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Interview wear....ladies help please!
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By *alice OP Woman
over a year ago
Birmingham |
Hello, hoping for some help please.
I have my first job interview in 5 years next week and it's my first since transitioning.
I'm getting myself in a bit of a flap over what to wear for the interview, I'm slowly recovering from a serious illness so budget is limited but I need to start putting together some office wear staples.
What would people suggest, and any places to get good quality attire at a reasonable price would be much appreciated.
Thankyou  |
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Do you mind us asking roughly the industry or type of work venue (e.g. corporate, education). Totally understand if not, but the norms and expectations vary in different industries.
As for reasonable, I have some very nice office wear from Tu at Sainsbury's, which is not so expensive. Bigger stores obviously have a better range. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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A smart tailored dress and tailored jacket always looks smart or a tailored trouser suit.
But then I didn't get the job the last interview I had so maybe don't follow my advice   
Good luck with your interview, hope it goes your way. |
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"you really can't go far wrong with a black skirt and white blouse.
Matalan, Primark and charity shops used to be where I'd shop for work when I was on a limited budget. "
Agree. Keep it simple, but if you like colour, add a bright element to your outfit. Jacket or shirt, bag or earrings or similar. Makes you stand out in a good way. |
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"No of course, that's an omission on my part. It's corporate, but fluffy corporate of that makes sense. Ahead office role that's more food bank than investment bank "
Excellent description! Agree with Nicecouple that dark colour smart skirt or formal trousers with a white blouse (jacket or cardigan optional) would be a safe bet for an interview. You'll get a feel for the usual attire at the business when you attend interview, presumably, so can get an idea then?
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thankyou all.
What the hell I'm going to do to smarten up my dreadlocks is a whole diferrent dilemma! "
Fasten it back into a neat ponytail? They shouldn't judge you on physical appearance anyway, it should be what you say that is the deciding factor. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hello, hoping for some help please.
I have my first job interview in 5 years next week and it's my first since transitioning.
I'm getting myself in a bit of a flap over what to wear for the interview, I'm slowly recovering from a serious illness so budget is limited but I need to start putting together some office wear staples.
What would people suggest, and any places to get good quality attire at a reasonable price would be much appreciated.
Thankyou "
primark is your best friend |
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Primark is where I would go for such items on a budget or supermarket - Asda and Sainsburys have been surprisingly good quality in the past for me but it’s been a while. Yes to charity shops too (hit the ones in the better off parts of town and you could pick up a real bargain!)
Possibly controversial but I was advised many years ago by a woman mentor to always wear a skirt and tights NOT bare legs to an interview, partly good old fashioned misogyny!
Unfortunately if the people/person interviewing is old fashioned it plays into that for sure (and it’s not just men can be like this).
But also because apparently it shows you know how to dress appropriately for the occasion and can do the “well groomed” thing - properly pressed skirt, snag and ladder free tights etc
Low to mid heels never high. Sadly again I think misogyny as male interviewers don’t like candidates towering over them
Neutral colours for the skirt, jacket if you’re wearing a jacket (does tend to pull an outfit together) navy, black, grey but as a pp said good idea to add a splash of colour elsewhere - it makes you memorable. I have a love of certain more unusual colours that many aren’t a fan of and I go bold with them - lime green, bright purple, orange on occasion. Red is one to avoid though as it’s too “deliberate” a “look at me” colour
Every job I’ve interviewed for I’ve got the job.
Good luck
The hair thing you might want to consider making a - tidy - feature of it? With a scarf tie or similar? So you’re neat and tidy and professional looking but not ashamed of it? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Oh and neatly groomed fingernails and clean hands - I’ve also been the one doing the interviewing and grubby scruffy hands was a red flag for me "
second this
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"Oh and neatly groomed fingernails and clean hands - I’ve also been the one doing the interviewing and grubby scruffy hands was a red flag for me second this "
*Looks at manual wheelchairing hands*
Well shit, I'll hand in my badge and clear my desk |
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By *alice OP Woman
over a year ago
Birmingham |
My hands and nails are always immaculate so that's fine.
And if I get an old fashioned interviewer as a transwoman what I'm wearing will be the least of my issues!
Thanks all. Some really helpful suggestions |
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"My hands and nails are always immaculate so that's fine.
And if I get an old fashioned interviewer as a transwoman what I'm wearing will be the least of my issues!
Thanks all. Some really helpful suggestions"
Can you let us know how you get on? Am really rooting for u.  |
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"This might be my age showing but I wouldn't wear trousers to an interview
Mr Nicecouple, you surprise me 
Shouldn't make any difference whatsoever. Nor should heels/flats. Makeup/no makeup. Etc."
It shouldn't make any difference I agree. |
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By *alice OP Woman
over a year ago
Birmingham |
"My hands and nails are always immaculate so that's fine.
