Interview - what should you wear?

[Guest]

Had an interview today. There were 5 candidates and we all had to arrive at the same time, sit together for a briefing then to do tasks (individually) and finally an interview (individually) with a 3 person panel ( that was unusual too).

Just wondered what you should wear for an interview these days, as out of the 5 of us (4 female & 1 male) only myself and the man wore a suit.

One lady (45-50 yr) had cropped beige trousers, tight black jumper and pumps on her feet, no coat or jacket. Another older lady (55+) had black jumper and black trousers, no jacket, didn't see footwear. The last lady (35-40) had bright blue shirt and black trousers, no coat no jacket. Only myself and the more wore a traditional suit.

[mitch84]

I do wear a suit jacket. What do you mean by pumps though? I just wear ballet flats

[munmun]

Originally Posted by aitchieaitchie

Had an interview today. There were 5 candidates and we all had to arrive at the same time, sit together for a briefing then to do tasks (individually) and finally an interview (individually) with a 3 person panel ( that was unusual too).

Just wondered what you should wear for an interview these days, as out of the 5 of us (4 female & 1 male) only myself and the man wore a suit.

One lady (45-50 yr) had cropped beige trousers, tight black jumper and pumps on her feet, no coat or jacket. Another older lady (55+) had black jumper and black trousers, no jacket, didn't see footwear. The last lady (35-40) had bright blue shirt and black trousers, no coat no jacket. Only myself and the more wore a traditional suit.

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It doesnt sound to me as if any of the outfits were inappropriate, I dont think a jacket is essential though I would probably wear one.

Of course it depends on the job, was this the one in the school?

[WhereIBelong]

I don't apply for jobs that would require a suit to be worn as I do not own one.

( I am 55 and would choose, dark jumper - or a white shirt, black trousers and flat comfortable shoes.)

[Lisa123wm]

Depends what job the interview was for?
An office based job/professional type etc, then a suit would be appropriate. For a more casual job, trousers and smartish top would be fine.

[hideinpockets]

I don’t wear a suit. I usually wear a smart dress (pencil skirt dress), smart coat, then either pumps or heels. I do have a trouser suit I wear sometimes but other times I prefer a dress. I don’t think it’s essential to wear a suit as long as you look smart. Although I think for a man I would actually say it’s a suit or nothing as I think just a shirt and trousers may not be smart enough.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by munmun

It doesnt sound to me as if any of the outfits were inappropriate, I dont think a jacket is essential though I would probably wear one.

Of course it depends on the job, was this the one in the school?

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Yes was in the school. The 3 ladies on the panel were smart in dresses with jackets and one with just a dress. It is to work in central services of the school trust so based at a senior school site but not working in school office so more business like.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by mitch84

I do wear a suit jacket. What do you mean by pumps though? I just wear ballet flats

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Pumps as in slip on flats like Vans - were burgundy & sparkly.

Trousers were ruffle waist pencil trousers.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Lisa123wm

Depends what job the interview was for?
An office based job/professional type etc, then a suit would be appropriate. For a more casual job, trousers and smartish top would be fine.

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It was school shared services financial role, in a school site but not in contact with pupils or parents, professional office role.

[Blue nose]

I don't own a suit but only drrsses. I'd wear a fitted dress and jacket.
Personally would prefer to be over dressed rather than under dressed.