What to Wear to a Rock-Climbing Gym Interview?

Interviews are, whether fortunately or unfortunately, a part of life and growing up.  And if you are looking to interview at a rock-climbing gym, you may be wondering, what should I wear to the interview?  Although the question may seem straightforward, understanding what to wear to an interview, particularly one at a gym, can be a bit perplexing.

And while working at a rock-gym can be an exciting and fun career move, you will still want to put your best foot forward, particularly during the interview stage.  However, understanding what you should wear to a rock-climbing gym interview will not only help you to secure the open position, but will also help you to look more professional and serious.

Quick Answer

While you will be interviewing for a position at a rock-climbing gym, you should never assume that the interview will be as relaxed as the environment within the gym.  An interview is, after all, a formal event.  And, as such, calls for formal wear.  Now, while you shouldn’t dress in a tuxedo or for a black-tie event, you should still dress to impress.

This means that you should wear formal or business clothing.  Below, we will review the exact clothing you should wear to your next rock-climbing gym interview and will differentiate between interview clothing for men and for women.

Best Interview Clothes for Men at a Rock-Climbing Gym

For men, a simple neutral button-down shirt with dark slacks is typically sufficient and should allow you to present yourself professionally at an interview.  However, if you’d like, you may opt to wear a blazer atop your buttoned-down shirt to provide a more formal look.  Doing so is also recommended if you live in a colder climate and fear that the buttoned-down shirt won’t suffice against the cold weather.

Similarly, dependent on your comfort level, you may opt to wear a tie to the interview.  While a neutral, ironed, buttoned-down shirt should suffice, a color-coordinated tie may help you to piece together the entire outfit and ensure that you really stand out.

When it comes to choosing a buttoned-down shirt, less is more.  This means that you should look to wear a buttoned-down shirt that is color neutral, think black, navy, or gray.  Dependent on the color of the buttoned-down shirt, you should choose slacks which match appropriately.  Similarly, your tie should match with your buttoned-down shirt and should be both appropriate and properly fitted and tied.

Similarly, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes to the interview.  Ideally, you should wear loafers and they should match with your overall outfit.  If you are wearing a belt, which you should, then the belt and the loafers should match in color.

And lastly, be sure to wear appropriate socks to the interview.  While there is a slim chance the interview will actually see your socks, you don’t want to risk the position by wearing incorrect socks.  You should choose socks which match with your outfit and look to avoid socks meant for sneakers, rather opting for socks dedicated for loafers.

Best Interview Clothes for Women at a Rock-Climbing Gym

For women, choosing what to wear to an interview, particularly one at a rock-climbing gym, can be even more challenging.  However, there are a plethora of options available to you that will allow you to look both professional and serious for the job role.

Perhaps one of the best interview outfits for women, whether interviewing at a rock-climbing gym or for a Fortune 500 company, is a simple navy-blue blazer.  Placed over a white button-down shirt or blouse, with either khaki pants or a khaki skirt, should give you the confidence you need for your upcoming interview.

Similarly, black slacks are one of the most versatile womenswear there is.  Paired with an interesting blouse, buttoned-down shirt, or even a sweater will have you feeling both comfortable and professional for your upcoming interview.

And lastly, a simple black dress with tights is another great option.  However, be sure to wear professional, subtle tights.  Avoid any tights which resemble fishnets, which are often considered unprofessional.

What to Prepare for Your Interview at a Rock-Climbing Gym?

Once you have chosen and decided on your outfit, take a few minutes to prepare for your upcoming interview.  Firstly, be sure to review the exact date and time of the interview.  You should ensure that you arrive at least fifteen minutes early to the designated location and allow yourself sufficient time in case of an emergency.

In addition, be sure to review with whom you will be interviewing with.  Typically, this information will be provided to you prior to the interview.  Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with each interviewer, even going so far as to identify them on LinkedIn to help you feel more comfortable during the actual interview.

Similarly, before your interview, be sure to peruse the rock-climbing gyms website.  You should familiarize yourself with the gym’s offerings, number of locations, and even their reviews on Yelp and Google Reviews.  Understanding the inner workings of the rock-climbing gym, to the best of your abilities, will help you to stand out during the interview.

And lastly, be sure to bring appropriate items and references with you to the actual interview.  You should look to print your resume and provide a copy to each individual interviewer.  In addition, be sure to bring along a pen and paper so that you may take any quick notes which you can reference during the interview. 

Similarly, be sure to write any interview questions you may have on that piece of paper, which will help you to remain engaged during the interview and avoid stumbling on your words when asking a question.

Common Rock-Climbing Gym Interview Questions

And finally, while you may have your interview outfit and items prepared, it’s always a good idea to review some commonly asked interview questions.  While no-one can be able to accurately predict the exact questions that you will be asked in an interview, particularly one at a rock-climbing gym, below are a list of common questions that may be asked and that you should prepare for.

• Why do you want to work here?
• Have you ever rock-climbed before?
• How much experience do you have rock-climbing?
• What does safe climbing mean to you?
• How would you handle a climber who is climbing unsafely?
• What are the proper steps needed to begin a safe climb?
• What climbing styles are you comfortable with?