Wear pants or skirt to interview?

rainbows7

It's for an interview in a run down school. Which is best to wear? Thinking with a skirt I may look over dressed? Tks for your help in advance.

Michellenman

Regardless of where the interview is on you should always make your best effort to look your best and professional.
I had an interview yesterday morning and I wore a grey pencil skirt, crisp white wide lapel shirt with 3/4 sleeves and a black fitted blazer, nude tights and black suede heels. There were others there for the interview who wore slacks and a shirt and even some in jeans. For me, I'd rather be slightly over dressed and give the impression of professionalism rather than really under dressed and leave the interviewers thinking that I was unsuitable for the role.

tinkerbell

hazel111 wrote: »

It's for an interview in a run down school. Which is best to wear? Thinking with a skirt I may look over dressed? Tks for your help in advance.

First of all, the fact that the school is "run down" should not even come into your head! It is a place of work where there are professional standards. You should look very smart, wear professional attire - a suit pants or skirt and a matching jacket.

Even if you are overdressed, it is much better looking like you've made an effort to dress well and you will look professional. Some people tend to make the mistake of dressing similar to the people who currently work there, i.e. if you're going for an interview in a place of work where they always wear casual, you're still way better to dress in a suit rather than casual attire, even if you'll never wear the suit again if you got the job there!

First impressions are everything, make sure it's a good one. They won't be offended if you're too smartly dressed, but if you're a way under-dressed, that could go against you.

Mouldy Mary

hazel111 wrote: »

It's for an interview in a run down school. Which is best to wear? Thinking with a skirt I may look over dressed? Tks for your help in advance.

You should always wear a skirt to an interview. I had a boss once who used to say "no one was ever sacked for wearing a skirt, many were sacked for wearing trousers."

ElleEm

Mouldy Mary wrote: »

You should always wear a skirt to an interview. I had a boss once who used to say "no one was ever sacked for wearing a skirt, many were sacked for wearing trousers."

What??

I would NEVER wear a skirt to an interview as I'm not a "skirty" person.
I wear smart clothes that I feel represent me.
I wouldn't wear a skirt cos that's not me.

MistyCheese

I agree with ElleEm. No-one should feel they "have" to wear a skirt. And I am a skirty person.

Being overdressed shouldn't be an issue in an interview scenario OP. Wear what you feel most comfortable and professional in, if wearing a skirt would make you feel uncomfortable then don't.

bath handle

ElleEm wrote: »

[QUOTE=Mouldy Mary;78012608

What??

I would NEVER wear a skirt to an interview as I'm not a "skirty" person.
I wear smart clothes that I feel represent me.
I wouldn't wear a skirt cos that's not me.

Some employers have a policy ; No "skirty", No " Jobby".

gingernut125

I don't think I'd want to work for a company that had a ridiculous policy like that

Milk & Honey

gingernut125 wrote: »

I don't think I'd want to work for a company that had a ridiculous policy like that

A company can't have a policy like that officially. The problem is at the interview. The interviewer can just decide someone is "unsuitable" because of some prejudice and nothing can be done about it afterwards.

gingernut125

Milk & Honey wrote: »

A company can't have a policy like that officially. The problem is at the interview. The interviewer can just decide someone is "unsuitable" because of some prejudice and nothing can be done about it afterwards.

some people on this thread are saying otherwise.

Pretty Polly

Whatever you decide, make sure that you feel comfortable. You don't want to spend the time being self conscious of your skirt in case in rides up.

amdublin

Mouldy Mary wrote: »

You should always wear a skirt to an interview. I had a boss once who used to say "no one was ever sacked for wearing a skirt, many were sacked for wearing trousers."

Your boss is an outdated dinosaur.

Op I'd suggest a skirt suit or a trouser suit. Whichever you feel more comfortable in.

Always dress up, rather then down.
If you feel too dressed up when you arrive you can take off a jacket.
If you feel too dressed down you can NEVER make a change that will dress you up.

Andremac96

skirt would be better but depends on you

aujopimur

If you're a man I'd go for the pants.

bath handle

amdublin wrote: »

Mouldy Mary wrote: »

You should always wear a skirt to an interview. I had a boss once who used to say "no one was ever sacked for wearing a skirt, many were sacked for wearing trousers."

Your boss is an outdated dinosaur.

Op I'd suggest a skirt suit or a trouser suit. Whichever you feel more comfortable in.

Always dress up, rather then down.
If you feel too dressed up when you arrive you can take off a jacket.
If you feel too dressed down you can NEVER make a change that will dress you up.

What if there is another outdated dinosaur on the interview board?

exador

aujopimur wrote: »

If you're a man I'd go for the pants.

Was thinking the same.. imagine turning up with the same skirt as the person interviewing you..he may not be too impressed ..

