Women's Suit Interview Etiquette

[Nihl]

I was recently worried about wearing a pant suit to my interview, as that used to be looked down upon (in lieu of a skirt suit). However now I'm concerned about buttoning/unbuttoning suits when sitting. Apparently this is rather hotly debated in general, but I wanted to ask you guys about our specific interview.

I'm wearing a two button suit. I assume that the bottom button should always be unbuttoned (like men's suits) and when sitting it should be unbuttoned. Is this right? (I realize that some women's suits are never meant to be unbuttoned (like double breasted, or asymmetrical things that look odd unbuttoned) however this is like a typical two button men's suit.)

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[PsychApps2009]

I was recently worried about wearing a pant suit to my interview, as that used to be looked down upon (in lieu of a skirt suit). However now I'm concerned about buttoning/unbuttoning suits when sitting. Apparently this is rather hotly debated in general, but I wanted to ask you guys about our specific interview.

I'm wearing a two button suit. I assume that the bottom button should always be unbuttoned (like men's suits) and when sitting it should be unbuttoned. Is this right? (I realize that some women's suits are never meant to be unbuttoned (like double breasted, or asymmetrical things that look odd unbuttoned) however this is like a typical two button men's suit.)

I didn't realize suits were meant to be unbuttoned when you sit down. I see that as too casual a gesture personally. I have kept my suit (I'm a female, three button suit) buttoned the entire time. It definitely doesn't bother me and doesn't take away from the look of the outfit. I can understand having to unbutton if your suit pulls too much when you sit... but I would lean towards it being a personal choice which a lot of programs aren't going to base your admissions on. Just make sure the shirt you're wearing underneath is appropriate.

PS - It's funny what you said about the skirt suit. I actually don't prefer them myself (if I was going to look down upon anything it'd be skirt over pants) and are a lot more complicated to gauge appropriateness of. I've seen girls at interviews (been on three so far) that have what I consider to be inappropriate length of skirts (too short). Especially when they sit. And I'd rather not have someone focusing on my legs at an interview (especially if you're a female wearing heels... I just feel those can be too easily sexualized). But again, all personal preference.

 

[Psych Dork]

I was recently worried about wearing a pant suit to my interview, as that used to be looked down upon (in lieu of a skirt suit). However now I'm concerned about buttoning/unbuttoning suits when sitting. Apparently this is rather hotly debated in general, but I wanted to ask you guys about our specific interview.

I'm wearing a two button suit. I assume that the bottom button should always be unbuttoned (like men's suits) and when sitting it should be unbuttoned. Is this right? (I realize that some women's suits are never meant to be unbuttoned (like double breasted, or asymmetrical things that look odd unbuttoned) however this is like a typical two button men's suit.)

I don't think that they will be that critical. I doubt they will even notice if your suit has buttons. As long as you are dressed professionally and you carry yourself professionally then if your top/bottom whatever buttons are done or undone will not matter. Try to relax and don't stress about your outfit!

 

[Nihl]

PS - It's funny what you said about the skirt suit. I actually don't prefer them myself (if I was going to look down upon anything it'd be skirt over pants) and are a lot more complicated to gauge appropriateness of. I've seen girls at interviews (been on three so far) that have what I consider to be inappropriate length of skirts (too short). Especially when they sit. And I'd rather not have someone focusing on my legs at an interview (especially if you're a female wearing heels... I just feel those can be too easily sexualized). But again, all personal preference.

I know... I didn't even think about this till I was talking to my mother. She said I should look up if it's even acceptable to wear a pant suit. I came home tonight to look on the internet and sure enough, it is indeed considered less formal/classic to wear a pant suit. Personally though, I feel the way you do about them. My first interview is in 1.5 weeks so I wanted to ask around here.

Psych Dork - I'm not too worried, but I do like knowing the general rules in case I'm in a situation where I want to err on the side of caution. If I know the 'right' thing to do then it's one less thing to think about. Thanks for your response!

 

[psychmama]

I know... I didn't even think about this till I was talking to my mother. She said I should look up if it's even acceptable to wear a pant suit. I came home tonight to look on the internet and sure enough, it is indeed considered less formal/classic to wear a pant suit. Personally though, I feel the way you do about them. My first interview is in 1.5 weeks so I wanted to ask around here.

