Yep, you never know. I wonder when the scores will show up.
You think you did bad, I think I did kinda bad, Stringking thinks he lost.
We have to know!!! Hahah!
Slimjoe:
I love the business casual attire, and the fact that the stressed how neat, clean and simple in appearance he planned to be. The jewelry and accessories are not overdone, to make sure the focus is on him, not his outfit. He is not overdressed or underdressed and he pointed out that he is not relying on Mary being a family friend. He has the tool of the trade with him, and he is prepared to bust out a combo if he needs to. I love the resume, and for those of you who will have something that Mary can keep to look over after the meeting, that is great. Slimjoe is dressed perfectly.
Bcmaddog:
BC looks classy, but I prefer slacks or Khakis even over dark colored jeans. If you are more comfortable in jeans, black over blue is nicer. I love the collared shirt and sweater. Make sure you’re showered and the jeans have been pressed or not wrinkled when you see Mary BC. Very good answer though. I love bringing the pen and paper and good attitude with you. He has a yo-yo and ready to bust out a combo. It looks like BC is definitely prepared.
Abby1371:
Things are tougher for females, because they have a lot more options than guys. Deciding whether to wear a skirt, dress, or pants and so on. Abby chose to wear pants, which I think was the most proper choice. I think dark or neutral colors are better for an interview. Also, it is usually advised to tone down any nail polish or jewelry from being too busy. I think the jewelry is a good choice, just a piece or two. But, be careful about using it to start conversation. You want to talk about you and why you are suitable for the job, and not talk about the bracelet. You just need to be neat and clean in appearance, and professional, yet your personality is what needs to shine. You have to focus on why you are best for the job. I would make the shoes more basic, and less flashy, simple and solid. Again, tougher for females because of so many options (heels or flats). Also, I think the shirt should be plain…no ruffles. Now, I tend to be reserved and conservative. For Abby, it is okay to wear almost exactly what the guys are wearing…khakis or slacks, a button down shirt, and flat shoes. Keep nail polish toned down and basic, not too loud in color, or just go french manicure.
Legyoyo:
He looks great. He is definitely business casual. He is neat and clean, but toned down and not over dressed. He stressed that he is not only neat but clean in appearance. He also explained why he did not put on a suit. He has the tool of the trade with him too. He has more than one yo-yo and other skill toys with him too. Something to write with and maybe something about himself written down could help, but he is definitely ready.
StringKing:
I love the pants choice, but prefer a collared polo type shirt that buttons at the neck or a button down dress shirt. I like the neat hair and attitude. I’d be looking for maybe a pen, paper, documentation of some sort too. I love the neat hair. No truly bad answers here.
Scores:
SlimJoe12
Legyoyo 12
Bcmaddog 10
StringKing 8
Abby 8
- You all did very well, and showed personality in your attire. You all chose the right pants. Always go collared or button down, just because it’s safe. Go for solid instead of stripes when in doubt. Go for dark or neutral colors with white over any bright loud colors. Another tip is to visit Mary’s store to go shopping to scout things out and see how the staff are dressed. If you have prior experience, bring a resume, pen and paper, and the tools of the trade.
I was looking for:
- Are you neat and clean in appearance
- Are you at least in business casual attire?
- Did you bring anything to write with and take notes?
- Resume, references to give to Mary, or any documentation gets extra credit.
- Did you bring the tool of the trade, a yo-yo, and perhaps a backup just in case?
Thanks! Told ya Legyoyo :P…
WADDUP! 
Scores!
Bcmaddog 32
Abby 28
Legyoyo 26
SlimJoe 26
Stringking 24
I added this as far as what I was looking for:
- Are you neat and clean in appearance
- Are you at least in business casual attire?
- Did you bring anything to write with and take notes?
- Resume, references to give to Mary, or any documentation gets extra credit.
- Did you bring the tool of the trade, a yo-yo, and perhaps a backup just in case?
yes you did 
Good job everyone!
I bet this was a tough one to judge!
Can’t wait for the next 2…
Still Anyone’s game. You need some basic math for this one. I think everyone can do it.
Hypothetical #4 (Costs & Profits)
You own Addy’s yo-yo jewelry making service. A customer, Lisa, requested a bracelet made to her specifications. She wants you to quote her the price to be paid, for the bracelet and shipping. Markup (profit) in the jewelry business is 100%.
Materials for making the bracelet will cost you $8.00. It takes you one hour to make a bracelet. Shipping to Lisa costs $3.00. What price will you quote Lisa (total), for the bracelet shipped? Explain to me why you chose that price.
