What women should wear to a job interview
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There are a couple of main rules to keep in mind when dressing for a job interview: it's better to dress conservatively and men don't like hiring women who wear pantsuits.
As to the first statement, you never want to be remembered for what you wore. Try to have your clothes be the least noticeable thing about you.
The latter statement is sad but true. Men would rather hire women who wear skirted suits. Yeesh.
Here are some little tips to keep in mind when dressing for the interview:
• Yeah, it might look good, but if you'd wear it to a date or dancing, you shouldn't wear it now.
• Suit: Wear a two-piece matched suit. Pantsuits are beneficial in that you don't have to worry about being exposed when sitting or getting out of vehicles. They should be creased and tailored and not too tight.
If you wear a skirt, make sure it covers your thighs. Sit in front of a mirror and see how it looks; that's how your interviewer will see you. It should be at least to the knee; longer is fine so long as you can walk still. No high slits in the skirt; if there is one, it should be a small one in the back or on the side.
• Color / fabric: Navy, dark gray, brown and black are safe. Avoid extremes. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that look solid across a room). Wool, wool blends, and high quality blends and synthetics are apprpriate.
• Shirt / sweaters: Underneath the suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that goes nicely with your suit. A good quality knit is also good to wear under the jacket. And, of course, no cleavage!
• Jewelry / accessories: Wear a conservative watch. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. It depends on the industry; some may go for more creativity, but generally keep it simple.
• Cosmetics: Keep makeup conservative. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color.
• Shoes: Should be leather or fabric / micro fiber. Choose closed-toe pumps. No matter what's in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; no stumbling!
• Hosiery: Should be plainly styled (no patterns), sheer (not opaque) and in neutral colors that go with your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color.
• Purse / bag: If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, especially if you also carry a briefcase. Its color should go with your shoes. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine wovens are also acceptable.
More info
- Dress for Success: BC Professional Dress Code
Burleson Consulting Oracle Dress Code - Video - What to Wear to a Job Interview
Looking to land a new job? Style expert Kim Johnson Gross helps you put your best foot forward with the perfect interview outfit.
Sites Referenced
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Women should be able to wear pantsuits to interviews!
good tips. I Haven't worn a skirt in all of my interviews.
Why not wear some lovely body jewelry - www.silver-thailand.com
Very nice article. Looking professional brings about the right appeal to your interviewer. I have seen it all in FL. Some people have even showed up in flip flops. Those are ok for the beach but not for the office. I also agree with limiting the jewelry and no body wear. No one wants to see your nose rings! If you have one, show it off somewhere else.
I think what you wear should depend the job, eg, if your applying as a buyer for clothing store, you should wear what represents your personality, show you have an eye for fashion and style, accessories are very important to create an individual look.
Be confident, do your research, be comfortable, let them know what you will bring to this job....how you will be of benefit to them!!!
Very true! Thanks everyone for your comments and ideas... while it depends on the job, though, hopefully everyone is meeting some level of professionalism and decency! :)
It also matters that you dress for the job you are interviewing for. Great article.
The Skirt/pants thing is a little sexist - I've been to plenty interviews and been hired, despite wearing pants. At the end of the day, if you get turned down for a job because you didn't wear a skirt, you've had a lucky escape from a sexist moron of a boss! Otherwise, a good hub.
Great tips here. Very helpful
OK ladies - on the skirts, dresses thing - is this really so sexist?
I would say a pantsuit is "dressing down" compared to a skirt suit. The simple fact so many seem to prefer it seems to support this claim.
If I'm waring a suit coat and tie, and you come in in a pant suit, well frankly you are underdressed relative to me. If I'm going to go to that effort, you should too.
Great Tips!!! Great Hub!!!! Blessings!!! Come visit me!
definitely having that in mind for my next job interview!
useful info thnx
And I'd add never wear something that doesn't feel like 'you'. If you put something on that really doesn't express who you are - in an attempt to seem like the sort of person you think would get the job! - you'll feel awkward and it'll show. Just be yourself and you can't lose. Because even if you don't get the job, you'll still be a step nearer to the job meant for you.
Cath, thank you for adding that! It's so true. That has happened to me a couple of times!
