Job Interview - Smart Casual??

hieveryone

Hi everyone

I have a job interview at the end of the month, and through the emails with the organisers they have stated that the dress code is 'smart casual' as the interview session is fairly informal (a lot of group work/ice breaking activities type thing).

The thing is, I'm not quite sure what smart casual is?? Not quite jeans, but not quite smart trousers?? So I'm having a dilemma! Also, I'm travelling to London for the day, (I live in Glasgow) for the interview, leaving very early morning, so not sure whether to take something with me or not?

Thanks! and btw, I'm pretty young, 24.

AnxiousMum

Our office code is 'smart casual' unless we are meeting with clients, and then it's 'smart'. When I do have to go to the office I usually wear a pair of decent trousers and a nice comfy top - if meeting with clients, I add the blazer
Good luck on the interview!

hieveryone

Thanks anxiousmum, when you say 'decent trousers' do you mean like dress trousers/black trousers type of thing? It's for a job in Italy that I *really* want, so want to impress!

remembered_nights

I would go smart trousers and a casual top I would probably change once I got there, just incase I spilt something on the journey.

cazziebo

smart casual probably wouldn't include jeans...It's difficult because different workplaces interpret differently. I do sometimes wear jeans for smart casual but only with a really smart top and dress jacket. What kind of job/company is it?

Smart black trousers, nice well laundered top (ie not one of these too difficult to iron ones!) and a jacket, or a smart sweater or cardi. Wear something you feel really good in for that extra boost of confidence. Be yourself.

How are you getting to London? I go all the time (from Edinburgh) on both train or plane and as long as I don't spill coffee, drop melted butter on myself etc I'm fine at the other end.

Very best of luck and come back and tell us how it goes...

PS I think remembered nights has seen me dribble butter from my bagel on the train!

hieveryone

Thanks

It's a company that provides work placements abroad for teachers, and from the emails we have been sending back and forth they seem really really nice.

My normal style is what some people describe as 'high maintenance'!! lots of tailored clothes, dresses etc, very 'prim' almost and smart. So when they said smart casual I went into meltdown! Might try a plain back pair of trousers and maybe a shirt with a cardigan/jumper over?

I'm flying to London but the interview is being held around 30 miles away from the airport so not sure how I will get across London, and if my clothes will stay clean!

Pound

A quick Google search for "smart casual" came up with this:

cazziebo

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Yep - that should do it! (what's with the baker's hat?)

Pound wrote: »

A quick Google search for "smart casual" came up with this:

Magnolia

Smart Casual is smart trousers with a shirt - you can add a tie if you feel more comfortable but open neck is quite acceptable.

Casual is casual and smart is smart but when combined it is a minefield!! Some would interpret the trousers to be their best cargo pants but it isn't - its trousers not slacks. Go with a smart pair of black or dark trousers and open neck shirt and you wont go far wrong.

http://www.dresscodeguide.com/default.asp?DressCode=2&Gender=1&MoreCodes=0&TimeOfDay=3

Always_Harassed

If you are in any doubt go for smarter. Nobody loses a job for being too tidy. Magnolia's suggestion sounds good.

linni

I always dress smartly for interviews, trousers (or skirt), shirt and maybe a casual type jacket that you could put on if necessary. Clean and polished shoes too!