What to wear for interview in Primary School

[fernfriend]

I've got an interview for Class teacher at a primary school coming up and I've no idea what to wear!

I've been on maternity leave for a couple of years and i can't remember what I wore to work before maternity clothes! I'm still carrying a lot of weight around my tummy and am really self conscious about it.

I've got some black jeggings which I could pair with a smart top but do you think that's too casual?

Also, if it is hot, is it ok to wear open toe shoes to an interview?
Argh! So many questions.. I'm really nervous and I really want to make a good impression...

Thanks

I would normally wear a well fitted suit- a jacket and pencil skirt (I'm hourglass shaped). Low heels, but something you can comfortably walk in. A structured, line dress works too if its hot.

Are jeggings like leggings? NO- its a job interview, so something more formal and structured would be more suitable.

I don't think open toes on shoes for school are a good idea. Think of all the things kids could drop on them, etc. on a daily basis.

As long as what you wear is smart-ish, and can't be seen through, seen up or seen down then it probably will be fine.
Think about how practical what you are wearing would be in the classroom: can you sit down on the floor with children wearing it? What about crouching down/leaning over a desk?

I am the same as you. I’ve been for a few interviews recently- I have a pair of linen/cotton (drawstring waist ) loose fitting black trousers, which I pair with a white or cream shirt. Job done.

If it’s cool I wear a cardi, but a collared version from monsoon that’s a bit smarter.

This is for government type jobs so similar to teaching, and other candidates have been similar. I think for this environment functional is a good look, wear a slightly smarter work outfit.

Suits, heels and such aren’t really practical in my job, and image isn’t so important either. You need something that says I can do the job rather than project a corporate image.

For an interview I would say a smart structured dress with arms and cleavage covered or trousers and a shirt with closed toe shoes (even if they are flat). Clean blow dried hair and neat nails. Nail polish and light make up optional.

Don’t worry about some extra weight. That should not matter at all.

The aim is to look professional, suitably professional and neat and clean.

That’s my view.

I volunteer in a school and they even ask us not to wear open toe just because of the risk of injury from children stepping on toes and tipped chair legs coming down.

What about a dress and a cardigan? You could do a more formal office style dress. The teachers in the school I am in wear anything from informal dresses, formal dresses (with cardigans so less formal), skirts with t shirts, leggings with tunics. Bright colours seem to be prevalent though. T bar shoes with bright tights too. I think it depends on the school.

I’m a primary teacher and have always worn a suit (either trousers and jacket or skirt and jacket with top or blouse) for interviews. At the very least I’d say trousers or skirt of the type that would be with a suit, with a smart top or blouse. If skirt, not too short- below the knee. Jeggings would be against the staff dress code for day-to-day in my school, never mind for an interview when you should be at your smartest. I would say you can’t be overdressed but you can be underdressed. Good luck!

I interviewed primary school teachers for jobs for over twenty years. You just need to look as if you are dressed for work and while jeggings may be suitable when you are in post they are not suitable for an interview. You need to strike a balance and not look as if you are going to a wedding but look as if you have made an effort. I nearly lost the best job I ever had by being too smartly dressed! Personally I’d suggest a comfortable dress. Remember that people only see the top half when you sit down and you don’t want a low neckline. I wouldn’t worry about sandals v shoes. When I trained we were told no sandals , but once I qualified I generally only wore them for comfort.
The panel won’t be judging you on your appearance so much as on how you answer the questions and whether they think you would fit into their school. Questions might have changed a bit in the last few years so think about what might come up in advance.

Thanks so much for the replies. I'm so glad I checked.. I'm so nervous about the interview I feel like a rabbit in the headlights..

I wanted to check jeggings and open toed shoes as my DS teacher wears them all the time! But I agree that it is different once you are in the post..

I am going to take your advice and buy some smart trousers and shoes. And I'll wear a blouse or something. The interview is with Reception class so I need to be able to move comfortably during my lesson.

Thanks again for the advice.. it's super helpful.

In the past, I've got some nice suits and blouses from M&S. No idea what they have now though. They also have peep-proof blouses, with an extra, hidden button that doesn't allow boobs to pop the button. I've also got some nice linen trousers and jackets from next in the past. best of luck with the interview x