What to wear to internal interview

Firetrap

I'm going for an internal interview in work. Normally, we have a casual dress code but obviously for an interview, I'll have to dress up. And so, I'm asking that oldest of questions "What do I wear?"

I'm a she so I can't fall back on the old jacket/suit 'n tie combo. Because we don't normally dress up in work, I don't want to go out and spend money on a smart skirt suit that I'll honestly never wear again.

I'm wondering if I can get away with just getting a smart trousers (probably black) and a white shirt/blouse? The way I see it, I'll be nervous as hell during the interview and will get too warm if I wear a jacket. Or do I need a jacket?

Vokes

Smart-casual should be fine.

Basic rule of thumb i reckon is if casual is normal work-wear, then smart-casual for an interview.

If smart-casual is normal wear, than a suit for an interview.

AARRRGH

Do you know the people who will be interviewing you? If you do, I would dress casual. If not, I would dress smart...

Firetrap

No, I don't know my interviewers. I know who they are and what they do in the organisation but have never had any dealings with them myself. I know one of the others from my office who's also going for it will be wearing a 3 piece suit (then again, he's a bit OTT and would walk over his granny's dead body to get a promotion). I could go out and buy an expensive outfit but like I said, I'll never wear it again. Really I suppose I'm asking what I can get away with pocket-wise. I want to look smart, like I'm serious about the job but don't fancy wasting money on something I'll never wear again

Serafijn

Girls actually can get away with a lot in terms of dress. Do you have some smart black trousers and some good shoes? Team these up with a top you might go out in - nothing too fancy or revealing, just something that looks more formal. If the top is sleeveless put on a light cardigan or something over the top.

Make an effort with your hair and makeup - again not too over the top just a little more formal than you would normally do for work.

They will probably be more interested in the mental prep you did for the role than the physical anyway. The best piece of advice I can give you on this is to envisage yourself in the role - how you would act, what you would do and how you'd react to difficult situations. From conducting internal interviews myself, this aspect really can make all the difference.

Good luck!

Pythia

I've worn a nice top and smart black trousers to an internal interview before.