topic Re: Interview Clothes in Community Chat

Interview Clothes

dimin — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 02:42:25 GMT

I haven't wore a dress in decades but maybe it will make a difference because I haven't been selected for a job yet. I'm in my early 60's. What's the scoop for legs these days? I use to wear pany hose. I'm not gong bare legged. It wouldn't be a good look.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Interview Clothes

libbyannE — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 02:47:33 GMT

Of course I have no idea what kind of job you were interviewing for, but I will assume it’s a corporate job of some type. Be conservative. Nice dark simple dress with pantyhose and heels or a tailored suit with a simple shirt or shell and heels. Keep it simple and carry a tailored clean line handbag or briefcase depending on the job. Simple basic jewelry. Check out what other people are wearing there in case you are called back for second interview.

Go to google or YouTube and search for interview outfits and you’ll probably see some good ideas. I think of Megan Markel’s current look as a good example of fresh at classic and professional styles.

Re: Interview Clothes

willdob3 — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 02:48:24 GMT

@dimin

Why not wear pants?

Re: Interview Clothes

Kachina624 — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 02:53:03 GMT

I think a subdued, tailored pants outfit is just as or more appropriate than a dress or skirt. I like nice trousers, a conservative shirt and a blazer with good quality accessories (shoes and handbag) with minimal jewelry. No perfume, gum chewing, heavy make-up,and loud nail polish, etc.

Any middle aged person is at a disadvantage when job searching so stress qualities like dependability, experience and flexability, attributes younger people often don't possess.

Re: Interview Clothes

Diva on The Q — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:00:03 GMT

If you're wearing a dress or skirt I think you should wear panty hose for a more professional look. Good luck with your job search!

Re: Interview Clothes

GCR18 — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:00:20 GMT

Keep it simple. First impressions really are everything. Clean, neat and pressed.

Re: Interview Clothes

dimin — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:01:13 GMT

Whoops, I forgot that part about what kind of job. It's a government job in an office. I was thinking switching up to a new me might give me good luck. I'm glad pants and panty hose can be worn. I'm going to search online like someone suggested. I'm overweight too, and short. That shouldn't matter but I need a new me to boost my confidence.

Re: Interview Clothes

dimin — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:02:03 GMT

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Re: Interview Clothes

Sooner — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:25:42 GMT

Make sure your hair is neat, hands and nails clean and neat. That matters a lot! I am always checking my hands! LOL!!

Best wishes and good luck!

Re: Interview Clothes

dimin — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:31:56 GMT

Oh gosh. I have no nails, gray in my hair and when I wear make-up no one can tell. I better get busy. Too late for the nails to grow bu I can polish them, trim my hair and buy make up. All my make up is old. I sound pitiful so far.

Re: Interview Clothes

dulwich — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:40:48 GMT

I think the suggestion to check out - if you can - how others dress where you are going to interview is a good idea.

If not wear what you feel comfortable, confident and smart in - be it trouser suit or dress as then you will feel 'good' about yourself and that is half the battle going to an interview. Don't wear a new style you are not sure of.

Excuse the change of font my iPad is doing it on its own!

Wishing you the best of luck - go for it!

Re: Interview Clothes

momoftwo2007 — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:43:21 GMT

@dimin wrote:

Whoops, I forgot that part about what kind of job. It's a government job in an office. I was thinking switching up to a new me might give me good luck. I'm glad pants and panty hose can be worn. I'm going to search online like someone suggested. I'm overweight too, and short. That shouldn't matter but I need a new me to boost my confidence.

If I were you, I would go with business casual. For example--a nice button down shirt and dress pants, or a sweater or cardigan with dress pants. A faux leather jacket or a blazer would look nice over a dress or shirt and pants. But don't wear a full matching suit. I think that would look outdated and too formal.

Here is an article that has examples that you can draw ideas from:

https://thefashiontag.com/interview-outfit/

Re: Interview Clothes

Lindsays Grandma — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:56:12 GMT

Oh how I remember the days of job interviews. Never, ever would one wear pants to a job interview. The norm was a simple well fitting suit with white blouse, and panty hose. Today, along with everything else, those rules have been relaxed. However, if it were me I would definitely wear panty hose if wearing a suit, bare legs are a no no. A straight black skirt with a white blouse, black shoes which do not have to have high heels, a medium heeled shoe is fine. Even a very good looking well polished pair of flats are acceptable. One must wear clothes that are well pressed, no wrinkles, well fitting...most certainly not tight or clingy but I am sure you know all that.

