Dear interviewer... (applying, interview, job, office)

[STLgaltoo]

What is appropriate attire for a female candidate to wear for the interview? How “ formal” should I dress?

Black dress slacks?

Nice blouse and professional sweater ( black solid) ?

Or....should I go shopping for a suit and skirt, heels and hose as in circa corporate looks back in the 1990’s when I did wear them?

Thanks for any input.

[fishbrains]

Depends on the level of the job for which you are applying. Dress better than you would anticipate wearing on the job daily.

I don’t think I have seen a woman interview for a job wearing a skirt in over 10 years. Dress pants, appropriate blouse and sweater should do for most positions.

[STLgaltoo]

Thank you!! That was the guidance I was looking for.

I do wear short heeled pumps and hose with my dress slacks and I wear minimal but nice jewelry. ( not costume jewelry)

STLgaltoo

[Mr_Geek]

I don't think you necessarily need a suit but I rarely, if ever, see women wearing skirts for interviews any more. If it's an office type job you should probably get a suit.

[Marie Joseph]

I am (obvious username ) female as well and work as a manufacturing operations manager.

I usually wear a suit jacket, blouse, and slacks to the interview with tasteful jewelry. I know that after I get the job I'll be in khakis or even jeans but it's all about making a good impression. I wear flats or square heels that are comfortable for walking since plant tours are a very common component of interviews for me.

I don't wear skirts since I do interview in shop environments and some of them aren't safe for exposed legs. Another good reason I don't wear skirts is that I forget how I am sitting and I don't think that the interviewer necessarily wants to see what color my underwear are that day

Always go more formal than the job you are going for.

[CapsChick]

You can't go wrong with a killer pantsuit. Good luck!

[STLgaltoo]

Originally Posted by CapsChick

You can't go wrong with a killer pantsuit. Good luck!

Uh..no.

[Sockeye66]

Originally Posted by CapsChick

You can't go wrong with a killer pantsuit. Good luck!

Killer catsuit is even better.

[RogueMom]

I think the black dress pants, white blouse, professional black sweater, trendy but professional watch and tasteful accessories and black handbag (and maybe black pumps or tailored shoes) thing you've got planned is super appropriate for just about any job interview.

I too remember the era of the "power suit" (and wore them!) but it's just not that way anymore.

Good luck!

[Deserterer]

Originally Posted by RogueMom

I think the black dress pants, white blouse, professional black sweater, trendy but professional watch and tasteful accessories and black handbag (and maybe black pumps or tailored shoes) thing you've got planned is super appropriate for just about any job interview.

I wore that exact outfit once and got laughed out of the place. Its just so hard for a guy like me to flash his feminine side these days.