*Answers by PM only. 
For an alternate perspective on the interview question, I would have given StringKing and Abby higher scores. I think they both dressed in a way that I would prefer to see in a person doing skill toy demos. Your outfits were a little more casual, and reflect the fun nature of skill toy play, while still being neat and respectful.
I think for a different job, you were all under-dressed.
I also think TA was pretty fair in choosing her criteria, I just wanted to illustrate that when going on the interview, there is a little luck in getting what the person is looking for. I am sure if any of you actually interviewed your personalities and presence would be the real difference maker in being hired, and I bet you all have a great shot at any job you’re qualified for based on what you’re all showing in this competition.
Sent!
I think what you wear for an interview and what you wear to show up for the first day of work might be totally different. In this situation…I was Mary. I think what I was looking for was something “safe.” In an office environment, they would all step it up for sure, jackets and ties in some cases. But, for this, I think it is better “safe” than sorry. What Mary might be looking for at the interview and for every day wear at the store could be totally different. In Abby’s answer, she mentioned the colorful nails. Mary wants customers looking at the toy, the yo-yo, not the nails. For StringKing, I loved the slacks and shoes, and even that the shirt was a name brand and nice color. But, because this is a job interview, I would always recommend what is “safe,” and deemed professional, which is the collared shirt or button down. A short sleeve polo would be better than the T-Shirt. Also, it was not just what they wore that resulted in the score, it was also what they brought with them to the interview.
Get your bonus question ready…we may be wrapping up tomorrow.
I received your response…thank you.
Did you get the other message?
Yes. I responded to it.
Sent it!
also I can’t wait for a possible bonus question but I have a feeling it’s probably something like a trivia question.
I received your response.
I completely agree, that if you don’t know otherwise, your criteria was the safe one. I was just pointing out, I am the kind of employer that lives his life so far out of the box that I don’t even acknowledge the box.
I run a small business. I have 2 partners and 1 employee. We are a professional services company. My one employee has blue hair, and is the best statistical analyst I have ever worked with. I will agree that for most employees, this kind of appearance in my industry is a deal breaker. It makes me just like her all the more. ;D
If she showed up in a suit for her interview, with a conservative haircut, I would have been less excited to hire her. Her crazy appearance, combined with her skills and training made me think she was the right combination of smart and creative. I was right.
But, not to give the wrong impression to the young folks here. I think the safer play, and the one that will work 99% of the time, is to follow TA’s advice. If the person interviewing you wants creative flair, they will figure that out after the interview starts, even if more conservatively dressed.
I won’t be able to answer until tomorrow afternoon :-/
My sisters leaving to Cali for bible college and I have to help with some stuff. I’ll try and squeeze some thinking time into it though
going to bed now
RobK is correct. During interviews, you will be in front of different people with different personalities. You never know who you are going to get. You may get someone who is reserved, and you may get someone who is not.
My own advice is to play it “safe.” Appearing boring to someone who loves color and style I think is still better than the impression of a person who looks loud and busy to a conservative interviewer. Just to play it safe, I would just advise that toned down is better for that reason.
Keep in mind that every interviewer will say, “Do you have any questions?” That is your opportunity to ask if there is a dress code, or a preferred attire. That will let the interviewer know that you dressed for an interview, and are now curious about how you should show up for work, if you are hired. That has worked for me.
Funny thing is, I have tattoos. No one would see them in a job interview though, they would be covered. I am extremely creative, but based on the jobs I’ve had, it did not matter as much. I have never gone wrong with a pant suit, a button down shirt and shoes. The good thing about a pant suit, is that if I walk in and feel over dressed, I can remove the jacket and be “business casual” looking. It gives me flexibility. Studded earrings, one ring and a watch. Hair pulled back in a ponytail, so I’m not flinging it around or pushing it out of my face. Eye contact is key. It is tougher for women due to so many options. But, I have never gone wrong in an office or otherwise wearing that.
I mentioned to one of my co-workers that I have tattoos and he said, “YOU??” He said that because what I show at work, and who I am outside of work need not collide necessarily for me. I am not the type who needs to show a lot of personality at work, to be happy at work. Other people would not be happy if they could not show their personality and creativity at work.
Some people would show up to an interview with blue hair, because they would think, “If they don’t like the hair…they don’t like ME.” I have always been in a position where I would rather get a job when I want it, rather than have it fit like a glove, or be the perfect job. When I want money in my pocket, I can have that take a back seat. I’ll get this job now, and worry about the perfect job some other time. That’s how I’ve always seen it.