And if I get an old fashioned interviewer as a transwoman what I'm wearing will be the least of my issues!
Thanks all. Some really helpful suggestions
Can you let us know how you get on? Am really rooting for u. "
I will do, that's very kind. I *should* easily get it based on my experience, and given the nature of what they do they would be hypocrites if my illness was any barrier but we all know how the work world operates sometimes.
It's a 12 month contract which isn't ideal but I'm choosing to look at that as a gentle reentry into resuming my career.
Thanks again. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"This might be my age showing but I wouldn't wear trousers to an interview
Paperbag trousers,feminine and smart. I'm obsessed! They're very flattering for any figure  "
.I must be old fashioned as I would never consider wearing them to an interview as they don't look formal enough. Think I'm maybe getting old |
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"This might be my age showing but I wouldn't wear trousers to an interview
Paperbag trousers,feminine and smart. I'm obsessed! They're very flattering for any figure .I must be old fashioned as I would never consider wearing them to an interview as they don't look formal enough. Think I'm maybe getting old "
I'm a manager, they're definitely smart and fashionable 
You're not old x |
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I usually go for smart trousers or a pencil skirt mid length and a white shirt or black polo neck top, but I think it’s important you feel good in what you are wearing as it helps with confidence in the interview. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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First of all OP well done on getting through to interview, that alone is a great result.
Is the interview in person or virtual?
My latest interview was virtual and I was able to tweak my attire and ensure I felt comfortable... it was my first ever interview wearing a pair of fluffy slippers with bling ... and I got the job!
You have had some great advice above but my only additional point is to ensure that you feel comfortable in the clothing. Practice sitting down so that you are comfortable with the skirt length and how it feels as you sit. There's nothing worse than you feeling distracted by potential wardrobe malfunctions.
Rather than invest in too many outfits at this early stage, consider a few worthwhile pieces which you can mix & match together. Or borrow an outfit from a good friend.
Also, black & white outfits are smart and standard office wear yet I prefer to team a gentle splash of colour to soften my features. At my last interview I wore a very delicate silk blouse in a soft mink colour, which I teamed with black trousers...and slippers. On screen it complimented my skin tone and I coordinated my eyeshadow and lipstick. It gave a warmth to my appearance.
I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
NBVN x
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I would wear a plain dress with jacket.
If you have time to trawl the charity shops I always manage to find something good quality at a great price, much better than Primark.
For my daughters wedding in January I found beautiful outfits for me, my mum and other daughter at a total of £65 including two hats. |
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"I would wear a plain dress with jacket.
If you have time to trawl the charity shops I always manage to find something good quality at a great price, much better than Primark.
For my daughters wedding in January I found beautiful outfits for me, my mum and other daughter at a total of £65 including two hats. "
A lot of my work stuff came from charity shops. Finding three wedding outfits including hats really is good, my sister in law got married in a suit she found in a charity shop. |
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Not really much to add to whats already been said, just make sure you feel comfortable and confident in whatever you pick. You absolutely dont need to spend lots of money, supermarkets etc have a good range of office wear.
Just wanted to wish you good luck, sounds like you dont need it though! Let us know how you get on please! X |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Primark is where I would go for such items on a budget or supermarket - Asda and Sainsburys have been surprisingly good quality in the past for me but it’s been a while. Yes to charity shops too (hit the ones in the better off parts of town and you could pick up a real bargain!)
Possibly controversial but I was advised many years ago by a woman mentor to always wear a skirt and tights NOT bare legs to an interview, partly good old fashioned misogyny!
Unfortunately if the people/person interviewing is old fashioned it plays into that for sure (and it’s not just men can be like this).
But also because apparently it shows you know how to dress appropriately for the occasion and can do the “well groomed” thing - properly pressed skirt, snag and ladder free tights etc
Low to mid heels never high. Sadly again I think misogyny as male interviewers don’t like candidates towering over them
Neutral colours for the skirt, jacket if you’re wearing a jacket (does tend to pull an outfit together) navy, black, grey but as a pp said good idea to add a splash of colour elsewhere - it makes you memorable. I have a love of certain more unusual colours that many aren’t a fan of and I go bold with them - lime green, bright purple, orange on occasion. Red is one to avoid though as it’s too “deliberate” a “look at me” colour
Every job I’ve interviewed for I’ve got the job.
Good luck
The hair thing you might want to consider making a - tidy - feature of it? With a scarf tie or similar? So you’re neat and tidy and professional looking but not ashamed of it? "
Love this! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Hello, hoping for some help please.
I have my first job interview in 5 years next week and it's my first since transitioning.
I'm getting myself in a bit of a flap over what to wear for the interview, I'm slowly recovering from a serious illness so budget is limited but I need to start putting together some office wear staples.
What would people suggest, and any places to get good quality attire at a reasonable price would be much appreciated.
Thankyou "
Good luck!  |
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