Job interview

michelleans

I've got a job interview lined up this week with a large company, where the dress would be formal. (It's my first formal interview)

I'm not sure, as a woman, whether to wear a suit with pants or a skirt.. I've been hearing negative things about pants for women on interview day. I was just planning on wearing a pant but then after reading THIS I'm a little confused..

What have other women worn? Which style do you think is more suitable. Bear in mind I'm 22, a graduate, it'll be an IT related job and it's a large company with formal dress. Also I assume black, or something dark and plain would be the way to go..

Thanks!

flynnc8

I'm 20 and work in a pretty large company in Dublin, literally only started 3 weeks ago... we have a formal dress code, but i've noticed all the woman tend to steer away from Black suits..

If you've got a personality let it shine threw.. For example introducing colours with pencil skirts and cropped trousers..

If you look dull you feel dull..

I wore black cropped trousers and top to my interview to keep it safe but jazzed it up with shocking pink flats and a dressy pink scarf.. Today for example i wore a high rise white skirt with Navy trimmings and a navy shirt....

I really hate the plain black/ Grey look... Its so depressing especially in this beautiful weather...

Plus you want to make an impression at the interview, if the employeer sees 10 woman all in boring average clothing and then you walk in looking bright and confident it will wake them up and you'll stick in their mind..

LadyMayBelle

what do you feel most comfortable and confident in? for me its a skirt, i never wear dressy trousers and didnt feel smart when i tried them on so went with a classy knee length skirt..and it worked:)

Slice

From a male perspective I tend to look negatively on women who dress too flash in an office. Keep it smart; keep it sharp and keep it professional is all i can say. There's nothing wrong with colour or letting personality shine through so long as you respect these main points. Getting hung up on pants or skirt is a bit much, your appearance will only sway your chances of getting a job from an interview if you have a load of other points stacked against you.

flynnc8

Slice wrote: »

From a male perspective I tend to look negatively on women who dress too flash in an office. Keep it smart; keep it sharp and keep it professional is all i can say. There's nothing wrong with colour or letting personality shine through so long as you respect these main points.

True... Dont get too over the top and start coming in with mad stuff on.. always keep the cut professional and classy and never show off to much skin...

I just like to inject colour where ever possible...

MJOR

Either a skirt or trs whichever ur most comfortable in you can wear a lighter top/ blouse and accesorise it with scarves etc. I reccomend black anyway everything goes with it and buy two trs with the jacket because you may not be wearing jacket all the time

michelleans

Thanks for the tips guys,

I'd be comfortable in either a skirt or pants, wouldn't make a difference, just wondered which would look best! I already have some trousers I wore while teaching TEFL before.

I agree with the "if you look dull you feel dull" ! I don't want to look dull but feel that black is a smart colour. Anyway, I'm off shopping tomorrow so hopefully will find something I like that suits!

LizT

I'd recommend a pair of black trousers and a nice top. At the end of the day what you're wearing won't get/ lose the job for you. What you say in the interview will.

flynnc8

lizt wrote: »

At the end of the day what you're wearing won't get/ lose the job for you. What you say in the interview will.

You'd be suprise it this day and age...

Creamy Goodness

keep it simple for the interview.

i'm all up for colours but you'd be amazed at how people percieve this.

you could get an absolute bitch of a interviewer who could be think "who the hell is this one with her pink flats or dressy scarf". not that there is anything wrong with the items i singled out.

you'll already be on to a losing path before they even ask you a question.

flynnc8

Cremo wrote: »

you'll already be on to a losing path before they even ask you a question.

so true.. it really does depend on who interviews you...

It could go the total opposite way and the interviewer could be like...

wow, look at this girl... really polite, lots of experience, very confident, pride in her appearance and a sense of individulism....

michelleans

Well, I know I'm getting two men as the two interviewers
I think that'll definitely make me feel more at ease, not saying that men can't be bitchy too but graduating from an engineering degree where I was the only girl for 4 years, along with the fact that now 90% of my friends are men, puts me into a situation I'm more confident and comfortable in.

michelleans

lizt wrote: »

I'd recommend a pair of black trousers and a nice top. At the end of the day what you're wearing won't get/ lose the job for you. What you say in the interview will.

True to some degree, but so many people judge on clothes and appearance. I'd like my clothes as well as my experience/knowledge to be appealing.

How Strange

I'd say just keep it clean lines and smart.

About wearing a suit or not-that depends on the job. If it was a high profile corporate job I'd definitely wear a suit (trousers or skirt). You'd be amazed show sharp and professional someone in a suit can look compared to someone in just a blouse/shirt with trousers/skirt. I've done interviewing and the difference is noticeable.

If it's a smaller, less corporate company then no jacket should be fine. Make sure there is no cleavage on show and the skirt is just below the knee.