Proper Interview Attire

NativeJax · ‎01-27-2015

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

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

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!

NativeJax · ‎01-27-2015

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.

violann · ‎03-10-2010

@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!!!!!!!!!

NativeJax · ‎01-27-2015

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.

NativeJax · ‎01-27-2015

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.

Mellie32 · ‎03-13-2010

@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?

lolakimono · ‎03-29-2012

@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.

Isobel Archer · ‎04-04-2015

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.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

@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