For my first job interview that requires professional dress, how minimally professional can I be?

Question

Does "professional" have to be the business suit or can it be more casual with the blouse and dressy black pants and shoes?

Answer 1

While it held true that women shouldn't wear pants to interviews, that's not necessarily the case now depending on the industry.

Very uber formal = Wear a skirt suit for women. Very conservative companies like banks really stress how they like women in skirt suits (but I personally think it's a bunch of BS, what does it matter if it's a skirt suit or a pant suit?)

Business formal (normal/average) = Wear a skirt or pant suit

If it's your first interview, why would you want to chance it? Show up looking crisp, polished and fresh, to land that job.

Make sure your shoes are closed-toe, Black or brown, polished, and professional. Not clunky. Think kitten heel stiletto.

Answer 2

You should dress to impress. Pull out all the stops and wow them with your professional apparel.

Think of it this way. If the company requires professional dress, you need to prove that beyond the shadow of doubt your are not only prepared for this but very capable of it.

Also, an interview is your chance to create a lasting first impression. You want the hiring manager or interviewer to remember you and remember you in a positive light. You may be one of 3000 applicants for this particular position. You want to stand out. Granted, it is preferred that you stand out because of your incredible skills - but, in a pinch where your skills may closely match the skills of another applicant, your appearance may play an important role in making you stand out.

Now, this doesn't mean that you should rent a tux for the occassion. Personally, I NEVER interview without a freshly pressed business suit and starched shirt. Out of the many interviews I've gone on, I've been offered the position nearly everytime. I can think of two where I did not get the job and it was because I was CLEARLY not qualified.

It comes down to packaging. If you were buying a product and there were two that were nearly identical - the one that looks the best is probably going to be the one you purchase.

Answer 3

So you don't want the job then?

At your interview and the first day of your job you should look the best you ever can.

The company have stated that you should wear professional dress - so where it.

That means a suit for male or female, good shoes and a clean outlook.

If you don't want to wear professional clothes - don't take the job because you will probably have to wear it every day of your working life!

Answer 4

Ugh.

You can wear pants to an interview. a Pants suit is fine and of all the women I have interviewed and recommend to hire (our HR does the actual hiring, we cannot) I never once noticed her attire other than professional. Pants, dress, skirt...doesn't matter as long as you posses the skills, confidence and ability to do the job.

Period.

Answer 5

You are looking at this all wrong. If you want this job? Go as professional as you possible can. And that never means pants if you a female.

Answer 6

have seen how other employies dress? look in a mirror would i hire this person.?

Answer 7

Depends on where you are applying.