Dressing for Interview in Montreal

[kkramps79 0]

I'm sure this will seem like a silly question - but in your experiences with having interviews at the Montreal Consulate, what is proper clothing? I know obviously don't show up in sweats and a t-shirt but do people seem to be very well dressed there?

I am very nervous about going, my husband has a nice outfit that I Have picked out for him (dress slacks and a nice shirt) but I am planning on going with him and unfortunately, I have NO dressy clothes at all. I think it looks good that I go with him but wondering if it will hurt if I'm not dressed up nice?

Normally I would go shopping but money is very tight right now (like eating Ramen everynight type poor lol)

Do you think if I show up in a sundress and a black jacket coverup thingy I would be OK?

I know I stress too much about I'm sure unimportant matters but I want everything to go perfect, that and I'm a huge worry wart

Thank you everyone in advance

[Inky 1,111]

Honestly I saw people wearing fuzzy pajama pants and clothes that looked like the person rolled off the street and was homeless. Full of rips and dirty.

But I wore new black shoes, new black jeans that fit properly and a button up collar shirt in a really nice blue. Usually stuff I wear to a job interview type of thing. I had compliments from the window person on how she liked my top and said I looked professional. I much prefer to look like I care about something so important.

[kkramps79 0]

Oh wow that makes me feel better. So as long as I am dressed in clean non ripped up stuff I should be good LOL. I guess I will wear my slacks (it will help cover up the fact that I have no nice shoes). I guess the most important is that my hubby looks all nice. He has a blueish button up short sleeve shirt with a collar and black dress slacks that I will have him wear and just hopefully we don't sweat to death (I think Monday is supposed to be quite hot and icky).

Is it air conditioned inside of the consulate? If its raining is there an overhang to stand under so we don't get soaked? (we don't have an umbrella and I didn't see any at the dollar store)

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I wore jeans (not ripped or torn) and a black sweater. Wore black flats for shoes. Nothing fancy.

But yeah, I saw some characters there.

I imagine there's air conditioning inside. No overhang that I remember.

Edited June 14, 2012 by Evylin

[kkramps79 0]

Thanks Evylin, I will just keep my fingers crossed that the weather report is wrong for Monday and there will be no rain (especially since we are walking back to our place after the interview ugh)

[Inky 1,111]

Oh wow that makes me feel better. So as long as I am dressed in clean non ripped up stuff I should be good LOL. I guess I will wear my slacks (it will help cover up the fact that I have no nice shoes). I guess the most important is that my hubby looks all nice. He has a blueish button up short sleeve shirt with a collar and black dress slacks that I will have him wear and just hopefully we don't sweat to death (I think Monday is supposed to be quite hot and icky).

Is it air conditioned inside of the consulate? If its raining is there an overhang to stand under so we don't get soaked? (we don't have an umbrella and I didn't see any at the dollar store)

The over hang is small ( it rained when I was waiting outside ) but the people at the door when I was there were nice and shared umbrellas and huddled to make room for people arriving to hide under the little over hang.

They have AC inside and also washrooms on the office floor so you wont have to leave to find them. When I was last there they also had a coffee vending machine and a snack vending machine. Also have TVs in the waiting room if you get super bored you can zone out to the show they have on.

[kkramps79 0]

Great info Inky, TY.

And I'm pretty sure I will be so nervous that I won't be able to get bored but maybe the TV will help me calm down

[Inky 1,111]

Great info Inky, TY.

And I'm pretty sure I will be so nervous that I won't be able to get bored but maybe the TV will help me calm down

If it turns out to be nice the windows have a really great view of MTL too!

[Marilyn. 340]

Oh wow that makes me feel better. So as long as I am dressed in clean non ripped up stuff I should be good LOL. I guess I will wear my slacks (it will help cover up the fact that I have no nice shoes). I guess the most important is that my hubby looks all nice. He has a blueish button up short sleeve shirt with a collar and black dress slacks that I will have him wear and just hopefully we don't sweat to death (I think Monday is supposed to be quite hot and icky).

Is it air conditioned inside of the consulate? If its raining is there an overhang to stand under so we don't get soaked? (we don't have an umbrella and I didn't see any at the dollar store)

I wouldn't worry about the shoes. the interview is done in a room where you are standing up and the interviewer can only see your top half..

[alizon 77]

We just wore what we wear on a normal (good) day: jeans, regular shoes (not sneakers, but whatever), nothing special. It seemed to me like the people who were in the line for visas other than ours (maybe the work and student visas?) were decked out in suits and businessy clothes. Everyone on our side of the waiting room were just dressed as we would be while shopping or going around town. I didn't see any pyjamas so I feel like I missed out.

Yes on air conditioning, and Inky's right that the overhang is pretty tiny, just a foot or two next to the door, but it kept us dry on our rainy morning.

And don't forget to get in the back left of the elevator if you want one of the first numbers in line.

Edited June 14, 2012 by alizon

[SF2007 48]

No stains, no holes, no sleepwear. You'll do fine

[kkramps79 0]

And don't forget to get in the back left of the elevator if you want one of the first numbers in line.

That is great advice - I will remember that when we get there. Thanks

Also his appt letter says 8:30 (but I know its a first come type thing) do you think if we are there by 6:30 it won't be a terrible wait?

[alizon 77]

That is great advice - I will remember that when we get there. Thanks

Also his appt letter says 8:30 (but I know its a first come type thing) do you think if we are there by 6:30 it won't be a terrible wait?

We got there around 6:45 and I don't think anyone else showed up until 7. We were first in line but not first through security, but what really matters is sitting next to the elevator and getting in the back on the left (you exit out of doors on the opposite side of where you enter). When we went, there was a lady stopping each person as they got off the elevator and telling them where to go, but other times people said they just had to figure it out themselves. You turn left coming out of the elevator and go to the cashier-style windows to get your number.

Also don't forget to bring the DHL confirmation letter and to not bring a purse or any bags.

[kkramps79 0]

Yeah I dont plan on bringing anything except our paperwork and passports. Going to even leave the phone at home (oh my mother is going to hate me for making her wait til I get home for her to find out what happened).

Oh ok so I won't be in a panic if we leave the apartment a few mins late then. As long as we are there by about quarter to 7 I will be happy.

Will say I am happy we decided to make an adventure of this whole Montreal thing. (our lease was up in Edmonton so decided to suck it up and just pack up everything and move to Montreal on a whim) If he's approved its going to be bitter sweet. YAYYY I get to go back to MN, BOOO I Have to leave Montreal I love this city

[pocheros 101]

Do you think if I show up in a sundress and a black jacket coverup thingy I would be OK?

This almost exactly what I wore- a black sundress from Wal Mart with a gray cardigan. I was approved without a problem!