Turning up to interview in jeans and trainers

I think it also depends on whether there is a perception that the interviewee has made an effort. Clean, well fitting jeans and clean shoes, fine, clothes that look as though they e not been washed in an age, a definite no.

depends on the job. I used to interview in the NHS and wouldn't have been bothered provided the applicant and clothing were clean and they met the job requirements.

Because jeans are inherently more casual than trousers, regardless of provenance.

I work in a office environment where dress code is relaxed, interviews usually say smart, casual to prospective employees.

We did have one person turn up in full casual, jogging suit and trainers, not something I would turn up in but they were actually the best person for the job and were offered it.

Collar and tie at interview and, if in person, smart trousers and shoes.

In the office Rohan Bags and open neck shirt though in practice current role is 100% WFH.

Collar and tie actually regarded as too formal for face to face; clients can find it intimidating.

I think the adidas tackies are the worst part about it, jeans and trainers ok.

When playing a game on my iPad I sometimes see an ad for a fashion game in which you have to pick an outfit for a job interview, and none of the options look suitable to me!

It's all about respect. There is a (sometimes silent) dress code for everything.

I was told off as a teen when I went to an interview in a summer skirt/tank top (it was for a job at a Boots equivalent). The lady said to always be in formal wear no matter the job - the advice stuck with me!

Times have possibly changed. I am in my 60s and would have (and did!) wear trouser suits. However, at work although it is on reception, we can wear jeans and leggings etc. As long as we look 'smart'!

What I objected to when on another reception was a young girl chomping gum!!!

The suit thing would have been laughed at the factories I worked in. Lots of jobs make you do trial tasks or shifts, so you'd need to be able to do it appropriately and comfortably.

99% of factory workers aren't turning up in a suit.

It's outdated advice

I have a fair amount of hiring experience over the years and it was drummed into me quite early on that as long as people turned up to interviews in clean, tidy clothes, and they were clean themselves (no BO, clean looking nails, hair etc) then we couldn't penalise them for their appearance as, like someone else said, not everyone can afford a suit or even special "interview clothing".

I feel it was good advice.

However, I have definitely noticed a recent tendency for people to wear more casual clothing eg jeans/joggers/trainers but that is pretty much reflected on high street fashion, and to be fair a lot of the clothing worn is expensive (£150+ trainers) so it probably is their "best clothes".

I interview a lot and I do expect the more junior/intern/first job applicants to dress more formally than the role requires. It shows they are taking the proccess seriously. Someone with a more developed skillset suited and booted would ring alarm bells though as its would show they were totally unfamiliar with the industry.
I also dress up slightly when interviewing!

Dress smartly for an interview. You can wear what you like once you've got the job, it seems.

Maybe I'm way more out of date than I thought. I'd be really surprised at seeing people in jeans (trainers... not so much but depending on the style/cleanliness/whole outfit) for an arranged interview, even if it's 'what they'd wear doing the call centre job'. I think suits are getting to be outdated in most situations, but a simple shirt and belted trousers is surely doable.

DP always dresses smartly for interviews (trousers, nice jumper over shirt) and he drives HGVs! I'll have to let him know not to bother, get the comfy trackies on

Depending on what the working environment is. Call centre, they are quite relaxed, I would have worn black jeans and a nice top. I would probably wear the same for warehouse, agency, etc.

If it was in a more professional setting, I would wear a suit.

I don't think joggers and adidas would be a good first impression.

There are schemes available now where if you are unemployed you can go and get an outfit (2nd hand but all laundered) specifically for job interviews

Because it’s not about the cost of the attire, it’s about the image you wish to reflect at interview. Obviously your communication skills and experience come into play here, but what you wear is a reflection of the image you want to portray. You will be judged, at least partially, on what you look like.

I had that drummed into me as well.

I’ve had all sorts of shit, MW job interviews, but I’ve always worn the smartest thing in my wardrobe. Not that I have many clothes that aren’t leggings and sweatshirts, but I have Usually got some sort of a nice, plain dress in there, mainly so I don’t turn up at parents evenings looking like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards, and I only have one pair of decent looking shoes, dr martens, but that’s better than my trainers.

Believe me though, I know struggle, and I know not even having a tenner for the charity shop to sort yourself out with a shirt and trousers, so I do understand completely if someone doesn’t have anything smartish at all to wear.

Entirely depends on the job. I work in tech and absolutely no one comes in smart clothes to an interview. Jeans, trainers and a hoodie is the norm.

We once had an apprentice turn up in a suit and tie. He was lovely and we gave him the job, but 2 years later we still rib him about his interview attire!

Why would immaculate turn out be a red flag?

Chances are, some people are there from the job centre and they don't even own or can't afford new interview gear.
There's no room in the unemployment monthly payment of £390 to buy new clothes. £390 barely covers food... Let alone food, gas, electric, water, council tax, insurance etc.

I think people should be interviewed wearing clothing within the bounds of what's appropriate to be worn for the job they're applying for. Anything else risks distracting the interviewer from what's actually important.

You don't go to an interview dressed as the job you are applying for lol.

You go dressed smartly, even if you're gonna end up dressed in overalls or whatever.

I experienced interviewing for a food factory, showing up in a suit and smart shoes, getting the job on the spot and being given overalls to wear and heading right into my first shift.

What are the people doing the interview wearing?