I have an interview tomorrow for a paralegal position. I'm wondering if I really have to wear a suit. It's 100 degrees outside!
Also, I've heard some people still think girls should wear a skirt, not pants, to an interview. Any advice?
2006-07-17 10:37:13 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Thank you all for your wonderful advice! Now, an update:
I wore my pants suit to the interview and now I have a second interview on Friday. The two people I interviewed with (one of whom was a director) were both dressed in what I would consider to be "professional casual"---slacks and a nice shirt (not with a collar, but not a T-shirt either). This second interview will be with the CEO. I should definitely wear a suit this time, but do I have to make sure it's a different suit? Yikes!
2006-07-19 04:57:51 · update #1
Wear a skirt suit, closed toed shoes, and no tank top or sleeveless shirt if you are going to remove your jacket. This may not be the actual dress code for the office, but better to be over dressed in business attire for an interview than under dressed.
Good Luck!
2006-07-17 10:42:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Unfortunately, yes you do have to wear a suit tomorrow to make a good impression.
I think you can wear suit pants to an interview, depending on the atmosphere of the place you're interviewing at. If the firm is an older established one, I'd advise you to don a skirt. If the law office is staffed with mostly young attorneys and partners, then the formal suit pants would probably be okay. If they have a homepage on the Net, you can get a better feel on what type of firm it is.
2006-07-17 18:24:09 · answer #2 · answered by StarNY 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you know what the dress style in the office is? My rule (and oa rule that I've seen oft reccomended) is to observe the office rules but to go one level above. So if they are in business casual, you would go in business.
Same for traveling and presentations in a location where you aren't normally. I generally would wear a lighter material suit (skirt/pants with blouse and light jacket or tank dress with jacket) in the summers and never had problems with the heat. Keep your hair, jewelry, and makeup simple just in case you think the heat might make it run and not to distract from you, the main object of the interview.
Often you can buy a nice inexpensive suit in a set as well as get some tasteful blouses. Dillards or other department stores have sales that make them really affordable so watch out for them.
2006-07-17 17:45:47 · answer #3 · answered by Alyssa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pants or skirt, a dark suit is highly recommended. It makes you look professional and competent in a work setting. Once you have the job, you can wear whatever that's appropriate for the office. As for the heat, you're gonna have to rely on your deodorant and tissues.
As for the bottom part of the suit, it's not what you wear, but how you wear them. With either, you can project professioanlism with confidence and competence. In either case, you want to show that you're a professional woman not a slut for convenient office flings.
There's nothing wrong with playing on your sex appeal because that wields certain power whether you're dealing with a female or male boss, but you want to do that without actually exposing any part of the body.
Good luck!
2006-07-17 17:48:57 · answer #4 · answered by Nikki W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate for the position you seek.
If not sure, wear the suit. No one ever made a bad impression by showing enough respect to dress for an interview.
2006-07-17 17:41:24 · answer #5 · answered by mmillerct@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't have to wear a suit. You can go there dressed however you want. But it is definitely recommended to wear one, especially if you actually want the job. Also, I've never heard of girls needing to wear pants. As long as your skirt goes at least to your knees you'll be fine.
2006-07-17 17:41:23 · answer #6 · answered by BK Randy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When going to a job interview show your future employer that you are interested in getting the job and you show that by using etiquette of wearing a suit. Even in 100 degree weather. As for women,knee length is good.
2006-07-17 17:44:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should dress according to what the job would require if you were attending a business meeting at your office or a client's office. For women, skirts are preferable.
2006-07-17 17:44:44 · answer #8 · answered by John H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not absolutely necessary. The main thing is to dress professionally.
2006-07-17 23:51:29 · answer #9 · answered by msoexpert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You can wear a nice dress or Slacks.
2006-07-17 17:41:22 · answer #10 · answered by luckygirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