Interview Attire

halie520

I have an interview on Thursday. I am second guessing what I am going to wear. I have a skirt suit. The skirt is long enough, the thing that is bothering me is it is short sleeved. It fits good and is not tight. I have read different opinions on short sleeves. Some people say yes its okay and some say no. Thoughts?

TarHeels&Rebels

What industry are you interviewing for? How high up in the food chain are you?  The more formal the industry and your position, the less appropriate SS suits are. 

TarHeels&Rebels

Wait, your profile says you're in Colorado? SS suits are definitely not appropriate in January when there's a foot of snow on the ground - you'll look like you have no common sense. Wear the skirt, a button down shirt, a cardigan, and a skinny belt over it if the job isn't banking or law. Pair good high heels with it - something conservative in black is my vote.  As an interviewer, I understand not everyone can afford a suit, but you should dress as elegantly and professionally as you can cobble together on your budget - that's where the shirt and cardigan suggestion come in. 

halie520

Thanks for the advice. I do live in Colorado there is barley any snow on the ground right now and tomorrow it will be 50 degrees. I will try and pair something else together. I will be working in a hospital.

jessicah628

Would it be impossible for you to go and get a new suit or at least a blazer that you can pair with the skirt?

I completely agree that you should not be wearing a short sleeved suit in the middle of the winter, but I disagree about not wearing a suit at all. As someone who does interviews on a fairly regular basis, it's an automatic mark against you if you're not wearing a suit. I don't work in the healthcare field, but I'm also not at a super formal company. 

RachelAtHallak

As important as your wardrobe selections, are how they fit and look the day of. Make sure your sleeves, cuffs and length are properly fitted to your body shape. There is almost no such thing as a perfectly fitted off-the shelf garment; have garments professionally tailored, this is not a time to skimp on the basics you want to look as presentable as possible. In addition to length and fit, make sure garments are properly pressed, ironed and clean. If you are ironing at home, make sure the heat settings are accurate to care labels to avoid burning or hard-pressing, which can leave a shine on black items.