<p>So, I got deferred from Harvard without an interview and now they’re sending an interviewer to contact me. I think it’s kind of strange but my interviewer (BA, Geological Science, '77) requested “casual” clothing for an interview at his office (He’s the president of his own company). Do you guys have any recommendations on what to wear? I live in SC and next week is gonna be in the 60s and I normally wear a T-shirt at that temperature (I’m from north), but would he think it’s weird?</p>
<p>Plus, about topics to converse about, he said “academic interests, community involvement, and plans for the future.” Would it be wise to talk about how my first cousin, once removed (mother’s counsin), owns magnesium and nickel mines in Northeastern China and the processes they go through (smelting and government regulations and all that)? </p>
<p>Thanks for the tips!</p>
<p>Casual clothing for an interview should be, at a minimum, be khakis with a belt and a polo. That’s about as casual as you should get. No graphic tees or t-shirts in any kind of professional forums, ever again.</p>
<p>And as for the mines, does that relate to one of the three broad topics he asked about? Are you interested in the science with those mines, have you been involved with those mines, or do you plan on working with the mines in the future?</p>
<p>Mines, yes. Since my cousin disowned her two children (LOL), I’m probably the one inheriting the mine one of these days because she was really close to my mother. To be honest, I don’t know much about mines but my parents both studied material science and I’m quite interested in the processing state after the mining. Just do you think it’s a good idea to talk about something like this?</p>
<p>I definitely think it’s something you want to bring up, BUT don’t let that be the center of your entire interview because you will just be asking for trouble then.</p>
<p>Do you know what kind of office he runs? Sometimes certain firms can be actually more casual–people will walk around in nice jeans with a casual button-down un-tucked or something. I would avoid wearing tshirts though; that might be a bit too casual. </p>
<p>As for topics, it should be fine to bring the subject of mines up–but that probably wont be the entirety, or even the majority, of your interview. He’ll want to hear about other stuff as well. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>[full disclosure: I’m currently an active interviewer for my alma mater, though you should still take anything I say and write with a grain of salt and not as professional advice, since this is a (largely) anonymous internet forum]</p>
<p>I second purpleacorn. Never t-shirts, ever. Jeans can be okay if they’re nice jeans, but if you aren’t familiar with the office setting in advance, you should probably go with khakis.</p>