Why are sandals a no-no for a job interview?

[LaCerbiatta]

After some research have now established this. But why?? Are toes offensive? I'm not talking about flipflops, just something like these for example.

I'm quite tempted to breaking the rule for my interview tomorrow.... or will it cost me the job?

aha, all becomes clear...
I know what you mean re academia - I was interviewed for my current post by a man in shorts, polo short, socks and brogues and a woman in jeans and a waistcoat.

Play it safe - they want someone who is professional and capable. If it were an artsier or more creative job you'd have more leeway to be quirky.
Gut feeling says suit, blouse and closed toes, but I suppose a vest would be fine if jacket stayed buttoned (make sure it doesn't gape when you sit down).
Of course once you start the job you can dress less formally, but I guess part of the role is approaching sponsors and funding bodies etc as well as tweedy profs so they need to see you can present yourself well.

I wasn't thinking about buying the shoes I linked for, they were just examples.

What do you do MrsB? I thought you were either Trinny or Susannah , not working in academia!!

trouser suit and vest lovely - assume you won't take jacket off - and yes sandals are better with trousers, but still shoes better - just smarter and more 'gussied up' - i live in sandals, but i have my patent heeled shoes should i ever return to work!

it is going to rain tomorrow.

No no, I am a scientist not a stylist...

(gene therapy, as it happens)

Really? I'm a scientist too but dropping out! I've had enough of pipettes and eppendorfs! Not sure exactly what I would really enjoy doing so I'm just applying for different things....

I was interviewed for a library job once by someone trimming his nails with a Stanley knife throughout
and...he was wearing Birkenstocks!
Best of luck with the interview tugamommy, from what MrsB says, you'll be the best dressed in the room!

what a small world - good luck!
(NB if you enjoy it, look at scientific writing - SIL left academic biochem for it and is loving it)

Is she? It's one of the things I would consider actually. Not many positions come up though... I had initially thought about regulatory affairs for a pharmaceutical company but again there are so few positions advertised that I'm now considering almost anything that comes up (my contract ends in Dec)

ah, that wonderful 'other' tickbox on the NewScientist jobs website...

Yes! Not that many ads though.... London is probably a lot better....

That was why I had to leave the NHS in the end - no-one did what I did outside London...

Just looked in Newscientist for the 'other' in the whole country and there are a few scientific writing positions to work from home. They don't show up when I search just my area. I might consider it and then I'll have you to thank for it, Mrs B! (I'm really negative about this interview tomorrow, aren't I?!)