topic Re: Proper Interview Attire in Community Chat

Proper Interview Attire

NativeJax — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 11:56:25 GMT

Do you think it's okay to not wear jacket? Open toed shoes? Panty hose, are they still required?

Re: Proper Interview Attire

CelticCrafter — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:08:01 GMT

I think your attire depends on the type of business and job you are applying for.

I know if I were wearing a skirt or dress, I would wear hose, but that's just me. I don't like the way shoes feel with bare feet and they hide a multitude of sins on old, veiny feet!

Re: Proper Interview Attire

NativeJax — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:12:55 GMT

I had an interview yesterday and wore pants, blouse, jacket and open toe shoes. It is for financial planner position. I am going back on Tuesday to meet the President. I only have 1 business jacket.... And did not want to wear the same pants and jacket. I have a lot of clothes but this office I noticed everyone is wearing suits. I thought about a skirt and clouds with open toe shoes (without hose) but I wasn't sure about the no hose part. It's so hot outside and we are in Florida. I did notice there were no women in the office only men and they all had suits not sports coats.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

violann — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:14:58 GMT

@NativeJax wrote:
Do you think it's okay to not wear jacket? Open toed shoes? Panty hose, are they still required?

Two thoughts- the age of the interviewer will be reflected in the expectations of what's "okay"

"Jacket" "panty hose" "closed toe" are all things that were major concerns years ago, but maybe not so much now.

Then, the job description and level within the company/business of job are also thoughts.

The other day DH and I entered a local bank, and there was a trainee working with one of the bank officers. Her nails were so long that she couldn't use the keyboard. She ultimately was able to do what we needed done, but I wondered, since she was floundering with how to write, whether someone would say something to her before she was permanently employed there.

If I were applying for a job just now, I'd opt for linen look slacks, a simple top with sleeves, carry a light jacket if appropriate to the weather, no need for stockings of any kind with slacks, perhaps a fisherman's sandal (no toes), simple jewelry.

That said, the last time I applied for (and received) a job, it was 97 degrees out, I wore a cotton summer dress bare legs, Birks sandals.

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!

Re: Proper Interview Attire

NativeJax — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:15:10 GMT

Also, I am not trying to spend money because I don't have a job at the moment so I am trying to figure out what to wear. My last job was business casual so I have more of those types of clothes in my wardrobe.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

NativeJax — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:19:34 GMT

I was thinking the sandals would be okay....they are strappy with a heel but not the type you would wear for dressy evening out. I do not enjoy panty hose at all....lol on Tuesday when I go back for secon interview....I have two more interviews that day so it is going to be a long hot day and I want to look nice but appropriate.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

Mellie32 — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:24:19 GMT

@NativeJax wrote:
Do you think it's okay to not wear jacket? Open toed shoes? Panty hose, are they still required?

All of the above is okay for any job interview. Do people even still WEAR pantyhose?

Re: Proper Interview Attire

lolakimono — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:29:00 GMT

@NativeJax wrote:
I had an interview yesterday and wore pants, blouse, jacket and open toe shoes. It is for financial planner position. I am going back on Tuesday to meet the President. I only have 1 business jacket.... And did not want to wear the same pants and jacket. I have a lot of clothes but this office I noticed everyone is wearing suits. I thought about a skirt and clouds with open toe shoes (without hose) but I wasn't sure about the no hose part. It's so hot outside and we are in Florida. I did notice there were no women in the office only men and they all had suits not sports coats.

@NativeJax

IMO, your level of formality should match the people already working there. If men are in suits, then you should at a minimum wear a sheath dress with a blazer or jacket/blouse/pants or jacket/skirt/blouse. Go to Goodwill if you need to find something affordable, but I would not dress down, especially if meeting the president of the company. I would also wear pumps, as it seems like it's a more formal work environment.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

Isobel Archer — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:39:12 GMT

Thrift and consignment stores can be a great source of inexpensive - yet very nice - sometimes even unworn - clothing for interviews.

As to appropriateness, it really depends on the job. In the example where everyone wears suits, I would not interview in a casual outfit. However, if it is clearly a casual wear environment, a formal suit could be too much.

If you don't know and have no way of finding out, I'd go for a conservative look - probably skip open toed shoes with a dress and would wear panty hose. Otherwise - pants and a jacket - in which case open toed shoes without hose would be fine.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

jackthebear — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:47:59 GMT

@NativeJax wrote:
I had an interview yesterday and wore pants, blouse, jacket and open toe shoes. It is for financial planner position. I am going back on Tuesday to meet the President. I only have 1 business jacket.... And did not want to wear the same pants and jacket. I have a lot of clothes but this office I noticed everyone is wearing suits. I thought about a skirt and clouds with open toe shoes (without hose) but I wasn't sure about the no hose part. It's so hot outside and we are in Florida. I did notice there were no women in the office only men and they all had suits not sports coats.

