kill time in a starbucks - but you don’t want to be late.</p>
<p>3) Use the restroom right before you go up for the interview</p>
<p>4) Remember that the minute you walk into the building you are on stage - everyone from the receptionist to the president can be asked for their opinion. I know of one young lady I did not hire because of how she treated the receptionist (a little please and thank you is a good idea - getting on your cell phone and trashing her outfit is not a good idea - true story)</p>
<p>5) If you smoke, do so well before the interview and then chew gum in your starbucks stop - some people are turned off by the smell of smoke.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you</p>
<p>Max - good luck. I’m also happy to help if you need anything – I’m a recent Wharton alum in NYC and have followed your story, so PM me if you need anything. A few final tips – the show is on the moment you arrive in the building. Also, get to the building early but I wouldn’t go in more than 10 min in advance. Anything more than that and people feel bothered because they may have other calls/meetings they planned on finishing up before your interview. It’s best to hang out outside, in Starbucks etc. (in a lot of NYC buildings once you register with the lobby, your contact person is notified that you have arrived so you have no choice but to go in.)</p>
<p>Yay for old fort. </p>
<p>*let him do it, Max. *</p>
<p>you will pay it forward someday…that is the point.</p>
<p>Clothing communicates social IQ or lack of it, and even if you only own a small rotation of classic business items that you maintain well, it shows that you can “read” social cues adequately. Businesses need employees who do not send out messages that are distracting/dissonant regarding dress. Shoes are important. There is currently a huge sale at JosBanks online and overnighting is an option. Could be difficult to find shoes on sale suddenly in NYC if you are not oriented to things. Zappos overnights.</p>
<p>Dressing for any job can be a learned skill and does not mean you are superficial-- or rich.
You are being interviewed for reasons that are substantive…but they are asking to meet you in person precisely to judge you on other factors like integrity, articulateness, manners, social cues and that intangible thing called fit. Be yourself but be your best most INTENTIONAL self. </p>
<p>best of luck…we all have young adult sons or daughters in this same jungle.</p>
<p>Way to go, oldfort! Max, please accept her offer! Maybe someday you will buy a pair of shoes for a struggling college grad!</p>
<p>One little detail - please do not be offended by this suggestion 
Make absolutely sure you are not reeking of any smells (use unscented deodorant). We once interviewed a fabulously smart person who smelled like a three day-old pile of sweaty gym clothes. The job went to the other candidate because no one on the team was thrilled about the possibility of being stuck in the same room with this person. Good luck!</p>
<p>Okay, this is one of those threads that is making me teary. There are so many wonderful people in the world. max, I hope you took up oldfort’s offer. Best wishes to you today.</p>
<p>^^ what 2blue said.</p>
<p>best of luck Max. I agree with others that you should accept oldfort’s generous offer, but if for some reason you decide to decline, remember that if you are flying to your interviews, there will be shoeshine stands in the airports, and those guys are real professionals and can bring new life to old shoes…</p>
<p>you’ve got all of CC cheering you on!</p>
<p>Yep -shoeshine will work. Clean and shiny, trumps frantic searching for shoes when you should be relaxing and thinking calm positive thoughts. All the best to you in your interviews!</p>
<p>Knock em dead Max!!!</p>