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Original poster

Can I wear trousers to an interview?

33 replies

Easy · 05/05/2004 15:51

I have got an interview !!!!

Its for a management job, thing is I think I now look smartest in my black trousers, and red/black check jacket. But back in the days when I last attended an interview (16 years ago !!) a woman would Never have worn trousers for something so formal. I know it seems stupid but, should I, or just my straight black skirt.

And, I've let my hair grow while I've been out of action. It's shoulder length. Is short hair more professional looking?

Sorry, this means quite a lot to me.

OP posts:
katzguk · 05/05/2004 15:54

i'd say trousers were fine, thats what i've worn to interviews but i'm not an oricle on these things plus i'm quite young and only just started my first job, so not sure if its okay for higher up type jobs.

i would neatly tie-back long hair, can you french plait it yourself or one of those knot thingys

katzguk · 05/05/2004 15:54

congratulations by the way!!

Hulababy · 05/05/2004 15:55

Well done Easy and good luck!

I wore trousers to my interview - got the job too It was part of a suitand looked smart. The key is to look smart and professional. I would go in what you feel most comfortable in.

As you know I have long hair too. For interviews I make sure it is nioce and shiny, well brushed and I generally tie it back.

Northerner · 05/05/2004 15:57

I'd say trousers are fine too Easy. Especially if you feel good in them.

Don't think short hair is more professional at all mine is v long so I tie it back for work.

I must be a member ot the old school also, remember being told at college to NEVER wear trousers to an interview!

Good luck BTW!

gloworm · 05/05/2004 15:58

just a few thoughts, I would have thought skirt/trousers wouldn't matter so long as you looked smart. Think hair may look "more professional" if worn up?? hard to say as everyone has different hair, some look better long, some better with short.
I always felt the most important thing at an interview was feeling comfortable with yourself, for example would you feel strange with a sudden short hair style that you're not used to? Am not phrasing this too well

AlanP · 05/05/2004 15:59

I know in the days when I was interviewing the only requirement was for a "tidy" appearance. So I would say yes.

There is no legal requirement for a dress code - its down to the individual - and the discrimination laws require that you can justify the choice made.

WedgiesMum · 05/05/2004 16:20

Congratulations Easy!! What's it for, when and where???

Think the trousers should be ok - I have given jobs to women who I have interviewed who wore trousers (though was seriously put off someone who chewed gum all the way through!!), and I think that as long as your hair looks neat and tidy that should be fine too.

Best of luck - if you need any practice I am an expert at interview technique and am always available to help!!

WMxx

serenequeen · 05/05/2004 16:22

trousers absolutely fine as long as part of overall smart and well groomed ensemble. good luck!

Codswallop · 05/05/2004 16:23

I wouldnt work anywhere where couldnt!

Lisa78 · 05/05/2004 16:23

Congratulations Easy

I interview in my role and I wouldn't give a monkeys about you wearing trousers, so long as you were clean and tidy. Hair wise, I don't think short hair looks more professional, so long as its not a windswept mess! If you're worried, clip it back

Good luck, let us know how you get on

Kayleigh · 05/05/2004 16:34

Congratulations Easy, hope it goes really well. When is it ?

Definitely yes to trousers, and as long as your hair is trimmed and tidy you should be fine.

highlander · 05/05/2004 19:52

Easy,

um, at the risk of being really rude - is a red check jacket not a bit loud for an interview?

A smart, not too tight, black trouser suit with a lilac/pale blue/pale pink shirt I think always looks stunning. If you don't have a maatching jacket, substitute a black or beige mac and take it off as soon as you enter the building. Draped over your arm, it can act as a useful emotional prop (my favourite).
Find out in advance if you're going to have a long tour of your new workplace and choose your footwear accordingly, but don't wear flatties - they're not feminine.
Absolutely no accessories, other than a small black handbag, watch and wedding ring. Earings and a necklace OK- but small and discrete. NO perfume (men hate it when confined in a stuffy room). Hair tied back and glossed down. MINIMUM of make-up - keep your lippy near-nude and don't be tempted to pile on tons of foundation as you'll only sweat through it.
You'll shake hands so make sure yours are well moisturised (start the day before, exfoliate if necess with sugar and glycerine) and your nails trimmed. Don't wear a loud nail varnish - best to go without if you can bear it.