If the men are wearing suits in the office I think your meeting with the President should be on the more formal side. A dress and not sandals, if your legs are nice no stockings.

You could probably find an cheap/inexpensive dress this weekend as there are so many sales going on now. Or something else to wear.

I would not dress down for this

Re: Proper Interview Attire

SaRina — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:54:36 GMT

I'm the last person to wear panty hose in any situation.....except this one. From what you are telling us, it sounds like a corporate and more conservative environment. I think you should look as polished as you can, especially considering what you saw and considering you are now meeting the President of the company.

Personally, I don't think anyone will notice if you are wearing the same suit, but if you feel self-conscious about it to the point of it affecting you, then just wear the same jacket over a skirt or dress.

But again, closed toe shoes, hose, and a jacket IMO would be important. I understand it's hot where you are, but you're presumably going from A/C to A/C.

If you have to question it, I'd err on the side of formality.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

NativeJax — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:55:39 GMT

I think your right, no one will notice the same jacket. I appreciate all the feedback, I do feel this is an important interview and need to look polished.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

PamfromCT — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:04:07 GMT

I would dress as conservatively as possible. Do wear stockings, despite the heat. Skip the open toe shoes. They will be assessing not only your skills, but also how you would present yourself to potential clients. If these men are wearing suits, it tells you something. Think classic, understated, short nails, light polish, etc. Just think dull, and you will fit right in. Good luck to you!

What a great sign to meet the President. Please let everyone know how it went.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

Meowingkitty — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:32:39 GMT

I don't think you need to wear a jacket. Out here in Arizona if you showed up wearing a jacket in 110 degree heat you would be a hot mess. Few jobs out here wear jackets any time of the year. As for panty hose, it's also to hot here for those, you would burn your legs getting into the car. Unless you are interviewing for a high up position I would wear pants, nice shoe and a nice shirt.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

Pearlee — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:33:25 GMT

@NativeJax wrote:
Do you think it's okay to not wear jacket? Open toed shoes? Panty hose, are they still required?

Proper interview attire depends on the job for which someone is applying.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

ChynnaBlue — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:42:46 GMT

It really depends on the position and company where you're interviewing. If you're applying for work in a conservative position in a conservative company, like a legal firm, you should dress more tradiationally. If you're interviewing to be a coder at a startup or interviewing for a waitress position, you can be less formal. It also depends on location. I can't imagine anyone wearing pantyhouse in the Texas summer, but if you're in the financial district in New Yotk, it might be a different story.

There's no one right answer, because some places won't like it if you're too casual or too formal, but I'd say better to dress up than down.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

Tique — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:12:15 GMT

@SaRina wrote:
I'm the last person to wear panty hose in any situation.....except this one. From what you are telling us, it sounds like a corporate and more conservative environment. I think you should look as polished as you can, especially considering what you saw and considering you are now meeting the President of the company.

Personally, I don't think anyone will notice if you are wearing the same suit, but if you feel self-conscious about it to the point of it affecting you, then just wear the same jacket over a skirt or dress.

But again, closed toe shoes, hose, and a jacket IMO would be important. I understand it's hot where you are, but you're presumably going from A/C to A/C.

If you have to question it, I'd err on the side of formality.

I completely agree with @SaRina. If the men are all wearing suits, you are going to be expected to dress in the same manner. That doesn't necessarily mean wearing suits everyday. You can wear a blazer, a vest over a crisp blouse/shirt, and when the weather is cooler sweater sets are an option. For your interview, if you are concerned about wearing the hose, arrive early and go to the restroom and put them on just before your meeting. You could also do the same thing with a pair of pumps. Just a thought: If you are not comfortable "dressing up" everyday, this may not be the company for you. Good luck with your job search.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

WenGirl42 — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:12:40 GMT

I agree that if they're all in suits, you should likewise ignore your weather-related concerns and discomfort. I think wearing the same jacket is fine, even the same pants if you wear something else underneath. I'd say hose or knee-highs and closed-toe shoes are your best bet. In a conservative, corporate environment, nobody is going to notice that, which is what you're going for. IF they thought bare legs/feet or no jacket were too dressed down, they'd definitely notice that, and it wouldn't be worth the risk to me. They probably won't notice or care either way, since they work with all men, but why chance it?

Re: Proper Interview Attire

colliegirls — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:32:37 GMT

You cannot go wrong with a skirt with a blouse or a dress. I don't think anyone wears hose anymore.

Re: Proper Interview Attire

tedEbear — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:36:37 GMT

@NativeJax----It is never inappropriate to dress in the manner of a ladylike business woman. This includes nylons and proper shoes. Do you remember the way women used to dress? It doesn't if it hot, the men are suits, shirts and ties! Just dress as if you are starting the job the same day after the great interview with the President! Relax, smile and let us know-----tedEbear