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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: emiloots on October 26, 2017, 04:44:00 PM

Title: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: emiloots on October 26, 2017, 04:44:00 PM
I have an internal interview next week for a new position.  I'm (hopefully) moving from a laboratory/scientific position into a office position, it's actually a demotion (one step back) but it offers more growth opportunities, telecommute 2-3 days/week, more work/life balance, and autonomy.  The dress code there is business casual, professional looking but nothing too formal.  Since I'm an internal candidate what do you think about foregoing the stuffy pantsuit look that most candidates feel compelled to wear?  I was thinking more dress pants, nice cardigan with a blouse type of outfit, or maybe a solid colored dress with flats and a nice necklace.  For those of you that interview/hire candidates would it have any impact on your decision?
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: LeRainDrop on October 26, 2017, 10:41:41 PM
Workplace question? Ask A Manager :-)

http://www.askamanager.org/2015/04/do-i-need-to-wear-a-suit-to-a-job-interview.html
http://www.askamanager.org/2008/01/you-need-to-wear-suit.html

She doesn't actually cover the circumstance where it's an internal interview, but perhaps her guidelines will help you to feel better about your choice?
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: merlin7676 on October 27, 2017, 07:52:37 AM
Sound perfect.

I also interviewed internally several years ago where I was in the lab 90% of the day. We wore jeans and tshirts under our labcoats.

Then I interviewed for a higher up job where they (men) wore slacks and polos. So that is what I wore as well to the interview.  And what I wore everyday in the new position for the last few years. However this past year the dress code has not been enforced much (company wide) so I now I usually just wear jeans and a polo.
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: acroy on October 27, 2017, 07:59:18 AM
Aim to be one notch more formal than you would expect to dress on a day to day basis in the job.

Also, thumbs up to what sounds like a great lifestyle decision!

+1
congratulations and I hope it goes well!
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: MsSindy on October 27, 2017, 08:00:27 AM
Are they also interviewing external candidates?  If yes, then I would dress in the stuffy pantsuit, because you'll be measured against them.
Are there a lot of other candidates for this position?  If yes, then see above.
Do you know the hiring manager?  If no, then see above.  If yes, what is their style?  ...dress accordingly.
Is this internal interview just a formality (you all but got the job already)?  Then what you laid out is fine.

Another option is to wear a jacket (always a smart move), with pants or skirts (or over a dress) that compliment, but are not all matchy-matchy.  This way you look pulled together, but in an effortless way.  Plus jackets have the bonus of hiding any perspiration should you get nervous while interviewing.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: Lady SA on October 27, 2017, 09:04:05 AM
My go-to interview outfit is a nice printed work dress with some color, a fitted blazer on top, an understated necklace, and nice shoes. I like to think that the printed dress makes me stand out from the rest of the grey matchy pantsuit crowd, while also keeping a professional appearance.

Depending on the formality of the office, I would choose a more flowy dress in a more casual office and a more fitted, pencil skirt dress in a more formal office. Make sure the length is appropriate, and you're good to go.

Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: aneel on October 27, 2017, 11:49:00 AM
I always opt to blend in as much as possible.  The best thing I ever heard regarding interview attire is: "you want what you wear to be the least memorable"

Good luck!
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: AnnaGrowsAMustache on October 28, 2017, 03:14:43 PM
Most of the workplaces I would apply to are smart casual, not too formal, so that's what I wear. I don't tone it up or down, I just do me. My attitude is that it's as much about seeing if they're a good fit for me as whether I'm a good fit for them.
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: emiloots on November 01, 2017, 07:41:19 PM
Thanks for the replies everyone, I went with black tapered fitted (but not tight) pants, red flats (nice leather ones), a black and white flowered blouse and I bought a black structured blazer to make it a little more dressy - but not a pantsuit look per say.  My wardrobe has been essentially whatever I want for my entire career, jeans, tshirt, hoodie - no one cares...we work in the lab :)  I always feel like I'm pretending to adult whenever I dress up because it's such a foreign thing for me, guess I'll eventually have to get used to it.
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: nyxst on November 01, 2017, 08:11:56 PM
Thanks for the replies everyone, I went with black tapered fitted (but not tight) pants, red flats (nice leather ones), a black and white flowered blouse and I bought a black structured blazer to make it a little more dressy - but not a pantsuit look per say.  My wardrobe has been essentially whatever I want for my entire career, jeans, tshirt, hoodie - no one cares...we work in the lab :)  I always feel like I'm pretending to adult whenever I dress up because it's such a foreign thing for me, guess I'll eventually have to get used to it.
That's exactly how I feel when I have to dress nice, like I'm a kid playing dress-ups :) I just like to be comfortable.
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: LeRainDrop on November 01, 2017, 08:47:53 PM
Sounds pretty and classy, emiloots.  Good luck with the job!
Title: Re: Interview Clothes Question...
Post by: lizzzi on November 02, 2017, 08:28:36 AM
Well, I'd hire you!

For what it's worth, the secret of "dressing up" is to still look like yourself and to be comfortable. If you feel like you're in a Halloween costume, your mother's outfit, or just trying to be something you're not...you're not doing it right. "Dressing up" doesn't have to be extreme. Maybe it's just your normal stuff with a higher heeled shoe and a sparkly top. You don't have to go crazy. For guys, maybe just a shirt with a collar and a blazer on with the regular blue jeans and work boots.