What to wear to a job interview?

Question

Im 22- female, and have an interview on Wednesday for a part time architectural technician.
Hair up or down? I dont want to wear a suit as I think this is a bit to formal, any ideas?
I haven't had an interview for years!

Answer 1

Wear smtg that makes you feel comfortable, comfy shoes, I don't wear a suit, but wear a shirt or smart top and skirt, not too many accessories, think about the type of job your going for, if it's practical you need to look like your willing to do what it requires of you, i.e not 2 inch long nails etc, minimal look make-up, I heard once that wearing sandals is often considered unprofessional and that shoes should cover your toes- not sure how relevent that is but worth considering! Just make sure you feel comfy as then you will be able to perform to your best. good luck, hope you get it.

Answer 2

Congrats on getting the interview. What you wear is important as first impressions mean a lot to many different businesses. If you think a suit is too formal try a nice skirt and blouse. Nothing too short or that shows too much skin. Absolutely NO Flip Flops or thong toe shoes. Closed toe shoes are best or something that has a pee-a-boo toe, make open toe shoes a last resort. Subtle make-up, and minimal jewlery, maybe ear rings and a nice necklace or bracelet. As for the hair, a bun or simple updo is more business like, but wearing it down should not be a big matter. Good luck. Hope you get the job.

Answer 3

Just look presentable and be comfortable - don't wear too much make-up or jewellery. Wear you're hair the way it makes you feel best i.e if you prefer it down wear it down, but not if you have a tendency to play with it if you get nervous as this will be obvious to the interviewees. I understand what you mean about not wearing a suit. A smart pair of trousers/skirt and a nice top - obviously not something too revealing or what you'd wear on a night out. If colourful colours make you feel more confident wear some colour - I think it gives a good impression, but not too much. Remember though what you wear isn't the most important part of the interview. Just be prepared, try not to get too nervous and be positive - believe that you are the most perfect person for this job!! Good Luck!

Answer 4

There's a thing, will you he interviewed by a man, a woman, or both... makes a difference.

I'm not entirely sure what an architectural technician is but I'm reasonably sure that they will be far more interested in your skills, qualifications and personality than your dress sense on the day...

For the 'first impressions' factor you simply want to look smart with a minimum of make-up. For dress sense I'd suggest a leaning towards more neutral colours, technicians are rarely noted for dayglo tops :)

As for your hair, surely you and the best just of whether you look best with it up or down, rather than dozens of strangers that don't even know what you look like. Which do YOU think makes you look the most intelligent?

Eye candy factors take care of the first seconds of walking through the door, after that you are on your own. How well you do will really depend on how well you interact...

You know the typical questions to expect...

Why do you want to work for us?
Why did you leave (want to leave) your last job / why haven't you worked for a while?
What can you offer us?
In 'this' situation what would you do?
Where do you see yourself in 5 / 10 years time?
Have you got (photo)copies of your qualifications? *
When can you start, if accepted?
Have you got any questions for us?

*Some companies never ask, offers want proof on the same same or following acceptance.

As well as having the answers to all the above ready you need to have back-up questions and as much research as possible most on the field, and the company. How long have they been going, what size are they, how many branches do they have, who are there main clients.

Before the inview look at their website (I assume they have one), and if you can look at their competitors web sites in your area. What do they say about themselves in Yellow Pages? Is it a one line name and number of a quarter page advert? Depending on their size, when you get there and are waiting in reception, look to see if they have any glossy company brochures you can glance though.

Remember to their posture, and watch your own. You want to appear confident, but not aggressive, responsive when necessarily.

Finally, Good luck - but reply on preparation, not the fickle moods of the Gods :D

Answer 5

For any interview it's always proper to wear normal business attire. I don't think a suit would be too formal. If you really don't want to wear a suit, a nice dress would do.
As for hair, well it depends on your hairstyle. If your hair is any longer than shoulder length, I would wear it up.
I'm always more conservative than normal with my makeup and jewelry at an interview as well. After all, you want to get a job, not a date :)

Good luck!

Answer 6

I have a phrase called smart casual. Basically, if you not too sure what the employer wants to see give them the best of both. I'd probably wear a smart pair of dark trousers and a colourful fun shirt or trouser and jacket (a fashionable one from new look or some where similar) and a colourful tee shirt. Bring your personality into your clothes with accessories like belts and brooches and hair accessories.

This hopefully will make you appear more approachable confident in yourself and friendly without detracted from looking professional.

Answer 7

Wear a suit! It always impresses - if you don't, potential employers will think that you haven't made an effort. You could always feminise it with a pretty blouse (there are loads in the shops now) or something simple and a spectacular necklace. I would also say, hair tied back, not up or down, it looks more 'efficient'! Good luck!

Answer 8

Dress conservatively. Reconsider the suit. You can't really be too formal on a job interview. You should be as formal or more formal than those interviewing you. If you dress less formally than they do, that's bad. Hair can be anyway you like, but it shouldn't look like you are going out on a date.

Answer 9

Keep your hair down nothing fancy, and put something a bit formal not a full suit like the pants and jacket, but you can put on a nice top with a formal pants, i guess that should do it... Hope you get the job... Good Luck...

Answer 10

I always think hair up looks more professional?! Just my opinion, and if you do not want to wear a suit, wear a nice dark skirt, not the flair ones, a straight one, just coming to the knee, or a nice pair of black trousers with a lighter colour blouse. And high heels, they give you more confidence as you walk.

Good luck lady! Just breath...