https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:32:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview#post-1324842 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 21:16:48 +0000 Dee 1324842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana, my field/departments have always skewed casual, even for academia. Khakis are not uncommon on interviews at all levels. Combine that with the vague nature of this visit and I want to make sure I wouldn't be going too far in either direction. It looks like I'll end up packing something business casual for the interview and a whole bunch of casual clothes for the rest of the trip. Oh well, that's what checking a bag is for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview#post-1324837 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 21:07:37 +0000 Diana 1324837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wore trousers + a blouse for all of my post-doc interviews and I felt appropriate.&nbsp; That is what most people who interview in our lab wear too.&nbsp; I agree a suit is way too much.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview#post-1324832 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 20:56:24 +0000 Dee 1324832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I think if I combined your two outfits (skinny (well, all of mine are straight leg) dressy pants and silky blouse), that's probably about the level I want. I never feel quite as confident in a skirt as pants, for some reason.</p> <p>Avicennia, thanks! Finding that sweet spot is exactly the problem I'm having. I wouldn't even pack anything dirty/torn/stained, nor do I want to pack a suit, but that middle ground covers a lot. If you think I can get away with a nice cardigan/sweater instead of a jacket, that helps quite a bit. </p> <p>Isis, that was my initial thought about the tube skirt. I may still take it for the trip, because it'll be really versatile for other days, but I don't think it's the best choice for an interview. Also, the "lab" is computational, not a wet lab, so I wasn't thinking so much about the no-exposed-extremities part of lab culture. But pants are probably still the better option in case we tour any other facilities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview#post-1324827 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 20:44:31 +0000 Isis 1324827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with avicennia.&nbsp; You want to look like a nicer version of ready-to-work in a lab, so I wouldn't wear a tube skirt.&nbsp; Labs here require closed toe shoes and covered legs, and you want to be available to tour the lab.&nbsp; I like the idea of slacks or cropped pants if you want to be summery.&nbsp; If it is hot and you won't be packing a jacket, I wouldn't even pack one just for the interview.&nbsp; One of your outfits for going out to dinner would probably work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview#post-1324806 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 20:13:43 +0000 avicennia 1324806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dee, being a PI I have on occasion invited a potential grad student or post-doc to stop by the lab. I would be taken aback if they were dressed either too informally (e.g. shorts, dirty or torn jeans, old t-shirt) or too formally (suit or dress and wearing a blazer). To my mind the sweet spot is slacks, since it's summer cropped is fine, blouse, and carrying a light jacket or sweater in case of AC. I would start of carrying the jacket and only put it on if it's really cold. Starting off with a jacket might make you look too eager, as will wearing a full suit. On my first visit I wouldn't wear a skirt or dress. I wear plenty of skirts and dresses but would save them for the second visit or the second day of a formal interview. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview#post-1324797 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 19:55:16 +0000 Mo 1324797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I have done some checking up on jobs (very informal - bartending) and I wore a casual cotton skirt with tucked in silky blouse one time and a crisp white button front over black skinnies the other time. &nbsp;Flats with both. &nbsp;<br />Might have some pics if I look around . . . </p> <p>pic 2 is the items but with different shoes/accessories (on vacation later that year, couldn't find the pic from job search day)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview#post-1324782 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 19:34:11 +0000 Dee 1324782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do have a tube skirt! And it would be great to pack because I could also wear to brunch, etc. I might take it anyway. But I wasn't sure if it would be a little too body-con for a job interview? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview#post-1324774 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 19:21:49 +0000 Kimberley 1324774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't you have a VC tube skirt?&nbsp; This seems like a great time to pull it out.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-to-an-unofficial-job-interview#post-1324755 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 18:46:11 +0000 Dee 1324755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm taking a trip in a couple of weeks to visit some family/friends in the US. This will involve a lot of working from home during the day and a few brunches and dinners out, so pretty casual. But I've also been chatting with someone via email for about a position in their lab (I'm in academia) and when I mentioned I'd be in town, they suggested I come out for a visit to chat and "see the campus."</p> <p>So, basically, it's a job interview but the way the request was made was more casual/unofficial. Showing up in a suit would be overkill (especially since academics tend to be less formal to begin with). In addition, it'll be around 30C/86F and I'll be taking public transit, so I don't want to show up an overheated mess. </p> <p>Any suggestions for what I should wear to look professional without overdoing it? My business casual wardrobe is pretty minimal, but I have a few pairs of trousers and some pencil skirts. And jackets are bulky to pack and hot, but I could bring one if needed. Thanks for your help! </p>