What does "dress comfortably" really mean?

Pretty self explanatory I think. Use your own discretion.

What kind of job is it? What kind of skills will they be testing?

What kind of job is it? That’ll affect whether jeans are acceptable. If you’re unsure, go with khakis or something similar.

I think it definitely depends on the skills you’ll be doing during the test. I’d base what you wear around what you will be doing.

Well, its more of an administrative position in a server house company. They said they would be testing on vocabulary and logic.

I would wear khakis – or something like it – and a decent sweater or shirt.

I took a quick look at your profile, and I think you’re female (sorry if I’m mistaken). I’d go with casual pants, but not jeans – khakis are good, and a nice t-shirt (not a band t-shirt, but you know what I mean) or a sweater.

Will this be on the weekend? If so, jeans would certainly be okay.

If not, khakis would be better, but jeans would not be bad.

The test will be Monday afternoon actually and yes I am female. I must go dig through my closet now.

If you want this job, I would leave the jeans at home. They might not actually care, but the business-casual pants (khakis, etc.) will make a better impression.

I would wear something similar to what I’d wear to work minus the pencil skirt, heels, and blazer. (if you ever even wear those things- I don’t, but I have to dress casual for my job….) I think the thing that they are stressing is that you will be sitting for an extended period of time and they want you to be able to be comfortable in order to focus. The point is don’t worry about it, they’re not concerned. On the other hand, I would def. stay away from torn or overly faded jeans. Be professional, but comfortable…..

Casual pants, flat shoes, cotton woven shirt, or sweater. Maybe a cardigan in case it is cold in the office. Better to over dress than under.

They want to see what you do when they say dress comfortably. If you show up looking too sloppy, they will take note. Dress comfortably, but look good while you are at it.

Back in the Dark Ages, it meant no suit and tie. Now it means pretty much anything you’re comfortable wearing.

There are two things I would guess this would mean:

(1) since it’s a good chunk of time, bring a layer or two to make sure that you can deal with whatever temperature the place is.

(2) make sure you can move in what you wear. So, nothing too tight…nothing to short or too low. I would say put on the outfit, squat, and do a high kick or two. If you can do that…you’re all good.

But what @josie said is spot on, too. They might very well be trying to see who you are by what you wear. When you layer, make sure you wouldn’t mind being seen in each by a superior in an office context (i.e., if it feels borderline, it’s wrong).

I wouldn’t stress. A decent pair of pants (again, not too tight), a nice blouse, sweater, and blazer combo will probably do it.

PS – It would be hilarious if the “testing on vocabulary and logic” is partially…“How will she approach the question of “comfortable.” ;-)

It is still part of a job interview process so yes, dress comfortably but look neat and nice. Don’t go too casual. First or second impressions count.

The testing went ok. It turned out to be a 4 part test: mechanical, vocabulary, spelling (capital v. capitol, stationery v. stationary, etc), and math. It took like 3 hours!!!

I ended up wearing some casual slacks with a nice shirt. I got interviewed afterwards because I scored decently on the test. I will find out in another 2 weeks if I got the job or not. Apparently, about 600 people applied for the job and they are only talking to the top 60 or so.

We’ll see how this goes.

Thanks for the answers everyone!

Good luck!

What did the mechanical test entail?

It consisted of diagrams of gears, pulleys and different levers. One question had 2 diagrams of a group of gears. The first diagram was a set of 4 gears in a 2×2 box shape and the second one was a group of 5 gears in a circular shape. The question was, “Which gears can turn freely?”

The other questions were for like see saw type levers and placing the weight different distanced away from the fulcrum. The question would be, “Which placement is easier to lift?”

Ah, that sort of mechanical. For a second I thought it could have been the physical part of mechanics, which would require comfortable clothing.

Hope you get the job Mistic.