Psych Dork - I'm not too worried, but I do like knowing the general rules in case I'm in a situation where I want to err on the side of caution. If I know the 'right' thing to do then it's one less thing to think about. Thanks for your response!

It used to be considered inappropriate for women to wear pantsuits on interviews, but things have changed a lot in the past 15-20 years. When I started in another profession back in the 1980s I wouldn't have dared to wear pants to work -- ever! Now pants have become the norm, although I see plenty of skirt suits too on interviews. In my opnion, as long as you're professional and do not wear your skirt, pants, or top too low cut or tight you should be fine and will "blend" with most applicants.

 

[PsychApps2009]

I know... I didn't even think about this till I was talking to my mother. She said I should look up if it's even acceptable to wear a pant suit. I came home tonight to look on the internet and sure enough, it is indeed considered less formal/classic to wear a pant suit. Personally though, I feel the way you do about them. My first interview is in 1.5 weeks so I wanted to ask around here.

Psych Dork - I'm not too worried, but I do like knowing the general rules in case I'm in a situation where I want to err on the side of caution. If I know the 'right' thing to do then it's one less thing to think about. Thanks for your response!

Well, I've been on three interviews so far. Majority of females have been wearing pant suits at them. Only maybe a handful of girls were wearing skirt suits. That's also probably why I notice more of their flaws (i.e., if the skirt is too short, what shoes they're wearing). I googled what you said - and it seems you're right in what you found... but it hasn't seemed to matter so far at interviews, at least not for clinical psychology.

 

[PsychApps2009]

It used to be considered inappropriate for women to wear pantsuits on interviews, but things have changed a lot in the past 15-20 years. When I started in another profession back in the 1980s I wouldn't have dared to wear pants to work -- ever! Now pants have become the norm, although I see plenty of skirt suits too on interviews. In my opnion, as long as you're professional and do not wear your skirt, pants, or top too low cut or tight you should be fine and will "blend" with most applicants.

Agreed.

Though in my mind when you're talking about pant suits (like what a man would wear) that's different than wearing pants/slacks to work. My suit is tailored to fit very well - so I can't say it looks casual at all.

 

[psychmama]

Agreed.

Though in my mind when you're talking about pant suits (like what a man would wear) that's different than wearing pants/slacks to work. My suit is tailored to fit very well - so I can't say it looks casual at all.

Yes. When you have the choice for an interview situation, a well-tailored pant suit is better than regular separates. You will see some applicants wearing things like nice pants and non-matching sweaters or jackets. I personally like this look -- it's more my style. But when in doubt I opt for the suit on an interview.

 

[docma]

As an interviewer, I'd say pants suits are fine and whether you button or unbutton will not be noticed (unless you somehow look so uncomfortable that it is distracting). The advantage of a pants suit is that you don't get into the issue of skirt length being appropriate or just comfortable, given the variety of seating you can find in interview settings. The main thing is to wear something that is comfortable so you can relax as much as is possible in the circumstances.

 

[Wildcat06]

When I interviewed last year I think the skirt suit/pant suit thing was about 50/50. More skirt suits in the warm climates, more pant suits in the cold. But I don't think it matters. I also don't think those old etiquette rules apply, just use your best judgment 🙂.

 

[ClinicalTrainee]

I feel compelled to say that I have seen *far* more pants suits on internship interviews this year than skirt suits. I wore a skirt suit to the first interview I went on, and another applicant even commented "I'm so glad I'm not the only one wearing a skirt!" Yes, it's winter and cold in many places, so that might have played a factor, but I echo the other posters who have said the times, they have a'changed.

Also, having been in graduate school for *cough* many years, I've seen many a visiting day, and no one I know has looked down on pants suits. Honestly, as long as the person looks professional and presentable, I'm not going to judge or even notice what they wear. Someone last year wore a white pants suit, and that was memorable, but other than that, err on the side of conservative and professional and you should be fine.

 

[cara susanna]

I wore a pants suit and was fine. And if they reject you for not having the right button etiquette, I would not want to go there anyway.

 

[deleted176373]

Here is my (caveman-like) male perspective, as some women will judge each other on things like shoes. So if you have a female interviewer my perspective won't help.

I would think that the pant suit is the clear winner here. There are no concerns over the proper skirt length, etc. It looks professional and that's all I would be concerned about... Do you look serious and professional about pursuing your education.

