Should I wear a suit to internal interview?

amandacat

Or can I wear my normal work attire?

Our dress code is smart office wear but there is no requirement to wear a suit. I generally wear a dress with tights and boots.

I don't actually own a suit, or even any smart trousers as I am always in dresses. Due to my body shape I don't suit trousers at all.

Do you think I should go out and buy myself some trousers and a shirt? Even if I do forego the suit jacket?

When I went for the interview with my company for the role I am in now, I wore trousers and a smart top, no jacket and that didn't affect me getting the job but the new role is a higher position.

theoretica

amandacat wrote: »

Do you think I should go out and buy myself some trousers and a shirt? Even if I do forego the suit jacket?

I would have suggested the opposite, if you don't suit trousers don't wear them, but think about a jacket over an appopriate dress, or a skirt suit. In my work people going for higher roles do dress up the same as the external candidates.

Annisele

theoretica wrote: »

In my work people going for higher roles do dress up the same as the external candidates.

I agree. I generally turn up to work in jeans and a Tshirt, but I still wear a suit when I'm being interviewed or meeting external people.

Unless money is super tight, I think you should buy a skirt suit. (Even if it is super tight, I still think it would be a good idea to borrow one).

NewShadow

I would also say a smart plain dress with a short jacket.

This is the normal dress code for a lot of our senior management.

Either a dark dress and coloured jacket or a coloured dress and dark jacket.

If you're worried about your body shape, consider different jacket lengths and styles - a blazer at the hip, or even biker style (not leather, obviously) can be very flattering.

amiehall

I'm with the other people here, don't buy trousers if you don't suit them. I'd be more likely to get a smart jacket to wear over a dress. My office code is the borderline between business casual/formal and I wear dresses with jackets often, it looks more formal on me than the trousers I have. Don't buy trousers if you feel they don't suit you, you won't feel comfortable.

I would definitely dress up over your everyday wear though. Especially if any external candidates are going or you'll stand out like a sore thumb.

MoneySavingUser

Do you know if your interviewers will be wearing suits? or just their normal office clothes?

Are external people also applying to the position?

shopbot

Dress like the employees who are already doing that role. It's all part of the employer being able to 'see' you in that role.

SB

Armorica

shopbot wrote: »

Dress like the employees who are already doing that role. It's all part of the employer being able to 'see' you in that role.

SB

^^ this. In lots of companies, not all senior women will wear suits.

amandacat

Thanks for your replies. The women in the role I am going for do not wear suits, but they wear smart trousers and a smart top.

No there are no external candidates. They did initially recruit externally for the post and appointed someone but it didn't work out and then they realised they needed someone who knew the business to be able to do the role effectively.

I am feeling quite nervous, it doesn't help that the interview is at another office and this is a 4 hr drive for me and the weather is a bit bit hit and miss at the moment. After that drive I need to take part in a group exercise, complete a presentation, then one to one interview. I am going to try and arrive 1 hr early so I can sit, chill and have a cuppa!

engineer_amy

Good luck with the interview

If you don't suit trousers, how about a smart dark skirt, knee length, suit style with a nice blouse?
Whatever you choose, make sure it fits well and you feel comfortable.
Wearing something that you are not comfortable in, or you are worried about riding up etc, will come across in your interview and affect your confidence, so be comfy

sidefx

Good luck.
Wear what you are comfortable in and what suits the role.
I don't think there are any hard and fast rules to it.
If they think you fit the spec then they will offer you the job whether you are in trousers or a dress.