Wearing separates, not suit, for job interview with federal agency

[Anonymous]

I have a very limited budget and, unfortunately, a hard-to-fit body. So I can't just go out and buy all manner of beautiful suits to fit every occasion.

To interview for a non-legal position, say a GS-10, can I get away with wearing matched separates (jacket+pants) that are not made from the same fabric? So for example, a grey/black herringbone jacket and black slacks. It would be conservative, but clearly not a matched suit.

[Anonymous]

I think so. I'm a lawyer and I've actually worn that type of outfit to appear in court on occasion. (Not for a trial but for something like a motion or whatever.) Make sure your outfit is perfectly pressed and that your hair, makeup, and jewelry are very conservative and professional looking, and you should be fine.

[Anonymous]

I think its fine.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I work in a federal agency and very few of the women wear suits every day. I'm sure it varies depending on the office you're talking about but I don't necessarily think a jacket is even necessary so long as the outfit is neat and professional-looking.

[Anonymous]

It's one thing for how the office dresses. It's a totally different thing when you are interviewing and don't have the job yet and the potential employer knows nothing about you.

[Anonymous]

I do interviews for my agency atDOJ all the time. I will notice if a man is not wearing a suit, but as long as you look professional - it's fine.

You make an impression with who you are - not what you wear. And with the new regs, we see LOTS of people. I hardly notice you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's one thing for how the office dresses. It's a totally different thing when you are interviewing and don't have the job yet and the potential employer knows nothing about you.

That may be true but I disagree that a suit is always the best way to impress a potential employer. Maybe for a man, but not for women. Some of the best-dressed and most professional-looking women I know don't wear suits at all. It depends on the job.

[Anonymous]

There's a famous study that shows you make a first impression within seconds - and that impression is based upon your non-verbal (body language and visual appearance), not on your words.

I used to head up hiring in the corporate world and I will say that how you dress for that interview is extremely important. If you don't wear a suit, then others who do will have an advantage over you. I've seen 2 qualified candidates go down the wire and one being excluded because their visual appearance was not as strong as the other.

[Anonymous]

I wod ignore PP. I think you'll be fine. Most agencies are pretty casual (my old job had me visiting all different agencies all the time so I saw a lot). One exception might be the banking regulators, they're a little more formal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's a famous study that shows you make a first impression within seconds - and that impression is based upon your non-verbal (body language and visual appearance), not on your words.

I used to head up hiring in the corporate world and I will say that how you dress for that interview is extremely important. If you don't wear a suit, then others who do will have an advantage over you. I've seen 2 qualified candidates go down the wire and one being excluded because their visual appearance was not as strong as the other.

But I think the question that is being asked is, is a suit the ONLY way to make a professional first impression? I don't think anyone is arguing that the OP should not dress professionally for an interview - but does she have to wear a suit? Personally I think the trend for the below 40 crowd is away from suits - I go to plenty of meetings where I see professional women in nice skirts or pants with a separate top/jacket.

[Anonymous]

I think what is being said essentially is that appearing your professional best strengthens your chances of getting an offer. You do have to dress differently for an interview than you would if you already had the job.

You also have to think about your competition and the "package" they bring to their interview. It's not just the skills - it's how professional they appear, their personality, body language et al.