What to wear to interview - social care

Miggie

I've applied for several social care jobs and have an interview next week.
It's been so long since I went for an interview, I'm in a panic about what to wear. A suit seems too formal but I don't want to look too casual either. Any advice would be much appreciated.

dandelionclock30

I'dress up not dress down,if you've got a suit then wear it or if not shirt, tie, smart trousers, proper shoes etc. For women, smart blouse,nice smart skirt or trousers and nice boots or shoes.
I know it can be a pain dressing like this but as soon as you get home you can change into normal clothes. Everyone I know dresses like this for interviews. Good luck.

jayne30

The last time I was successful in a job interview in a care setting I wore smart white trousers a pastel coloured top and cardi with a pretty brooch. When being showed around by interviewee a few elderley residents commented on my nice and colourful outfit, and I did get the job.

No doubt the employer will have their own uniform anyway but in my opinion the residents would prefer to see someone dressed smart but colourful too as they probably get fed up of people talking to them in formal wear.

If you are not confident to wear colour maybe just add a colourful scarf or attractive brooch to your usual interview outfit, something that will make the residents comment about you and make you memorable.

Ynayesta

Smart trousers, a casual blouse a colour co-ordinated cardigan.

My last successful interview, I wore some wonderful grey trousers with blue lines (bon marche) a blue shirt with foxes on it (asda) and a grey cardigan with ducks on it.

My interviewer: "You seem like a creative person, we need people like that"

it definitely helps in care to be a little more open with your 'look' and still be able to present yourself well.

Before that, I wore to an interview at a hospital (it was a voluntary job, I was successful) the same trousers, a silky shirt and a purple cardi. I had bright day glo pink hair <----. The residents definitely liked the hair, i'm pretty sure it was the cherry on the cake for me.

__

A good residential will look for someone who is good for the job, but also that their residents feel comfortable around, and looking approachable while professional is a huge part of that. Essentially try not to dress too coldly. If all you have is a formal suit, wear something of "yours" in your hair, around your neck if it's a scarf. Steer clear of jewellery, and make sure you wear sensible shoes, by sensible I mean you'll be walking in them and you need to show your employer you're ready to work on your feet.

Miggie

Thank you all, your suggestions are really helpful.

elsien

Depending on which social care field you are applying for, you may need to demonstrate / focus on slightly different qualities at interview. I interview for positions supporting people with learning disabilities, so if you have any queries I can help with, give us a shout. And good luck.

terra_ferma

In my past 'life' I've recruited dozens of staff in this sector, anything from smart casual to a suit will do with most user groups (the exception would be working in a large city with younger or more edgy client groups where an informal look is desirable, but I assume this is not the case).

Looking scruffy, particularly if you are supposed to look after other people's hygiene, is really a no no. I remember turning down a candidate who was well qualified because of really bad BO.
But also looking very uncomfortable wearing a smart suit will not help you shine at the interview.
I'd say wear the smartest thing you have in your wardrobe that you are used to wearing on special occasions (needless to say, no very high heels unless you wear them all day everyday and would feel uncomfortable without them -it happens-, and nothing too revealing).

Within reason, don't worry too much about what you'll be wearing, be yourself, smile and be polite, you'll be half way there.

Best of luck!