When I was interviewed for a job with Warner Bros Studios I was fifty nine years old, but because of good genes I never looked my age. I was always taken for 7 to 10 years younger, however, regardless of age, the skills you have to offer mean a great deal. I was hired for the job I was interviewing for on the spot because my work background was exactly what they were looking for. No one has to tell you being well groomed is of course extremely important, as I said, you already know that. In any case, I believe employers toady realize that the mature individual can be depended on to be on time to work, know how to interact with people, and have excellent work habits. So go out there, be positive, knock them dead and get the job.

Re: Interview Clothes

Snowpuppy — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 04:10:02 GMT

Invest in yourself.

Get your hair done but not overboard. If your nails need attention get a buffer or a bottle of top coat. We have a full range of ages in my office from 30's to early 70's. Light makeup on all ages. A bit of brows, mascara, foundation and some tinted lip balm are enough. Nobody goes overboard and we are all professionals.

A navy or black dress will do. If you haven't worn one in ages maybe slacks will make you comfortable. Dark hose or even tights hide a lot of flaws.

The Beauties gave me great advice when I was job searching: throw your shoulders back, look at yourself in the mirror and talk yourself up!

Re: Interview Clothes

Sooner — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 04:17:01 GMT

@dimin wrote:

Oh gosh. I have no nails, gray in my hair and when I wear make-up no one can tell. I better get busy. Too late for the nails to grow bu I can polish them, trim my hair and buy make up. All my make up is old. I sound pitiful so far.

@dimin LOL!!! I have never had long fingernails either! Just make sure they are neatly filed, clean and start putting a little oil on your cuticles at night! That makes them look better.

Old makeup is ok, jut don't wear too much. You are being too hard on youself. Relax and enjoy the process and meeting some new people and having a chance to tell 'em what you can do!

Re: Interview Clothes

KKlim — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 04:39:34 GMT

@dimin..I am currently in the job market also.
You do really need to put more effort into all these things other posters have said..it's very competitive and you have to present at your best.

Re: Interview Clothes

dimin — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 06:48:30 GMT

Yes! I like those ideas. I've been weaing a borinhg black blazer everytime and black pants. I'm going to look for another style and color. When you said faux leather or a cadigan it kind of got me excited. I wear a uniform now, brown jeans and a polo type shirt. I do office work but where i work we have to wear the uniform. It's a park type setting. I miss being in an office. I'm sure it will be casual office wear. I'm working on my interview answers too.12 years in brown jeans is enough.

Re: Interview Clothes

libbyannE — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 07:32:13 GMT

@willdob3 wrote:
@dimin

Why not wear pants?

@willdob3

Absolutely. I’d go for a tailored suit with trousers myself. That’s what I think if as the best Meghan Markle look, which I mentioned.

Re: Interview Clothes

Eileen in Virginia — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 13:45:18 GMT

What’s the grade (GS) level of the job? Is it supervisory or non-supervisory? If it’s supervisory, you should present a professional appearance, regardless of grade level. That could be a business suit, nice skirt/slacks, nice blouse/shirt and a refined sweater. If it’s non-supervisory below the GS-11 grade level, good business casual could work. If it’s GS-12 or above, regardless of a supervisory requirement, go with clothing that’s more professional than business casual. At those grade levels, you’ll probably be expected to brief higher level management at some point. Even if you’re not the main presenter, you might be required to attend meetings. The interviewers will want to see that you’re able to comport yourself well. The clothing you wear to the interview provides them with the first opportunity to determine this. Once you’ve established the fact that you’re professional, they can focus on your participation in the interview. Good luck!

Re: Interview Clothes

momoftwo2007 — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 15:02:28 GMT

@momoftwo2007 wrote:
@dimin wrote:

Whoops, I forgot that part about what kind of job. It's a government job in an office. I was thinking switching up to a new me might give me good luck. I'm glad pants and panty hose can be worn. I'm going to search online like someone suggested. I'm overweight too, and short. That shouldn't matter but I need a new me to boost my confidence.

If I were you, I would go with business casual. For example--a nice button down shirt and dress pants, or a sweater or cardigan with dress pants. A faux leather jacket or a blazer would look nice over a dress or shirt and pants. But don't wear a full matching suit. I think that would look outdated and too formal.

Here is an article that has examples that you can draw ideas from:
https://thefashiontag.com/interview-outfit/

Here is an example of business casual (I would swapped out the jeans for dress pants).