That's it... anything more than that isn't going through the mind of many men. (I am engaging stereotypes here, I know) We don't care if you are wearing Coach or Jimmy Choo shoes. We don't care who made your purse. We do notice if you come in wearing a skirt that is inappropriate for an interview or a backless evening dress.

Now I know that I said the pant suit was the clear winner, but NEVER wear anything you know you don't look good in. Some women look better in a skirt or are more comfortable with a skirt, if that's you, then go for the skirt suit look. Feeling comfortable and knowing you look good help your self confidence, and that's more important that what you are wearing.

Mark

 

[PsychPhDone]

It never even occurred to me to unbutton my suit jacket...?! Not an issue...

 

[Wildcat06]

That's it... anything more than that isn't going through the mind of many men. (I am engaging stereotypes here, I know) We don't care if you are wearing Coach or Jimmy Choo shoes. We don't care who made your purse. We do notice if you come in wearing a skirt that is inappropriate for an interview or a backless evening dress.

Ha! I REALLY hope women in academia don't think like this.

 

[bookends]

i was just planning on wearing a striped button up work shirt tucked into black work pants (the typical work attire from express). should i buy a black jacket too?

 

[Blue86]

i was just planning on wearing a striped button up work shirt tucked into black work pants (the typical work attire from express). should i buy a black jacket too?

I know this is going to sound silly 😀 but does the shirt have to be 'tucked in'?

 

[bookends]

I know this is going to sound silly 😀 but does the shirt have to be 'tucked in'?

haha, i know it sounds nerdy! i used to work at express so their fashion sense rubbed off on me a bit. i'm kinda skinny so honestly, i look like i'm drowning in clothes if i don't pull them in someway.

kinda similar to this
v
http://www.express.com/catalog/prod...=Interest&user_att_value=Email&Mrsaa=*&Mrsavf=*

 

[Blue86]

haha, i know it sounds nerdy! i used to work at express so their fashion sense rubbed off on me a bit. i'm kinda skinny so honestly, i look like i'm drowning in clothes if i don't pull them in someway.

kinda similar to this
v
http://www.express.com/catalog/prod...=Interest&user_att_value=Email&Mrsaa=*&Mrsavf=*

What I meant was if it is some sort of rule of tucking in your shirt. I usually don't because I am not at all comfortable that way.. But maybe that is against the 'rules of proper etiquette'? I am kind of clueless when it comes to this 😀

 

[AllChildPsych]

What I meant was if it is some sort of rule of tucking in your shirt. I usually don't because I am not at all comfortable that way.. But maybe that is against the 'rules of proper etiquette'? I am kind of clueless when it comes to this 😀

I'd say if you can see the shirt tails below the jacket, tuck it in. If you aren't wearing a suit, tuck in if it looks better, but if it looks too tight or shows potential issues with your pants, stay untucked. But if you are untucked make sure the ends of your shirt tail look finished (curved edge, hemmed, etc.)

 

[Blue86]

I'd say if you can see the shirt tails below the jacket, tuck it in. If you aren't wearing a suit, tuck in if it looks better, but if it looks too tight or shows potential issues with your pants, stay untucked. But if you are untucked make sure the ends of your shirt tail look finished (curved edge, hemmed, etc.)

That's great to know, thanks! I'm not wearing a jacket. I might be wearing a vest. But the shirt looks fine (or finished). But yeah, my pants will look awful with a shirt tucked in. Oh sheesh. I can't believe I am devoting so much time to this (picking out clothes). It used to be so simple! 😀

 

[Wildcat06]

That's great to know, thanks! I'm not wearing a jacket. I might be wearing a vest. But the shirt looks fine (or finished). But yeah, my pants will look awful with a shirt tucked in. Oh sheesh. I can't believe I am devoting so much time to this (picking out clothes). It used to be so simple! 😀

I'm not much of a tucker either so to some of my interviews I also wore a cap sleeved cashmere sweater (from Express 😉) as a vest. But I think the same thing applies, try to avoid shirt tails hanging out, it looks unfinished.

 

[Buzzwordsoldier]

Is it terribly insensitive and misinformed of me to wonder how many straight guys reading this thread have fantasized of pulling a reverse Klinger? (pass as transgendered and so get accepted as a sexual minority). 😏 😀