Prison interview - what to wear help

[MrsMaudwatts]

I have an interview for a job in a prison - not as an officer, as support staff - think tutor/librarian type role. What on earth do I wear?!

Smart office wear - a suit, a smart dress and jacket, a smart skirt and blouse. Tights (if you are wearing a dress or skirt) and smart shoes.

I worked in prison for years. They look for smart suit. No short skirts or stillettos. Hair tied back very neatly. No flesh on show. Make up is fine but not caked in and no false eyelashes. Keep jewellery to a minimum and no piercings.

Just smart office wear - think about how much skin is on show and avoid tight fitting clothes if you are getting a tour of the prison too.

If you are getting a tour of the prison I would suggest a smart trouser suit (lots of stairs in a prison), especially if it’s a male prison.

Thanks! So flat shoes?

I have navy trousers, crisp white shirt, and a navy tweed jacket. I was going to wear heels but maybe tan brogues would be better? Although they're quite old and battered. Might be OK if I polish them

I also have some low heeled court shoes... Would they be OK?

Or, I could wear a black shift dress, black tights, black flat ankle boots. Too black?

I have a facial piercing - I'll remove that.

I have long hair, tied back it looks awful. Would just the front tied back be ok do you think?

Minimal make up - that's fine

I kind of dreading it. I've hardly prepared because mind is so elsewhere. I really expected it to be cancelled. It's my dream job but I just can't focus how I normally would before an interview.

Best of luck, those outfits sound fine. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

If it's not too cheeky could you let me know what it's like at interview, I have recently applied for a similar role in a prison with the civil service.

Yes, will do wine - I've settled on black shift dress, black jacket, tights, low heels. I feel so formal!

I did this job at a prison for a while after I left secondary school teaching.
For my interview I wore smart clothes / think office wear style.

I have worked in a prison for many years in Education. It sounds fine what you are wearing. Don’t wear scarves or open toed shoes.nothing too low cut or sleeveless. Many of us wear trousers as we are up and down the wing stairs. It a great job - hope you do well.

I’d honestly wear the navy trouser suit with the low court heels. Trousers all the way for a prison job.

I think the trousers would be a better choice than the dress. Best of luck!

Yes I would also wear trousers rather than a dress.
I have been in a few prisons on visits and was always instructed to wear trousers as otherwise they look up your skirt when you go up and down stairs.

Good luck!

Ok, might revert back to trousers. I'll try both on in the morning, thanks all. I'll report back!

Definitely trousers and completely enclosed comfortable shoes. There are a lot of stairs.

How did the interview go?

I just found this post. I work in a prison (possibly in the same role). How did it go?

Thanks for all your advice, I got the job!!! Although it's all on hold at the moment...

Great news, well done!!!

Excellent news!

Well done!

Well done!

Oh well done you!