Interview outfit?!

I interview in my current job and have to say women don't wear suits. I think out of the 50+ interviewees I saw last year only 1 woman wore a suit. Smart separates that you would wear in the workplace on a day to day basis and being clean and tidy are all that is needed in my eyes. I say to my teenager when she goes for an interview always have clean nails as well as clean everything else, I always always spot dirty nails and it makes me think bad things about your hygiene.

If you google interview techniques and dress code, you'll find that dressing smart but in a way that doesn't draw attention to the way you've dressed is best. No bright colours or ostentatious jewelry etc. Men are generally advised to wear grey/black suits with white/light blue shirt and a block coloured tie (navy blue).

Better to turn up in a suit (for men) and take your jacket/tie off than turn up under-dressed! I wouldn't know how to transfer this advice to women sorry

I have worn a trouser suit (10 years ago) to an interview. It wasn't a dark colour - was dusky lilac. Not sure I'd wear it now though. Last few interviews I've been for I've worn a black shift dress and matching jacket. The dress has a detailed (but high) neckline, so no jewellery needed. I've worn it with tights and smart heels.

I think it can depend on how formal the employer/sector is though. I worked in insurance for a while, and now work at a college, and the college is less formal I would say.

Whatever you do, make sure you feel comfortable and confident.

tea_lover wrote: »

This is a really interesting read! I always wear a suit to interviews (38yr old female), and whenever I see other candidates they are in suits too.

I think it must depend on the sector then.

lesley74 wrote: »

I think it can depend on how formal the employer/sector is though. I worked in insurance for a while, and now work at a college, and the college is less formal I would say.

Oh yes! DH used to work in insurance: initially it was OK to wear smart trousers and a sports jacket rather than a suit, but woe betide you if you forgot to wear your tie! There was an office tie on the coatrack which he sometimes forgot to leave behind. When he went on any residential training courses at their training centre, there was a reminder that 'a certain standard of dress is expected in the insurance industry' and the chaps were expected to wear a lounge suit for the evening meal, and ladies 'a costume'. Not that it was relevant but we worked out it meant a suit or dress and jacket.

meanwhile I was working at the local poly, in casual trousers, skirts with no tights in the summer, and t-shirts ...