Senior Civil Service Interview- what to wear

[Waffles21]

Hiya

I’ve worked at Media companies for the last few years in senior roles, but anything goes in terms of what to wear. I’ve also lost a lot of weight so just rebuilding my wardrobe and haven’t got anything more formal. I applied for a role on a bit of a whim, not really thinking I’d get an interview and I have! I’m going on holiday on Friday and the interview is 2 days after I get back and I’m stressing about everything including what on earth to wear! Is it really formal? Would I get away with a smart dress, shoes and no jacket? If anyone could help I’d really appreciate it. I tend to wear brights, I do have a green Me and Em
dress or green waistcoat and palazzo pants but don’t know if they’d be smart enough. Argh! Thanks and if it helps it’s a panel interview.

A dreee and jacket is fine. It doesn’t need to be a suit as long as it’s smart. Jacket is a good addition. I am SCS and on site every day but rarely wear an actual suit anymore, I do always wear a jacket though, and tights if I’m showing my legs. Also I never wear open toed shoes or trainers.

I'd wear a dress and jacket.

I know you said no jacket (maybe you don't have one that fits?) but it definitely adds an air of smartness and professionalism.

Good excuse to buy a new outfit 😄

Thanks both, would a sleeveless waistcoat be a no? I assume so!
It’s the time to go shopping that’s the problem. Off on holiday on Friday and back 2 days before the interview! Maybe I’ll just need to do an online order to be delivered when im
back!! Thanks!

a sleeveless waistcoat over a shirt or on its own? For an interview I probably wouldn’t show my shoulders but that might just be me.

This is exactly why I asked, in Media it wouldn’t get a second glance!
would a linen blazer over a dress be suitable? I have a black dress and a pink linen jacket I could wear or would that be seen as too casual? Thanks!

I pretty much wear what I like and add a blazer. I think you definitely need a blazer/jacket for the interview - it will be worth buying as you will need one if you get the job!

Absolutely no to a sleeveless waistcoat at interview. What level SCS are you interviewing for? All CS interviews are panel interviews so that doesnt make a difference.

You will need a blazer for the long term as if you end up briefing ministers etc, my experience is it still tends to be more formal (i'm in a small but central Dept). I also keep a pair of formal shoes in my locker for this reason as well.

If you feel more comfortable in palazzo pants than you could go for like a white shirt + palazzo pants maybe? Which me+em dress is it? Depending on your answer, id probably go for that one with a jacket over the top. Linen jacket would be fine i think.

Thanks everyone, these are the 2 dress options I have in my wardrobe. The black one isn’t as shiny as it looks here!

The green is great. Order a short cropped black jacket and add black shoes and you are sorted.

Perfect. Thanks so much, the green gives me confidence too. Really do appreciate all of your help, thanks!

So colours - you can be bold, bright pink, mint green etc, all fine. But it does tend to be more conservative in terms of coverage, so no bare shoulders etc.

Jackets would be expected.

Having said all that, I would expect them to focus much more on what you say, than what you wear.

Agree the green will be great. Good luck 🍀

What you say is more important, but knowing you also look good always helps with confidence!

Both of those dresses are lovely. A black blazer is great just to have as an easy option in case you need to pop one on quickly as they go with everything but if you do get the job you can wear fun blazers too, my favourites at the moment are a camel coloured oversized blazer with gold buttons and a pink/brown/black checked blazer.

I am currently interviewing on a SCS panel. Either of the dresses would be fine with a jacket on when greeting unless it is very hot in the building. Then tights again if not too hot. Go for on time, competent and professional.
All the best.