Teaching job interview outfit

[NomenOmen]

I’ve got an in-person (socially distanced!) interview coming up for a teaching post. I’m moving sectors, and have previously been able to wear very casual outfits. I’m trying to pick something suitable from my wardrobe, but don’t own a suit or blazer. I was thinking an embroidered velvet skirt (knee length, black, Brora), with either a slim-fitting black cardigan or a black cashmere jumper, tucked in. Shoes are a problem: I’m tall, so while I would typically wear heels, I’m anxious about towering over my interviewer when we meet. I have a pair of fawn suede kitten heels. Too twee? Otherwise it would be black high-heeled ankle boots. I don’t own a smart coat, so was thinking of wearing my All Saints leather jacket. Would this be an ok outfit for a teaching interview? Any advice much appreciated.

what kind of school? Is there a website? I would look at what teachers in the pic are wearing to see whether it is formal or not. I teach in a formal school think your outfit sounds fine, but a little edgy maybe. There are school that are very casual though and maybe you could wear black pants and flats? Whatever the case, good luck! What age are you looking to teach?

Thank you for your reply! I’ve had a look at the website & prospectus but the only pictures are head & shoulder shots which don’t give much away: the female teachers seem to wear a variety of things - blouses, jersey tops, suit jackets...

I’ve only spoken to the head, who didn’t seem very formal (as far as you can tell from a phone conversation!).

The advert is for teaching across the school so KS3-5.

Thanks again.

Do you know anything else about the school? I am American and we have a wide variety of pedagogies and school atmosphere. If this school is very traditional I would dress accordingly. If more progressive, relaxed, or artsy I think your outfit would be great. Teaching is so personal they will probably want someone who "fit in" even if that is not articulated. Good luck!

Thank you. That’s really helpful.

The school seems progressive and aspirational. I’ll have a think about how I might reflect that in myself.

Just to set your mind at rest, the worst headship appointment I was ever involved in as a school governor, the best candidate unfortunately wore a black suit with black hair. She was great at interview but turned out to be a witch of a person. This was 20 years ago and I still feel the decision regarding her appointment should have been based on her clothes. (Obviously illegal). She continued to wear the black suit in a primary school every day!

So, if I’m honest don’t wear all black. A velvet skirt with embroidery is fine but find a toning top. A shirt or fitted knit. Just don’t wear all black!

I'd wear some colour. In a sea of black it's easy to remember the candidate who wore the mustard shirt or sea green blouse. Leather jacket would be considered a bit too informal for us but wouldn't go against you. Don't wear kitten heels unless you are confident you can walk in shiny corridors and don't worry about towering over anyone - all our slt are under 5'7" so it's hard not too! Good luck with the interview.

Not boots and leather jacket

Small heels yes

I would just take an umbrella incase and not wear a jacket if nothing suitable or an dark extra cardigan which you take off on entry to the place if walking

Thank you for all this excellent advice. I hadn’t thought about the all black thing at all... I wear all black a lot (I promise I’m not a witch ). I’ll look out a lighter top.

And gosh, yes - slippery corridors. That has just cast me back to my own schooldays! How could I have forgotten them?

This is all very helpful. Thank you.

Just don't wear a coat and get wet/cold.

I'd wear a shirt on the top.

I think we should set up some kind of interview clothing loan service! There's so many of us of various shapes and sizes with wardrobes (and bodies) busting at the seams while we work from home