What to Wear to an Interivew

[Anonymous]

What's your opinion of appropriate attire for an interview? I usually come casual, but well put together. I avoid jeans but might pick colored denim with a cute top, no sandals. I recently interview with an agency who suggested that I wear a skirt, a button up top, and a blazer. I'm sorry but if I were a child and some "nanny" came to my house dressed like that, I run away crying. I'd beg my parents not to pick her. I think it's important to look fun and inviting, not stuffy and as if you're trying too hard. Thoughts? I'd like MB's to weigh in too, what's a "no" for attire and what's good?

[Anonymous]

Wear a below the knee skirt. You're a teacher, not a big sis playmate.

[Anonymous]

I wear a casual skirt, top and nice sweater. It's an interview not a "job tryout". Children don't look at your clothing and think "not fun" or "stuffy". To a kid, you can play in a prom dress.

[Anonymous]

skirt or nice slacks; shirt that is not at all skimpy/low cut but is nice.

If you could wear it to church, it's the right level of niceness. except no blazer - that's just too much for a non-office job.

[Anonymous]

Is this a real post?

[Anonymous]

OP, your normal interview attire is way too casual. No jeans. Nice pants or skirt. I think pps "if you'd wear it to church" is spot on. No kid is going to beg that their parent not hire a nanny who interviewed in a skirt.

[Anonymous]

MB here. I judge attire differently for a nanny position than I would for a workplace, so I think your plan is fine. I certainly wouldn't expect a blazer. It depends a bit on where you are interviewing also. If you'll be coming to my house, meeting kid(s) etc... then I think a little more casual is fine. If you're meeting at a Starbucks or something then ramping it up a bit to a casual skirt and nice top isn't a bad idea - especially if you want to be perceived as an experienced, high end, professional nanny.

What counts most of all is tidiness, cleanliness, well fitting clothing, and appropriately covered up (no significant cleavage, thigh, midriff, etc...)

My kids won't have any idea about your attire, but if I invite you to my house to meet them you should wear something you could comfortably sit cross-legged on the floor in.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MB here. I judge attire differently for a nanny position than I would for a workplace, so I think your plan is fine. I certainly wouldn't expect a blazer. It depends a bit on where you are interviewing also. If you'll be coming to my house, meeting kid(s) etc... then I think a little more casual is fine. If you're meeting at a Starbucks or something then ramping it up a bit to a casual skirt and nice top isn't a bad idea - especially if you want to be perceived as an experienced, high end, professional nanny.

What counts most of all is tidiness, cleanliness, well fitting clothing, and appropriately covered up (no significant cleavage, thigh, midriff, etc...)

My kids won't have any idea about your attire, but if I invite you to my house to meet them you should wear something you could comfortably sit cross-legged on the floor in.

Good luck!

I mostly agree, except I would never expect a professional nanny to get cross-legged on the floor at a first interview. A sitter, however, yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MB here. I judge attire differently for a nanny position than I would for a workplace, so I think your plan is fine. I certainly wouldn't expect a blazer. It depends a bit on where you are interviewing also. If you'll be coming to my house, meeting kid(s) etc... then I think a little more casual is fine. If you're meeting at a Starbucks or something then ramping it up a bit to a casual skirt and nice top isn't a bad idea - especially if you want to be perceived as an experienced, high end, professional nanny.

What counts most of all is tidiness, cleanliness, well fitting clothing, and appropriately covered up (no significant cleavage, thigh, midriff, etc...)

My kids won't have any idea about your attire, but if I invite you to my house to meet them you should wear something you could comfortably sit cross-legged on the floor in.

Good luck!

I mostly agree, except I would never expect a professional nanny to get cross-legged on the floor at a first interview. A sitter, however, yes.

I disagree, I ALWAYS interact with the children during the interview even if it requires me to sit on the floor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MB here. I judge attire differently for a nanny position than I would for a workplace, so I think your plan is fine. I certainly wouldn't expect a blazer. It depends a bit on where you are interviewing also. If you'll be coming to my house, meeting kid(s) etc... then I think a little more casual is fine. If you're meeting at a Starbucks or something then ramping it up a bit to a casual skirt and nice top isn't a bad idea - especially if you want to be perceived as an experienced, high end, professional nanny.

What counts most of all is tidiness, cleanliness, well fitting clothing, and appropriately covered up (no significant cleavage, thigh, midriff, etc...)

My kids won't have any idea about your attire, but if I invite you to my house to meet them you should wear something you could comfortably sit cross-legged on the floor in.

Good luck!

I mostly agree, except I would never expect a professional nanny to get cross-legged on the floor at a first interview. A sitter, however, yes.

Seriously? That's pretty hilarious. If you're too professional to get down on the floor with my kids when interviewing for a job then I want a sitter.

[Anonymous]

I wear a nice pair of black skinny slacks (I guess you'd call it that), a bright-colored, conservative blouse with a jacket and flats. I limit jewelry to a small pair of diamond studs.
Makeup is professional and not overdone. I make sure my hair is in a neat bun or a professional-looking ponytail.
When I know I'll be interviewing, I make sure my nails are clean, filed and painted with a clear, shiny polish.
No perfume.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wear a nice pair of black skinny slacks (I guess you'd call it that), a bright-colored, conservative blouse with a jacket and flats. I limit jewelry to a small pair of diamond studs.
Makeup is professional and not overdone. I make sure my hair is in a neat bun or a professional-looking ponytail.
When I know I'll be interviewing, I make sure my nails are clean, filed and painted with a clear, shiny polish.
No perfume.

MB here and I love this advice. Especially the attention to things like nails and perfume. Really smart.

[Anonymous]

For interviews I wear skinny, black ankle "slacks" from express, a crew cut tank top with a cardigan, and ballet flats. Minimum jewelry, usually stud earrings and a watch. My hair is clean, blown out, and if it's long then its pulled back. Minimum make up, no perfume, but I almost always have my nails painted a fun color (coral, hot pink, blue). I'm comfortable, look professional, and can still interact with the kids.

[Anonymous]

I can't believe this is a real post..I have worked with many families and I always wear jeans, shorts, t-shirts, dresses and during the winter a nice sweater.. I work with babies/kids for crying out!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't believe this is a real post..I have worked with many families and I always wear jeans, shorts, t-shirts, dresses and during the winter a nice sweater.. I work with babies/kids for crying out!

What do they pay you?