Interview attire

Hil

Funny how the universe works... I have been feeling pretty haggard of late (see my off topic thread) and I have pretty much made the decidion to gove up on my passion, at least for the time being.

But whilst that is all making me sad, I was called for an interview for a position in line with my paying day job, and it is with a great company and only a km away from my home. I currently have an hour minimum drive to the office each morning and spend a fortune on fuel.

So... what to wear for the interview? I haven't been to an interview in years! Do I have anything interview appropriate? My job dress code is currently pretty casual and the company where my interview is seems to have a business casual dress code based on what I have seen.

10 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Susie

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Firstly, congratulations on the opportunity

Any more info about the type of the job you go for? Customer facing? Type of the company - corporation, small start-up, middle size, niche market, artsy, conservative?

Do you know anyone from that company whom you can talk to?

Most importantly - what options do you have at the moment?

As a general rule, I'd always say to stay on the conservative side. It's not bad to be overdressed at the interview - but underdressed can be a barrier (more for you). Neat, tidy appearance that will not distract from you, but will show the respect for the workplace... Minimal accessories.

I think it's best to start posting the options and we can work from there.

10 years ago

Anonymous

Congrats on the interview!

I agree, I think we need a little more data before we can help.

10 years ago

Archer

Veteran

Agree: all ears and eyes await. Interviewing people for jobs is part of my own work so will go with my biases for what it's worth. Diana Pemberton-Sykes has some quite good basic guidance about dressing for interviews. Obviously not personalised which you may not want from her anyway because she is an incredible conservative IMO, but its good base line. I have seen you dress in pieces that would fit into business casual with only a tweak. Bring it on.
Cheers

10 years ago

Hil

(website)

Veteran

It's a small to mid size insurance company, very strong female presence.

My first thought was my black pencil skirt but I am a little unsure of what top to wear with it - I prefer drapey knit to structured button downs.

Also shoes - I tend to wear my pencil with chunky boots or my tall boots... I am not sure either of those are appropriate!

I will post some pics later and get some opinions! I don't have time to shop between now and the interview!

10 years ago

kkards

Veteran

1st -this is very exciting for you, good luck.
i'm a firm believer in dressing very conservatively for an interview. i like the idea of a black pencil skirt, do you have some basic black pumps? i like the idea of a knit instead of a button down, but i would add a blazer, jacket or something else with a little structure.

10 years ago

Debra

Veteran

How exciting for you. Congratulations.
I agree with the black pencil skirt, a draped top and blazer.
If boots are your option rather than a pump I'd go with your tall black ones.
Good luck

10 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

So, I am super excited for you! Sounds like a fabulous opportunity!

Are insurance companys as conservative by you as they are here in the Midwest? There are several very large insurance companys in my area, and I would wear a full suit if I were interviewing there.

10 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Super fantastic news! I like the idea of going more conservative for the interview. The black pencil skirt with shoes, draped top or button down and a blazer. Do you have some items that might work? Woo Hoo

10 years ago

Susie

Veteran

I work in HR so interviewing for all levels of positions is part of my job. The black pencil skirt is a great start. I do recommend a closed shoe rather than a boot. A jacket is always appropriate and I would definitely prefer it for a management position but for others, a dressy, fairly conservative top would be fine.

10 years ago

Category