Milk & Honey

gingernut125 wrote: »

some people on this thread are saying otherwise.

http://www.equalitytribunal.ie/uploadedfiles/Decisions/EE09-2000.PDF

RECOMMENDATION
6.1 Based on the foregoing I find that Tesco Ireland formerly Power Supermarkets directly
discriminated against the 45 named female claimants in terms of Section 2(a) of the
Employment Equality Act, 1977 and contrary to Section 3 of that Act when it refused to allow
them to wear trousers whilst at work.
6.2 In accordance with paragraph 5.10 above I recommend that Tesco Ireland pay a total of
£1,500 to the 30 female claimants who are na

gingernut125

Milk & Honey wrote: »

http://www.equalitytribunal.ie/uploadedfiles/Decisions/EE09-2000.PDF

RECOMMENDATION
6.1 Based on the foregoing I find that Tesco Ireland formerly Power Supermarkets directly
discriminated against the 45 named female claimants in terms of Section 2(a) of the
Employment Equality Act, 1977 and contrary to Section 3 of that Act when it refused to allow
them to wear trousers whilst at work.
6.2 In accordance with paragraph 5.10 above I recommend that Tesco Ireland pay a total of
£1,500 to the 30 female claimants who are na

I'm aware its illegal, but some people here are saying they've experienced otherwise.
breaking a red light is against the law, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Milk & Honey

gingernut125 wrote: »

I'm aware its illegal, but some people here are saying they've experienced otherwise.
breaking a red light is against the law, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

My point is that it is easy to get rid of someone at the interview stage for wearing trousers. Any old excuse can be given.

Mouldy Mary

Milk & Honey wrote: »

gingernut125 wrote: »

I'm aware its illegal, but some people here are saying they've experienced otherwise.
breaking a red light is against the law, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

My point is that it is easy to get rid of someone at the interview stage for wearing trousers. Any old excuse can be given.

That is why a skirt should always be worn to the interview and also the first day at work. There is no point in losing a job just because of a dislike of skirts. A bit of practice wearing similar clothes to the interview outfit a few times in the days before the interview will eliminate any discomfort or awkwardness.

I have never worn a skirt to interviews. A smart suit with trousers looks businesslike enough.
If they don't want to hire me on such a stupid pretext considering everything else I have to offer, I'm better off.

Mouldy Mary

bluewolf wrote: »

A smart suit with trousers looks businesslike enough.
f.

That is really a matter for the interviewer, not the candidate. If somebody wants a job, they should not appear to be obstinate.

Miss Lockhart

Mouldy Mary wrote: »

That is why a skirt should always be worn to the interview and also the first day at work. There is no point in losing a job just because of a dislike of skirts. A bit of practice wearing similar clothes to the interview outfit a few times in the days before the interview will eliminate any discomfort or awkwardness.

And what of those interviewers who dislike skirts? What if somebody secretly thinks any woman showing any leg is a disgrace? Surely trousers would be safer then?

It works both ways. Wear a smart suit - trousers or skirt. You will not be overdressed for the interview.

Milk & Honey

Miss Lockhart wrote: »

And what of those interviewers who dislike skirts? What if somebody secretly thinks any woman showing any leg is a disgrace? Surely trousers would be safer then?

The balance of probabilities favours skirts.

http://career.ucla.edu/Files/PDF/CFA/CFA_GetthatInterviewMakeove_UCLACareerCenter.pdf

For female candidates, they suggest:
• White, off-white, or neutral-colored blouse with a conservative neckline
• Suit with a skirt preferable to a pantsuit
• Avoid ill-fitting (short, tight, clingy, or slit) skirts
• Closed-toe leather pumps with low to medium heels
• Avoid open-toe strappy high heels, sandals, or shoes with decorations
• Natural, skin-colored hosiery
• Briefcase or portfolio in place of a handbag or purse
• Conservative nail polish - avoid unusual colors, e.g. green, blue, lavender
• Understated makeup
• Understated classic accessories that do not exceed 13 in number
• Small stud earrings instead of dangling or oversized earrings
• Pull back long hair in a neat, simple style - no “big hair” or elaborate styles.

Gin Fizz

I think that putting your best foot forward and showing that you make an effort is important at an interview so as long as you look and feel your best I think that counts for so much at an interview

Miss Lockhart

Milk & Honey wrote: »

The balance of probabilities favours skirts.

http://career.ucla.edu/Files/PDF/CFA/CFA_GetthatInterviewMakeove_UCLACareerCenter.pdf

Perhaps, but I wouldn't necessarily compare American attitudes with Irish ones.

Milk & Honey

Miss Lockhart wrote: »

Perhaps, but I wouldn't necessarily compare American attitudes with Irish ones.