Thought provoking .....So if the Hiring Manager is wearing a suit (male). Two interview for the position one female in a pant suit and one male in a pant suit . She is under dressed wearing the same choice as him for the interview ?
I am bond to routine and never wore a skirt to an interview. It does not feel right. Also, I have a huge tattoo on my leg that would compromise a good decision for a job interview. I was looking for more info on the best color that women should wear for the interview. Does anyone have any advice?
I once interviewed someone who was dressed in pink from head to toe - a pink hair accessory, pink shirt and pants, pink purse and pink toenail polish. I know about the toes because she was wearing pink platform sandals. I think you are right that conservative is best when it comes to the color of the clothes you wear.
This is a really good hub. I need to find a dress suit. I don't have one and I have an interview next week.
Thanks for your comments everyone!
Angela Michelle, I go to the Goodwill and get my suits for $10! :)
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I like this one. Its amazing how many people I have interviewed that come to see me in the MOST inappropriate attire.
If you are not comfortable or confident wearing a skirted suit, you might not interview well. You should be true to yourself, and your clothing should reflect your self-image and help you project your most confident self. Some women feel they look better in pantsuits than in skirted suits.
Huh. I would think that it would be silly for a woman to interview for an engineering job in a skirt suit. For a job in finance, or human resources I can understand.. but I can't imagine myself wearing a skirt suit to an engineering job interview. This is confusing..
As an HR professional I would add: never ever wear expensive clothes. If you are the best dressed person in the room, rest assured, you will not get the job. This is particularly true if women are interviewing you. Also, if you know women are interviewing you, then that is the time to really NOT look like the pretty rich girl who was mean to everyone in High School. Then good looks can be real hindrance. I have seen it a million times. The inter gender politics among women can be a career killer.
Great information! Thank you so much,
By the way, I am a woman and I feel much more comfortable in my pants than a skirt in any occasion. Also I was told so many times that I looked way better in pants than a skirt..(You know you have a certain body shape that looks better in pants).I think I will wear a pant suit in my interview....
Very useful hub! You did have good ideas on composing women for an interview.
Thank you Ralph! With hope, it is helpful to people who are interviewing for jobs, especially now that the jobless rate for the nation has gone up to 9.2%. Best of luck to all.
good tips for women to look good .thanks for the info. Looks does matter in interview or in any other situation.
Hello Glassvisage,
Your article is factual and full of great advice to get past some of the obstacles of the job interview process. The right outfit is a fine balance between good taste and common sense. From feedback I received when placing graduates at a Dallas Business School, cleanliness of the clothing is key as well - no spills, stains or safety pins to ruin the effect.
simply wear what looks best on you.
Peg, great advice! I tend to be a little leery of stains when I see people in the office.
Ahsan, definitely it should look good, but also be comfortable. I can remember the interviews where I didn't feel comfortable in my clothes and I feel like it consumed too much of my thinking.
Please share some tips of dressing according to Indian concert.
engineergirl, why wouldn't you wear a skirt to an engineering job? Because it's a male-dominated field? I don't think that you should feel you need to dress like a man to compete with other men...Women bring their own set of unique skills to the table that their male competition might not have. Don't be afraid to be yourself, and especially, don't be afraid of being a woman. Show them that you can be a woman and an engineer at the same time. :)
What crazy ideas show up here. Anyone who wants to be successful should concentrate on coming aross as someone who cares about themselves and the people they work with.
Whether you wear pants or a skirt, make sure the suit is well tailored and attractive. Look to the better stores and what they feature and invest a little money in that first outfit. Hair? whatever is stylish and flattering.
nails? wear red polish if you want. Better than broken of chewed nails.
Shoes? Just don't wear flip-flops and one young lady did interviewing with me. I could have cried for her, she looked so bad. Wear a pantsuit if you are going to work in the field.( but not THE one you'll be wearing out there) Look like an executive at all times. But, for heaven's sake, be proud of yourself and let your self confidence show. Wear makeup like grown up women do. If you are scared of it, go to a professional (and I don't mean a department store) and learn how to apply it.
I've been doing this for 50 years . If the guy isn't going to hire you, it won't make much difference what you wear. Be proud of yourself.
beachartist 4 years ago
Really really an excellent and timely article. I know employers are more scrutinizing when hiring women employees. This article will work great in non-work related occasions too. Nice job.