Maybe I’m old school, but I think you always dress up for an interview, regardless of how others are dressed. I interviewed at a construction company years ago and most in the office were in jeans and polos. Definitely didn’t wear a full on suit, but definitely a nice dress, Tights, and heels.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of sandals were they? If they were sports/hiking (a big no) if they were not and she was a fairly large woman I’d pause.

Sometimes really fat people have issues finding nice clothes that fit well.

No, they don’t. I am what I’m certain DCUM would consider a really fat person. I’m 5’4” and about 25 pounds overweight. I have several basic, well-fitting suits and an array of business blazers and black pants that fit me just fine and I look very professional for interviews. Sandals and a flower skirt with denim are not acceptable at any weight.

+1 I’m definitely fat and would never interview in anything but a suit, which fits well, and closed toe conservative shoes like pumps. Even before I switched to government, working in tech, I’d wear at least a professional looking skirt, blouse and cardigan for an internal promotion.

OP I’m a government hiring manager in a boring finance function, and it is SO hard to get good candidates these days. If she was my only good candidate, bring her back to meet my boss/2nd interview and see what she’s wearing. I would not coach her before or after, whether I hired her or not. If she has no government experience she’ll be on probation and it is easy to get rid of someone if it turns out to be a poor hiring choice.

Maybe that’s the best she had.

Anonymous wrote:What kind of sandals were they? If they were sports/hiking (a big no) if they were not and she was a fairly large woman I’d pause.

Sometimes really fat people have issues finding nice clothes that fit well.

No, they don’t. I am what I’m certain DCUM would consider a really fat person. I’m 5’4” and about 25 pounds overweight. I have several basic, well-fitting suits and an array of business blazers and black pants that fit me just fine and I look very professional for interviews. Sandals and a flower skirt with denim are not acceptable at any weight.

Anonymous wrote:If you really liked her and think she could do the job, do her a favor and let her know that she needs to dress more professionally and give her an example. Sometimes people just need to be given a helping hand.

Meant to also say - then do a 2nd interview.

If you really liked her and think she could do the job, do her a favor and let her know that she needs to dress more professionally and give her an example. Sometimes people just need to be given a helping hand.

What kind of sandals were they? If they were sports/hiking (a big no) if they were not and she was a fairly large woman I’d pause.

Sometimes really fat people have issues finding nice clothes that fit well.

I would probably ask her references if she's mature, dresses appropriately, shows up on time etc. I would worry that she might have a poor understanding of what is required in the workplace.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wouldn’t bother me. I hope she see this post and reports you.

??? Are you kidding? Reports OP for what? For recognizing that someone is immature and has bad judgment? It is not illegal nor is it discriminatory to not hire someone because the person showed up to a job interview in inappropriate attire. Sheesh.

+1

Anonymous wrote:Wouldn’t bother me. I hope she see this post and reports you.

??? Are you kidding? Reports OP for what? For recognizing that someone is immature and has bad judgment? It is not illegal nor is it discriminatory to not hire someone because the person showed up to a job interview in inappropriate attire. Sheesh.

Wouldn’t bother me. I hope she see this post and reports you.

I wouldn’t hire her. She lacks basic judgment. You don’t wear sandals to a professional interview, full stop.

^now not not

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would it be an issue if she dressed for work that way? Was she neat, clean, and well-groomed?

She was neat, clean, and well-groomed. Just very casual. It made me question her maturity and judgment.

I think it's a generational thing and not necessarily a maturity thing. Obviously, an older adult never told this person about looking "professional".

I work in IT, and it took me a long time to dress "down" like everyone else. I just couldn't get used to it, but not it's the other way.. I dress super casually and can't get used to dressing up.

tough call and for me it depends on the job too. Client facing public presentation , etc. Also depends on her work history. If this were someone who was just out of college or even MA but without work experience I would call for second interview. If htis were IT in San Fran, I'd let it go.

This is not about class or an expensive suit. While I think it can subtly help, you do not have to look uber fashionable or wear a Theory suit. I am guessing she would have been fine in black slacks, closed toe shoes and a blouse, with or without jacket or cardigan. But jean jacket, sandals, flowy skirt is not what you wear to an interview, ever.