To wear sandals to an interview?

[hamandpotato]

I've damaged both my big toes running and they've come off, I cannot put my foot in a shoe without wincing.

Would this be absolutely horrendous and I can tell the story? Or do I wince and just put a shoe on?!

@Quincythequince since when were bare arms not acceptable for an interview? Are you ok?

Why are you asking if you keep arguing back?

You're not the only opinion in town you know 🤣

Some of these comments make me feel like interviewing has turned into being put on the stand

better to wear trainers over sandals? Are you mad?

Wow. I really never knew that feet /sandals were a big no no for interviews. I work in a practical creative job and I wear flip flops, t shirts, vests, shorts etc (jeans and hoodie in the winter). I would prob try to look slightly smarter if I was going for an interview though.

Wow. I really never knew that feet /sandals were a big no no for interviews. I work in a practical creative job and I wear flip flops, t shirts, vests, shorts etc (jeans and hoodie in the winter). I would prob try to look slightly smarter if I was going for an interview though.

I'd wear the sandals and tell them that you injured yourself running a marathon so can't wear normal shoes.

I really never knew that feet /sandals were a big no no for interviews.

That's because they aren't.

In spite of some big opinions on here.

Try and wear shoes - personally I only like to see bare feet in perfect condition. I see people sometimes with the most appalling dry skin, dirty feet, chipped or uncut toenails and it makes me feel slightly sick.

I know its me....

This indeed!

Is there someone saying they would wear trouser and a t-shirt to an interview? Good god!

Yup. Like I say, big corporate, established professional, would most likely judge anyone who came in a suit to interview more than anyone who wore sandals. In fact, the only women I've seen wear a suit to interview in the past 5 years or so have been recent graduates who look very sweet and very young. Occasionally some men, but more likely to be shirts and trousers. Like I say, not a creative industry. The world moves on.

Although willing to accept the experience of people saying the NHS has not! But even then, sandals are so inoffensive!

Personally I would wear the sandals and explain why (briefly!) - I tend to see it as a positive to show a more human side/personality and a sense of humour in an interview!

I interview candidates for work, I can honestly say I wouldn't notice.

Defo what I would do. No need to over egg, or mention it again. Job done. Defo don’t wear painful shoes when you don’t have to, it will put you off doing well in the interview. Good luck with it op.

Yeah - I'm a lawyer and generally work in-house for massive multinationals, so a pretty professional/corporate environment. I would feel ridiculous turning up to an interview in a suit! I don't think I've ever done that since interviewing for training contracts as a student.

I have plenty of NHS experience (non-clinical roles) - the Trusts I worked at were more formal than the big corporates I've worked at. PAs typically dress pretty formally, as do the people they work to (mostly directors or heads of service, as those are the only roles that still have PAs).

This.

Just wear smart sandals and explain you’ve got a minor issue with your toes at the moment (mentioning your charity run may well get you some extra points!). The last thing you want is to be in pain and discomfort during your interview.

As long as the rest of your outfit is interview-appropriate, I doubt the interviewer will be bothered.

Good luck for Monday, OP.

@Duttercup are you NHS? T shirt for a band 5 pa would not go down well in my trust.

My SD interviewing for a professional position was given feedback on just this. Her bare arms - not appropriate dress.

Out of curiousity - when do the sandal wearing, bare arm people here think formal workwear should be worn, if not to an interview when making a first impression?

But in regards to the op. It’s fine to be polite and say apologies for the sandals I have an injury healing and like another said be breezy. Being in pain will probably put you off the interview. In our trust open toes are a no but then even back office often have to be around the public often or interact with clinic staff. Also isn’t it a bit gross to have bare feet out at work or am I institutionalised ha.

Smart clean white trainers with a trouser suit (think of something Trinny style, for lack of. A better expression).

This is very common now in many professional environments.

Sandals, nor so much.

I guess it shows the difference in working environments.

I can assure you I'm not attending an interview covering my arms and legs, it's not 1666. My forearms are not offensive.

Yes - I was imagining quite the horror scenario!

I get that.
But is you have pre-formed opinions, that won’t be swayed and you argue back, why post?

Seems pointless.