What to wear for interviews

[Patch66]

I was made redundant at the end of January. I've had a first interview with a recruitment agency for which I wore a brown trouser suit. I now have 3 interviews coming up and I am wondering what to wear.

The roles I am going for are fairly high level in consultancy / research. Two are for specific research companies and one for a large banking group.

My tendency has always been to wear suits for formal work meetings / presentations but many women seem more casual nowadays. I don't want to look old and dated (I'm in my early forties) but i don't wnat to look too casual either.

I'd like to wear something that says I'm sharp and with it but with authority.

Think I need Gok Wan, but in his absence I'd appreciate any advice MNetters can offer.

can you go wrong with a suit?

ive always worn a suit for interviews, so not being much help lol

I had 4 interviews last year.

I wore my work uniform for one (trouser suit)
and I wore a dress with a short sleeved jkt for the next 2 and the last one I wore black trousers and a blouse.

Good luck with the job hunt!

I have just had 2 interviews at the same place for a senior role, and although the people interviewing me were fairly informal, I wore a suit and am glad I did.

As Vicar says, you can't really go wrong in a suit. To make it a bit sharper I would suggest a strong coloured top underneath (first interview I wore my grey suit with a lime green top, second interview I had a bright red top). I got the job and I'm sure it helped that I looked smart.

HTH and good luck.

a nice cut suit with a white blouse to look fresh and crisp and clean.

yes to a well cut suit - nipped in, slightly shorter length jacket and wide legged trousers, or similar type jacket and pencil-type skirt. Don't go for a white shirt with a black suit though and do wear one piece of striking jewellery.

Or coloured shoes.

A suit or dress always good. Wear something you feel comfortable in, as in you feel is appropriate and physically comfortable. You don't want to be worrying about anything other than your answers.

All I ever notice is smart and made an effort vs not.

Thanks everyone this is really great. My own instinct was for suit with either strong colour or crisp white blouse and a noticeable piece of jewellery. Glad to hear others agree.

One thing you must not forget to bring with you to the interview is enthusiasm.

TheDailyWail - yes I'll make sure I have plenty of that. I've done some interviewing in my time and I think the worst thing is those applicants who seem to have no interest at all and not an ounce of enthusiasm.

If you want to look sharp don't wear the brown trouser suit, go for black, navy or grey. Agree strong colour underneath not white.