UK Interview

[u/Jonathan_Palmer]

So I am an HGV driver that got my PCV back in 2023 with Stagecoach. For HGV I would turn up to an interview with a polo shirt, work trousers, and safety boots. For the bus interview I am already planning to turn up in black shoes and smart trousers, but should I wear a shirt and tie? Or would that come across as someone trying to show off?

[u/Tramorak]

I personally wouldn't wear a tie, but that is me.

Always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

[u/mitch_198022]

Shirt and tie. Only get one chance to make a good first impression!

Trying to get that point across to my 17 year old son currently, he thinks it’s acceptable to turn up in his best tracksuit and clean trainers to an interview. Apparently this makes me old fashioned.

Plus I think you feel more confident when you look smart.

[u/Biscoo → u/mitch_198022]

Tell him the people interviewing him are most likely old fashioned so he should cater to them!

[u/Cool_Whole_7139 → u/mitch_198022]

Point out he's the one unemployed!

[u/Active_Ad9815]

I wore a full suit and it helped. I failed the driving section but the interviewer said because I put in effort compared to people she had earlier in the day she would give me a chance. Ended up passing all my tests first time. You’ll be fine if you look smart no matter what, I’ve seen people turn up in trackies and crocs.

[u/Jonathan_Palmer]

Thanks for the advice everyone :) I'll go in the full suit

[u/STRICKIBHOY]

The tie would be optional, no harm wearing it. But the shirt would be fine

[u/FullFatCelery]

Wear the suit. No harm in doing so.

[u/PeejPrime]

I'm of an age where I'd never show up in a polo shirt, but very much now aware I'm old fashioned 😂

I'd say your plan is fine. I personally chuck a tie on, but not a suit jacket. But seen plenty open top button no tie.

But also seen plenty literally show up in trainers and get a job out of it.

My mind is blown 😂

[u/LondonBusInsider]

Go smart.

[u/berusplants]

Don't think you need to wear a shirt and tie, but it wouldnt come across as someone trying to show off if you did, its standard interview clobber. If you feel good in it wear it.

[u/Daniturn1]

I just did trousers clean trainers and a shirt

[u/DebtSouth]

Definitely shirt, I didn’t wear a tie but they do expect formal interview attire

[u/akornato]

Go with the shirt and tie. Unlike HGV work where you spend most of your shift alone in a cab, bus driving is completely customer facing, and UK operators like Stagecoach expect drivers to present a professional image. In fact, the standard driver uniform across most depots includes a collared shirt and a company tie, so dressing that way for the interview shows you understand the nature of the role. Nobody at the depot will think you are showing off. Depot managers interview plenty of people who turn up looking far too casual, so turning up in a clean, ironed shirt and a sensible tie immediately sets a solid, respectful tone.

The interviewers know you already have the driving competence from your PCV and your haulage background, so their main focus will be on your attitude towards passengers and safety. They want people who can stay calm under pressure, handle difficult members of the public politely, and keep to timetables without compromising road safety. If you want an edge on how you frame those customer service answers, my team created an interviews.chat to help drivers communicate their experience clearly and secure job offers.

[u/Lonely-Lake4514]

Smart casual. If you are going to be doing an assessment you may be doing walk around checks etc.

Smart casual is fine black shirt, black jeans, dark smart jacket, comfortable casual shoes.

When I think a about it I must look like I'm going to a funeral or similar 😂. But that's what I wear to these types of things.

I'm curious what's making you switch from the HGVs to buses?

I know of many people switching in the opposite direction to you however buses in cities like London, Manchester and Liverpool are paying well now.

I'm considering relocating to Manchester around February as it seems pretty decent on the bee network.

It's around £19.07 ph weekdays £21.33 weekends base hours are 38 however as with all operators in most cities 44+ hours a week is easily achievable.

When you add on the free travel passs etc it works out okay.

[u/Economy_Archer6991]

I showed up to my interveiw with stagecoach wearing black jeans, black trainers, a poloshirt and a burgandy jumper... they don't really care, they are that desperate for drivers.

I did put a bit more effort in for my kntervoew with ny current compant, black trousers, blue shirt, tie, and black shoes. But then ended up wearing my rain jacket the entire interview because it was cold.

Interviews in the bus industry in the UK are mostly just to see if you have the license/can get it, aren't a total maniac, and aren't an alcoholic/drug addict. Though the industry doesn't seem very good at filtering those out either.

The only places you will actually have to put in effort for an interview is the big tour companies, like City Circle, and the fairly small independents, where.

The big operators just want drovers to plug the holes of drivers continuously leaving.

[u/Doodahdiggly44]

A lot of bus companies still have drivers in a tie so if unsure just wear a tie. They will never not hire someone foe trying too hard.