Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi all, I'm done university soon and I am looking for jobs. I plan to interview in girl mode, scary as that is.

What should I wear? I have a black blazer and black pants (not a suit, sold separate), but what should I wear underneath the blazer?

Also, no heels, I'm 6'1"

Thanks!

Wear exactly what all the women who already work there wear to work.

Quote from: tekla on March 12, 2010, 08:52:47 PM
Wear exactly what all the women who already work there wear to work.

Or slightly better.

Always dress a little conservative, unless you are going for a stripper job.  :D  Light makeup.  Flats and dark nylons.

nice plain white top with a neckline that shows you're a woman...

wear black lipstick and eyeliner. that way if they discover you're a man you can just say you're a goth.

Quote from: tekla on March 12, 2010, 08:52:47 PM
Wear exactly what all the women who already work there wear to work.

What if I've never been to this place before, and is not really open to the public?

Chrissi

whatever you feel like

Quote from: Icephoenyx on March 13, 2010, 06:34:15 PM
What if I've never been to this place before, and is not really open to the public?

Chrissi

People have to go and come from work sometime. Watch come and go. Parking lot style

A smart blouse and trouser suit.  If no heels, I wold wear a stylish pair of flats.   Conservative jewellery and make up.   

Quote from: LordKAT on March 14, 2010, 05:35:08 AM
People have to go and come from work sometime. Watch come and go. Parking lot style

Unless, of course, this place is like where I work.  Nothing throws off the vibes of a job interview like having to explain why you've been loitering around a secure facility.   ;) :D

Seriously though, if in doubt, wear nice slacks or a skirt and a nice blouse along with closed-toe flats in a conservative, but feminine style.  Don't show your cleavage unless you're hoping to get hired for your looks and not your skills.  Heels and open-toed shoes give the impression that you are more interested in looking good than in doing actual work (and many companies don't allow them for safety reasons) so it's best to avoid them until you know the dress code.  For the same reason it's generally best to keep jewelry on the conservative side - small ear rings, simple necklaces and/or bracelets, maybe a pin on the lapel of your jacket. 

Of course, all of this also depends upon the industry and the type of job.  If you're looking for a job on Wall Street, you'll need a ladies' suit.  If you're looking for a job as an artist, you might want to up the creativity of your outfit some.  But in general it's better to go over-dressed and too conservative than the other way around.

wear a red vest. black top. blue jeans. blue jacket. gold earings. brown boots.

NO LEATHER BECAUSE LEATHER IS EVIL.

Quote from: JillEclipse on March 14, 2010, 10:39:57 AM
wear a red vest. black top. blue jeans. blue jacket. gold earings. brown boots.

NO LEATHER BECAUSE LEATHER IS EVIL.

You know, if you're up for it, that might just work!  ;D

The completely honest approach.

Quote from: Icephoenyx on March 12, 2010, 06:20:28 PM
Hi all, I'm done university soon and I am looking for jobs. I plan to interview in girl mode, scary as that is.

What should I wear? I have a black blazer and black pants (not a suit, sold separate), but what should I wear underneath the blazer?

Also, no heels, I'm 6'1"

Thanks!

I remember being faced with that situation a decade ago. I tended to dress too smart for the interview, and others also for the same interview were wearing more casual clothes.

The first one is always the hardest but try and wear something your are comfortable and relaxed wearing rather than making too much of an impression.

I hate it when girls where blue, pink and white, with black shoes. it eats my soul alive, it is so drab.

Quote from: Jamie-o on March 14, 2010, 08:34:54 AM
Seriously though, if in doubt, wear nice slacks or a skirt and a nice blouse along with closed-toe flats in a conservative, but feminine style.  Don't show your cleavage unless you're hoping to get hired for your looks and not your skills.  Heels and open-toed shoes give the impression that you are more interested in looking good than in doing actual work (and many companies don't allow them for safety reasons) so it's best to avoid them until you know the dress code.  For the same reason it's generally best to keep jewelry on the conservative side - small ear rings, simple necklaces and/or bracelets, maybe a pin on the lapel of your jacket. 

Of course, all of this also depends upon the industry and the type of job.  If you're looking for a job on Wall Street, you'll need a ladies' suit.  If you're looking for a job as an artist, you might want to up the creativity of your outfit some.  But in general it's better to go over-dressed and too conservative than the other way around.

^ This is all good stuff.

You don't want to look like a tart unless you are applying for a job as one.  You want to look like you put some thought into what you are wearing.  You want to be on the slightly conservative side unless you are applying for a job in show business or the arts. 

Do not try to look too feminine unless you are applying for a job fetching coffee for the men-folk.  The business world is not the place for that.  You want to look like an assured, comfortable, competent woman, secure in the knowledge that you are a woman equal to any man and fully capable of the job to be done.

Good luck!

- Kate

I just went through an interview process for a property manager position. Keep in mind Ilive in the tropics but for the first interview I wore womens kaki slacks and a tropical print batik blouse, a light blue belt, sandals, a gold chain and earrings. Things are pretty casual here. For the second I wore black slacks and a white short sleeve blouse with a cami under, sandals and the same jewelery. I have been offered the position but we are still negotiating salary. The other woman candidate wore a lowcut top, she wasn't called back.