Interview clothing question

[IbbeldyObbeldyOO]

NC'd to ask this as there may be enough detail to "out" me...

I have a job interview this week. My usual style is always to wear trousers, I don't feel comfortable in skirts. My mum maintains that trousers are detrimental in a job interview. Maybe she's right - the few occasions when I have been successful in job interviews were when I wore a skirt, and whenever I've interviewed in trousers I've not got the job - but is this random? would my clothing really be affecting things that much? who here has been successful at job interviews in trousers?

On a related note - I almost never wear makeup. I'm not averse to putting on a spot of mascara but can't be doing with the full lot. what's the minimum I can get away with for a (professional, middle management office-type) job interview?

[HokeyCokeyPigInAPokey]

I wear minimal make up, wore trousers so my interview and got the job even though i had been a sahm for ten years.

Your mum is talking nonsense imho

[Electra13]

not true, you probably need to look at your overall presentation eg how you answered questions, yes appearance and experience to the job. I failed two interviews so far wearing dress and a skirt due to lack of experience. I have a third interview lined up. goodluck

[TheFallenNinja]

Over the years I have interviewed many candidates for all levels and apart from one notable exception (think belt) can't really remember whether trousers or skirts were worn.

The ones I do remember are the ones who were confident, knew their onions and seemed to have made an effort to demonstrate knowledge and experience.

I think the skirt thing is a bit of a fluke really but I suppose I can see how you got there.

Is there a chance you can scope out what others wear there before you go, that could give you a steer (don't do it in a Friday though, it might be a dress down day )

Bear in mind that interviewing candidates can be incredibly boring, make your skills stand out.

Good luck

[SunnyL]

I'd second Fallen. So long as they dont turn up in jeans i honestly cant remember what people wear when i interview them. I can however remember clearly whether they have done sufficient prep i.e. Researched the company and made their answers relevant to the type of work we do. Oh and if the interviewer asks if YOU have any questions please please please think of something. I'd assume you werent interested if you didnt come up with something.

[IbbeldyObbeldyOO]

Thank you - I've doing lots of interview prep and trying to think of intelligent questions (and not being distracted by parking threads on mumsnet oh no not me) - will be popping to shops later for a suitably professional-looking outfit. I think I'm probably stressing about clothes because it's something to distract me from the far more stressful thinking about how to answer questions like "tell me about a time you failed at something" - pondering outfits is positively restful by comparrison.

[mrsminiverscharlady]

DH always wears trousers to interviews and it doesn't seem to have had an adverse effect on his career.

[deliasmithy]

Unless you're applying for something like new media or a fashion job I'd say you can't go wrong with a trouser suit. You can liven it up through your choice of top or shirt etc. It's not exciting but it says 'I'm taking this interview seriously'.

Make up - I don't wear any either so my thoughts are don't make yourself uncomfortable for the interview. I'd say light foundation or tinted moisturiser, mascara, if you do lipstick then go for a shade close to your own. You could do a bit of eye shadow but as I say don't cake yourself then feel icky.

[wonkylegs]

I wouldn't be interested in what a candidate was wearing as long as they were smart/presentable.
I tend to go for something that I'm comfortable wearing but because I feel I have better posture in a heels and a skirt I tend to stand up straighter which portrays confidence iykwim.
If it's a job where style is important dress accordingly but otherwise smart is the default.

[meditrina]

Trousers are fine (not jeans though - go for something properly tailored, and with a jacket).

Minimal make up is also fine.

What you say will be much more important. You do need to keep thinking of examples - even though you might thing something is slight/flaky/odd, it's generally better to have some ideas up you sleeve rather than look like a guppy with nothing to say. It might help if you reframe a 'what have you failed at' question to "how have I coped with a set back" so even though you have to admit something going wrong (and people who can't see they've ever been wrong do not come across well) it gives you a platform to describe resilience, determination and lateral thinking (channel 'The Bear Hunt'?)

[IbbeldyObbeldyOO]

I've got these in mink and this top - not tailored but clearly not jeans!