Look at the cases taken before the Equality Tribunal. There are numerous cases of women being put under pressure to wear skirts.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/business/mhidgbqlgbau/
http://www.eatribunal.ie/determinationAttachments/7db9702f-c2ef-45c2-923e-816c8fb61258.pdf
http://www.equalitytribunal.ie/uploadedfiles/Decisions/DEC-E2000-08.PDF
Also look at this thread in the Work & Jobs Forum

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=62921906

DeirdreP

Wear a skirt (not too short mind) - IMO nobody every failed an interview for wearing a skirt. Once you get the job you can wear what you like (within reason obviuosly )

saa

Hmm what about entry level jobs, such competition now turning up "dressed" might look odd if everyone else isn't

saa

I think slacks are hard to pull off or at least find ones that fit properly if you can fine but most off the rail ones don't fit thighs and waists very well unless you're trim, maybe thats just what I've found as a short person of 5"3 they just dwarf me but I cannot believe employers would have such an issue about slacks!

LordSutch

hazel111 wrote: »

Wear pants or skirt to interview?

Suggest your wear both, otherwise the employers may think you are related to Sharon Stone!

secretambition

My personal favourite is a dress and matching jacket in a conservative colour. I'm not a shirt person so I go for a slash neck dress. (at least I think that's the term I'm looking for.:))

Pandora2

saa wrote: »

Hmm what about entry level jobs, such competition now turning up "dressed" might look odd if everyone else isn't

It might be the one thing that gives you an edge/distinguishes you from the others

I had this dilemma a few weeks ago, sadly I didn't get the job but, I did feel better for wearing a skirt that day and felt it was the right choice (It was a school also), the other female applicants I saw had also went with a skirt.

Truthfully, I don't think a smart trouser suit should be a dealbreaker but, I suspect it might be to somer interviewers:eek:

pixie_dust

I have a few interviews coming up and can't find any suits that don't look as if they are made for old women.

So therefore I will probably wear a dress(not anything too conservative), trousers can look boring sometimes...and if there is old men interviewing -you're probably better off looking girly since those attitudes still exist within this country.

But I'd only wear whatever you feel most comfortable in, you'll feel more relaxed and natural; which will give off a better vibe to employers.

lorebringer

I, personally, think when it comes to interview clothes that keeping it simple if a really good look. Clean, reasonably plain (but with something that will be remembered, not for the wrong reasons!) and not looking like you are trying too hard to impress with your clothes. If you do go for a skirt, don't go much above the knee (I cannot remember the number of times I have sat in waiting rooms with belts on display - once sat across from a girl, in a waiting room for an interview, whose underwear I could see the entire time due to the shortness of her skirt. So tacky).

Twee.

lorebringer wrote: »

I, personally, think when it comes to interview clothes that keeping it simple if a really good look. Clean, reasonably plain (but with something that will be remembered, not for the wrong reasons!) and not looking like you are trying too hard to impress with your clothes. If you do go for a skirt, don't go much above the knee

Yup, you have to do the sitting test! Might look fine standing, but sitting might be another story!

Milk & Honey

saa wrote: »

I think slacks are hard to pull off or at least find ones that fit properly if you can fine but most off the rail ones don't fit thighs and waists very well unless you're trim, maybe thats just what I've found as a short person of 5"3 they just dwarf me but I cannot believe employers would have such an issue about slacks!

About 10% do according to the American surveys.

smirker

I think a lot depends on the level of job you are applying for. I had a boss who thought that lower status female employees should only wear trousers and that skirts were for the higher status only.

Versatile Fashionista

I always wear trousers personally

Milk & Honey

Versatile Fashionista wrote: »

I always wear trousers personally

What other way can you wear your trousers?
You can hardly get someone else to wear them for you.

kneeler

A skirt is the only thing.

shinny

Every job interview I've gone for I've been offered the job or advancement to the next stage and I've never worn a skirt. I must be the exception the rule.

If you're not used to wearing skirts it's going to make you feel uncomfortable. If you feel comfortable in pants, chances are you'll do a good interview and this is all a good employer should be interested in.

If someone employs you on the basis that you wore a skirt well I'd say there'll be trouble down the line.

Milk & Honey

shinny wrote: »

Every job interview I've gone for I've been offered the job or advancement to the next stage and I've never worn a skirt. I must be the exception the rule.

If you're not used to wearing skirts it's going to make you feel uncomfortable. If you feel comfortable in pants, chances are you'll do a good interview and this is all a good employer should be interested in.

If someone employs you on the basis that you wore a skirt well I'd say there'll be trouble down the line.

Given that only 10% of interviewers have a difficulty with trousers there are bound to be people who never encounter one of them, even after a large number of interviews. the point is that they are out there. It is not so much that they employ someone on the basis that they wear a skirt but they refuse to employ someone who wears trousers.