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Please advise: interviewing for a government position. As a 30-something female, I usually wear a black blazer with a black knee length a line skirt and colored top and pearls. However, I have a pair of lovely CK light gray (not charcoal) dress pants that look very nice. Can I wear them with a black blazer and colored top? I was thinking with a coral red top (my favorite color) and black conservative heels. I'm not sure if this is too casual though..Thanks for your help!
Wear whatever everyone else is wearing who is doing a similar job to what you're applying for. A very slightly nicer version would be okay, but nothing too much different.
Please advise: interviewing for a government position. As a 30-something female, I usually wear a black blazer with a black knee length a line skirt and colored top and pearls. However, I have a pair of lovely CK light gray (not charcoal) dress pants that look very nice. Can I wear them with a black blazer and colored top? I was thinking with a coral red top (my favorite color) and black conservative heels. I'm not sure if this is too casual though..Thanks for your help!
When meeting someone professionally for the first time, it's best to look conservative, especially in a government setting. Therefore, a coral top is too vivid for such a job interview.
Neutral colors give a more professional appearance. Go with a neutral-colored top like white, cream, pale gray, blue. Even pale pink is okay. But not coral. It's too much. For your outfit, I'd choose white, pale gray, or pale pink.
I disagree that all the colors in your outfit should be neutral. I think a small pop of color helps you stand out in their minds, after having interviewed a bajilion people. They might have a chance at remembering the young woman with the solid coral blouse in a sea of people wearing nothing but navy, black, grey, and white. Now, that doesn't mean a coral suit a giant coral flower on your lapel, or a loud colorful pattern, but a solid colored blouse under a neutral jacket is fine.
Yes, I know that goes against all the "rules", but speaking as an interviewer, I can say that some degree of color never turned me off. In fact, it was a little refreshing.
I think the pants would be fine, but I admit I'm out of the loop in the business world at present. However, on the color/neutral thing: I can't imagine that a coral shirt, especially if it was identifiably a women's office shirt, would leave a bad impression. (I might leave off the pearls, but wear a conservative pair of gold earrings.) What I think is that what the OP wears should make her feel comfortable and polished. I'd wear something that you feel has brought you luck before, or wear the appropriate thing that makes you feel attractive. You'll project confidence if what you wear reflects how you feel about yourself.
Please advise: interviewing for a government position. As a 30-something female, I usually wear a black blazer with a black knee length a line skirt and colored top and pearls. However, I have a pair of lovely CK light gray (not charcoal) dress pants that look very nice. Can I wear them with a black blazer and colored top? I was thinking with a coral red top (my favorite color) and black conservative heels. I'm not sure if this is too casual though..Thanks for your help!
I would not choose red, even coral. Some shade of blue would be good. Well, ok, maroon looks good with grey, that's a shade of red. But not a bright red. Subdued colors for the interview. It's an interview for a gov't job, not a fashion show, even a conservative fashion show, if you know what I mean. AFTER you get your foot in the door and have the job, you can wear the coral. IMHO. Play it safe.
I once worked for the state government. For my interview (professional position, IT department, years ago), I dressed up for the interview, got the job, but unfortunately then proceeded to buy a professional wardrobe for work. What a mistake! The people I had seen in the interview were only the top section manager and two secretaries, all nicely dressed.
All the programmers (which is what I was at first, before promotion) and most of the supervisors dressed very casually.
So dress nicely for the interview, but wait until you have been on the job a week before you buy your work outfits.
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