Advice on job interview attire?

It is rather casual to wear that to an interview.

It sounds cheesy but it’s true that you should dress for the job you want, not the job you’re interviewing for. Basically, dress for a position 2 steps above the one you’re applying for.

Yes as long as they aren’t what I call club heels your good. For example a great pair of peep toe shoes would be nice.

Open toe shoes are a boo boo for most interviews unless you’re interviewing for a beach resort. Considering you seem to be applying for a job in fashion, I think a nice pair of pumps would be fine and definitely appropriate. But you’re welcome to take the risk.

On another note, people are frickin’ weird about feet, some don’t care, some like them and some are utterly disgusted by the sight of someone else’s toes.

Do you really want to risk grossing out your potential employer?

I’d wear something like these.

And bonus, you can get some almost the same as them at Payless! I have those, and I have foot problems, major foot problems. They’re comfortable, go with everything and I’ve worn them to interviews before. I wore these to the interviews for the job I just landed.

It just occurred to me I might be a dumb butt, I read the fashion tag as being in reference to the position, you can ignore that. But the rest of what I said still works.

@asmonet: Thanks! But it’s not fashion (not even a little). I’m pretty sure I would break my ankles in the first pair in your post, but I do have some acceptable flats. It’s just that I’m flying to another city for an interview AND a wedding, and I was trying to use a shoe that could do double-duty, so to speak. The sandals I had in mind are classy, but strappy, and it does show some foot. Good point about people being weirded out by feet. I know a couple people like that – they flinch at even the prettiest of toes.

@arthistorian: Then I seriously recommend those kitten heels I mentioned, I am a girl who couldn’t wear heels for five years because of the debilitating pain it would cause. I’d be limping within twenty minutes. But those kitten heels, they’re my everyday shoe now, I live in them. And I haven’t had a single problem. They also come in pinkish red, if that might go with your outfit. And the Payless heels are only 2.5”, much shorter than a lot of heels and surprisingly easy to walk in. I wouldn’t wear flats to an interview most likely, as I see them as fairly casual as well. And that little one inch heel is just polished enough that they’ll work, while still feeling like a flat.

I would avoid the strappy sandals altogether or pack the sandals just for the wedding. Even if it means an extra bag, I would not risk it personally.

I was always told to dress ready to go to work. What you should or shouldn’t wear depends on the job you are applying for. you can never have to many pairs of shoes!

What type of position are you interviewing for? (Is it as an art historian?) Avoid anything sexy for sure. No cleavage, no bare exposures. And, I would be inclined to add, no sandals, no matter how classy.

I would look askance at a candidate who came to see me in high-heeled sandals (and I would not think, or expect to hear, that she was consolidating interview and wedding wardrobes), even if the actual job attire was casual. Instead I would wonder what she thought of me and of the job and whether she thought wearing high-heeled sandals would make her look like a more attractive candidate.

If the job is worth interviewing for, it’s worth slipping extra shoes into your carry-on. Find the room for a second pair of shoes or wear the flats.

It’s an administrative/educator position at a private university. By the way, I would NEVER assume it appropriate to show “cleavage” at work, let alone at an interview.

Considering the position, I would never wear anything open-toed to the interview.

i would get your gators on if its a serous job. not for a job at burger king or someplace like that

@asmonet Now I have to go spend money at Payless. I blame you.

For the kind of position you’re interviewing for, I’d play it safe and go conservative. You can wear the open toed shoes if it seems appropriate once you get the job.

I’ve worked in HR for a large organization and have also been a hiring director, and I’d advise you not to risk it.

Asmonet’s totally right with her practical, economical, get-a-lot-of-use-out-them shoe choices. Regardless of what the environment is like, I wouldn’t gamble with an open-toe sandal at all and would lean toward conservative if there’s any doubt.

Go for the really low kitten heel or a patent leather wedge if the others don’t work for you.

I would just like to say I support the position that you should not wear the sandals (even if they are classy and brilliantly beautiful). If you are serious about landing this job then dress for success. However if you really don’t care if you get it then go for it. Although it is quite annoying it really isn’t much extra work to switch into a different pair of shoes (and bring them along in your pack) for the Wedding. Wishing you success for the interview and fun at the wedding.

I’ve been on several hiring committees at the local University. It’s not a big deal but it could be a deal breaker. And some interviewers are so oddly picky. It could easily become a point of discussion among the interviewers and you want to keep them focused on your skills and not your attire.

I have interviewed a surprising number of candidates who did think it was wise to wear low-cut blouses, tight pants or skirts, and very casual shoes. I might have forgiven the shoes but not the attempt to dress as if they thought the hiring manager or interview team would be impressed by someone’s conspicuous assets. This was no reflection on you, @arthistorian, but just general advice based on experience. Given the position you are going for, I would certainly think smart but conservative would be the best course.

@RedPowerLady : Thanks for the good wishes! I am being interviewed by two women, so it could potentially be an issue. In my experience (rightly or wrongly), men tend not to notice such things, but many women have an eye for that kind of detail.

@arthistorian That may be true, lol. Let us know if it goes well! Sending good vibes your way :)

Good luck and best wishes.

@asmonet Those heels were awesome, time to shop!