How to dress for a co-op interview

I have to wear a business suit to work so it was less of a debate for me. I went to the coop board interview and even though none of the interviewers were wearing a suit, or a tie for that matter, I did not feel overdressed.

I think boards really expect men to be in a jacket and tie.

I"m about to go to mine and was told jacket and open collar (no tie) would be fine. Suit could be overkill.

HELLO, you said the broker was associated with the managing agent; if these professionals told you to wear a suit & tie why would you NOT wear a suit & tie????? I assume you would wear a suit & tie for a job interview; this, too, is a very important interview. I don't think you can be overdressed that way. As #2 said, it was very natural for him & I think that you, too, should wear that suit & tie.

I vote for the suit and tie as well - I think it is expected and portrays that you think this is an important meeting. And you know that old adage - better to be over dressed than under dressed.

Wearing a suit and tie will not be overkill. The board may accept you whether you are wearing a suit or khaki's and a polo, but why not go the extra step and look a bit more put together.

And I agree with number 4. If the broker is associated with the managing agent you would be foolish not to heed their advice. In fact that is your answer and you are really wasting your time with this post.

geez, you made it this far, after disclosing your net worth and everythong short of your DNA this should be your biggest problem!

I would go in S&M gear and then claim they rejected you because of sexual orientation.

As an UES board member, we truly do not care. Casual and formal are fine. I do recall one of the board members remarking a guy wore a suit to the interview, but not to work. It was a negative(trust issue). Managing agents can help but, brokers are clueless. They always tell people to wear suits for no reason. Most all the wealthy hedge fund guys are casual these days.

Wear an AC/DC tee.

I wore a suit to a board interview in Hell's Kitchen. All the board members were in sleeveless T Shirts with their tattos on full display. In hinsight I should have rejected the building (was for rent only)

Just be presentable. If you're going to the interview after work and you have a suit on fine; If you're more casual that's fine too.

I have to join the chorus and say that it's almost always better to err on the side of overdressing than underdressing. Most people appreciate it when an effort is made. Shows you care.

My wife and I bought in a downtown co-op, showed up in suits, and looked like idiots, as the board members wore jeans, sat on the floor and asked us if we liked gardening!

You gotta feel out the building. But agree with other posters that you generally can't be too uptight or overdress. A quiet ninny is preferable to a loud hipster when it comes to neighbors (who can pay their bills!)

I would see if you can feel out who makes up the board. If it is mostly older men definitely have your wife wear something a bit low cut and revealing. Sex sells. If there are gay board members maybe consider wearing a tight T shirt. Just some thoughts.

Also bring along a dog, just in case someone on the board leans that way.

One more thing - try not to be black or south asian. Boards are very particular about that sort of thing.

or Hispanic..

#3 here: just had mine, wore jacket and open collar and was over-dressed but not terribly. Downtown coop board, very very casual. Mostly a welcome to the building meeting with oral communication of info about the building.

that means you're out

OP Here:
Went for the interview - wore the suit and tie. Was done in 15 minutes. Got the board approval the next day.

OP Here:
Went for the interview on Thursday - wore the suit and tie. Was done in 15 minutes. Got the board approval the next day.

Good for you OP. Congrats!

CONGRATULATIONS ! ! ! ! and you looked as handsome as hell ! Thanx for sharing.