Let us know how you get on - best of luck

eddm · 05/05/2004 20:20

Wow Highlander don't know what profession you are in but that's a detailed list. I've got very senior jobs and been far less groomed than that! Have never exfoliated my hands for an interview - in fact had very dry hands (due to applying exczema cream to ds) at recent series of job interviews and still got the post.
And can't stand the 'don't wear flatties, they aren't feminine' school of thought. It's a job interview, not a date!

Tissy · 05/05/2004 20:30

could you contact someone who's already in post and ask what's appropriate for that workplace?- there might be a boss who's an MCP who likes to see a well-turned ankle.

Original poster
Easy · 05/05/2004 20:58

Goodness Highlander, what a list.

I never wear high-heels, I'm disabled and have enough bother with flats (anyway this is a senior management position, not a dolly receptionist, being feminine isn't on the list of requirements I don't think)
The jacket is a small houndstooth check, in very dark red and black, I have a dark blouse that matches it exactly. I feel smart wearing it. And I think 'props', like a coat draped over one arm, are at least pretentious, and at best a nuisance. I like a jacket to keep on, and either a handbag or small document case to carry, nothing else (unless you count my crutch, which is something of a worry to me, but I won't let the worry show - you bet)

OP posts:
bunnyrabbit · 06/05/2004 11:16

Easy,
Well done on getting the interbiew!! No mean feat in today's job market. What sector is the job in?

I personally prefer to carry a soft briefcase which holds both any documents I need (holds A4 nicely) and any personal things. It gives me less to carry (drop!) and it has a long handle so I can loop it over my shoulder to free up my hands. Sometimes in interviews they hand you info on the company when you check in at reception so I find free hands a must. This maybe good for you if you have a crutch.

Agreed that what you intend to wear sounds fine for just about any management job but obviously it does depend on your sector ie. If you're going for a sales job then flash is better than sober.

However, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and be yourself. No good getting the job trying to be someone you're not! When I interview I like to find out about the person I'm looking to employ, and although I do notice what their wearing, I look more for neatness and cleanliness than high fashion or labels.

As for shoes... well I must admit I wear boots!! As long as they're clean and suitable where what you feel comfy in! So I'm afraid the sandals/trainers are defintely out (and before you say it, no you can't wear your slippers).

BR

bunnyrabbit · 06/05/2004 11:19

My god! My grammar and spelling are appalling!!!

Notice "their" instead of "they're" and "where" instead of "wear" and a multitude of typos.

I wouldn't employ me if I saw this!

BR

WSM · 06/05/2004 11:20

Congrats !!!!

Unless you were interviewing for the post of 'leg model' then trousers are fine

Re your hair. What about a simple, elegant but tidy chignon (twisty thing) if you are worried about loose looking untidy ? I'd try out a few different 'updo's' before the interview until I found one which felt comofrtable and gave off the impression you wish to make

motherinferior · 06/05/2004 11:31

PPH - who is a top corporate lawyer - recommended to someone (I think it was Beccarollover - that she wear a smart black trouser suit to an interview. So there you go.

Don't possess a single pair of non-flatties, myself, haven't since I was 18, and have managed to acquire numerous jobs (and blokes) despite this failing.

Original poster
Easy · 06/05/2004 19:41

Thanks all.

Well, the job is I.T. Training and Communications Manager for a company in the Leisure sector. It's an entirely new post, they are interviewing 3 candidates. I have the skills they are looking for (fit the profile almost exactly).

oh, and about my hair, it's no worry really. It isn't long enough to do 'up', but freshly washed it is sleek and smart. If I get the job I'll probably have it cut anyway, easier to deal with in the long run.

Interview is tomorrow, which is why the panic, I only got 36 hours notice (otherwise I would have got a haircut). Fingers crossed (mind you, I'll have much less time on MN if I get it)

OP posts:
MadameButterfly · 06/05/2004 19:57

Good luck for tomorrow Easy
x x

marthamoo · 06/05/2004 20:02

Good luck, easy

sibble · 06/05/2004 20:26

Good luck, outfit sounds great and as long as you feel comfrotable...
When I used to interview I was obsessed with shoes, people used to turn up smartly turned out and with dirt caked to their shoes - maybe I shouldn't judge but to me it was sloppy. Clean shoes are more of a must for me than skirt v trousers and heels v flats.....

princesspeahead · 06/05/2004 22:54

oh my god, I'm being quoted as a shit-kicking style guru. by the motherinferior of us all. AND I'm TOP! faints with overexcitement

bunnyrabbit · 06/05/2004 22:56

Wow PPH can life get any better!!!

Good luck Easy.. please let us know how you get on.

BR

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