job interviews and ladies' fingernails (2013, business, good, exam)

[groar]

so i was never one to paint my nails, but lately i've been getting into it.

what are the business conventions these days for nail colors? are things still super conservative, or is there some leeway?

i never wear pink or red polish but i also don't go for really garish or bright colors (like neon) or designs. my nails are not very long either.

would it be a big no-no to have orange or blue or purple nails at an interview? or is that accepted in the business world these days as long as they're not really bright or long or chipped?

just as an example, this is what i have on right now. the orange is not even as bright as it looks in this picture. take it off for my next interview, or leave it?

[groar]

ugh, sorry that picture is so enormous! apparently resizing doesn't do anything.

[maus]

If you paint your nails before an interview, I would go with something off-white or beige. A dull color brings little attention to your fingers. I think brightly-painted finger nails could be slightly distracting in an interview for most any type of position. YMMV.

[skyegirl]

This is only my opinion, but I would err on the side of caution. Stick with clear or very light, pink polish. This, of course, would depend in what type of environment you will be working.

[nj21]

I think it's a tad too bright for interviews - but after you secure the job, then that's another story. I usually use clear, beige, or light pink.

Pretty color though!

[veuvegirl]

Definitely a no for interviews. Where a french manicure, light pink, or clear. Good luck!

[Miss Crabcakes]

I would stick with conservative unless you know its ok to do otherwise.

[Kayela]

This is so dependent on the person doing the interview that I wouldn't risk it (personally). Some may think it's fantastic, others might be repelled, many probably wouldn't even notice, but you don't want that to be the thing they remember you for. Typically I go with no polish, nails neatly trimmed.

[acaligirl]

The only time I really notice someone's nails in a negative way, and I do a LOT of interviewing, is when the nails are super duper scary long. That's just distracting and a bit gross. Otherwise I think having any type of painted nails regardless of color or design just says that you care about your appearance enough to work on it. Nothing at all wrong with that. Leave them the way they are.

[SouthernBound?]

Always manicured nails and either clear or light. Two colors from Essie that you can't go wrong with are ballet slippers and mademoiselle.

And yes, take it off. Even if the color weren't so...colorful, it has sparkles. IMO it's just not right for an interview.