Do you have to wear a suit to interview?

Polarbeary

I'm looking for PA jobs in the private sector. To my last successful interview I wore a nice tailored wrap dress, tights and smart shoes with a slight heel. When I interviewed in the NHS I for a medical secretary job I didn't wear a suit but a smart dress and cardigan and got the job.

Many moons ago I used to wear a trouser suit and heels. More recently I have worn a smart, tailored dress and cardigan, making sure I am well groomed and well presented but my last couple of interviews have been unsuccessful.

Do you think I need to wear a suit? If you interview candidates does it make a difference if they don't wear a suit? I have lots of nice dresses and a tweedy jacket that I could wear. I don't currently have a full suit in my wardrobe - last time I wore one I was a size 8 and I've definitely gone up a dress size or two since.

I've been looking at suits in Next and the jackets make me look boxy...I'm currently a student so although I could invest in a nice Hobbs suit I don't really want to at the moment!

I've interviewed candidate for admin/secretarial jobs in the past and as long as they were smart and well presented I didn't mind whether they wore a suit or not....or perhaps it's just a female thing?

slenderkitten

i would wear a suit, as wearing one could be the uniform and so demonstrates that you know how to wear one well. Whether wearing a cardigan is suitable i don't know i have never tried that approach, just gone for the suit option so that i can fit in with other interviewees.

tomtontom

For the NHS a dress and cardigan is fine, but I wouldn't wear a cardigan to somewhere more corporate. Also be careful with wrap dresses, they draw the focus in on your boobs, some interviewers may get distracted!

If it helps, this is my interview dress. It hasn't failed me yet

NewShadow

I've normally worn black trousers, a solid colour top, and a jacket rather than a suit.

I tend to find a blazer or biker style jacket works best for my build - they can be fairly cheap.



Obviously, no idea what your cardigan's look like, but the name doesn't automatically make me think smart.

Baby_Angel

I always wore a suit jacket or blazer tof interviews. Not a full suit. I believe you can't go wrong smartly dressed. My job doesn't require any kind of smart dressing. Half the time my colleagues come as if they got out of bed. I do make a bit of effort though.