What to wear for a civil services grade 7 interview?

[Autumnnymph]

Calling on to the collective MN wisdom for help, please!

I have an interview for a grade 7 role in just over a week. I have worked in private sector with tech start ups all my life so very much used to people turning up in jeans for interviews. As I am sure that isn't the case in civil services; how should i dress?

Dress with a matching jacket?
Suit?

Conservative or smart casual? I am off shopping on Monday, help!

Once you're in the civil service (depending on which department) it tends to be smart casual but for interviews it's generally business dress. Trousers, skirt or dress with a smart jacket would be fine.

I'd go conservative - a suit or skirt and smart top, or dress and jacket. Once you're there it might be more casual, but different departments/teams vary in that respect, but no one will think it odd if you wear a suit/dress etc to interview even if their normal day-to-day work clothes are less formal. The panel will probably be suited and booted, too.

Meant to say, good luck for the interview! I'm sure you'll be fabulous!

I agree with ButFirstTea - civil service does tend to be quite casual until you reach the higher grades (DP and up). Then its suits and more smart casual (think trousers instead of jeans)

For G7 interview I would absolutely wear a suit or dress with jacket.

Good luck with your interview

My department is ridiculously causal at all grades, but for any interview we still expect people to make an effort as it's part of the game really isn't it. Definitely dress as smartly as you are comfortable in.

Oh, and don't expect the panel to necessarily be suited and booted by the way!

Thanks all! I am looking online but I think i will go to the shops on Monday and have a wander. I am an apple shaped petite so would prefer to try on the options before buying one.

Its been over 15 years since i last bought a suit!

Dress and jacket is perfect - instantly looks "put together"

Tights, sensible-ish shoes, no large or distracting jewelry (including stuff that you might find yourself fiddling with during the interview)

Basically you need to look like someone can ring you and say "get here and brief the minister on your lead area in 10 mins" and you would be presentable

Good luck!

Do you want any suggestions for outfits, or are you going to browse in person?

@OlennasWimple i would love some suggestions! I am not really a jewellery person - tend to be shit at accessorising!

I was looking at this dress - www.johnlewis.com/jigsaw-paris-fit-sleeveless-dress-black/p3335947 though something with a V neck would be more flattering. I am thinking of pairing this with a brighter jacket.

Or this - www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-eva-crepe-dress/p3247728

Also recommendations on shops I should look at would be much appreciated. Ca't believe i am 38 and in a tizzy about buying a business dress :D

Those are both lovely dresses - though I find it harder to match a jacket with a V neck

Hobbs, Jigsaw, Whistles, Reiss, Ted Baker are all worth a look (or used to be). If you've got a decent department store near you, I'd start there. John Lewis own brand can have some good basics, and even some of the more staid brands can be good for quality staples like a work jacket

Here are some suggestions for long sleeve dresses (so you don't even need to get a jacket)

Boden if these colours work for you

LK Bennett

Hobbs

JL navy - especially if you have a nice bracelet or watch

I see very few suits on women these days - smart trousers with blouse and jacket, or a dress with a jacket are much more the norm.

I agree with sensibleish shoes and no distracting jewellery.

@OlennaWimple love the Boden one! Will order it now!

I also have this dress - pic attached - thoughts?

I would go for a tailored and structured dress in pretty heavy material during autumn/winter.
I have a few nice dresses like that from Next and Jigsaw, and someone posted a lovely Boden one on a job interview thread the other day too.

This one! m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/smart-day-dresses/j0324/womens-laura-ottoman-dress?awc=1669_1541885676_d7c79a88940396a54ae232d36b194d5d&code=6T2C&cm_mmc=AWUK--78888--Affiliates-_-text

Glad you liked it!

It's hard to see from the photo, but that dress is lovely but probably too informal for an interview (if you get the job you could wear it work though)

On second thoughts - agree with you @OholyNightowl - that Biden dress is lovely but won’t work for my body type. I am a 5 foot 2 inch apple and quite busty.

I am trawling through the JL site now

Civil service not civil services!

Dress and jacket perfect

Thoughts on this one? Cobalt suits me well normally

The blue dress is a good call. I'm in the civil service. Dress and jacket or suit are both fine.

Thanks@E20mom - would the blue one be fine on it’s own or should I add a smart black jacket ?

Like the blue one! Might gape if you are busty though.
Have you looked at Bravissimo? I have a few very nice work dresses from there.

Add a jacket - you can always take it off once in there