Desperately need advice,
I'm FtM and still look very F. I am about to start interviewing for a professional position (engineering). All my credentials and references and licenses are in my legal F name so that's how I will be interviewing. In the past, black,navy or stone pants, cream or navy shell and a jacket-like cardigan-y sweater has been my go-to professional outfit. That feels way too feminine, especially since I plan to transition after a few months on the job. I don't want to sell one image and show up with another.
Any advice for something more business/casual androgynous?
Chris
A nice button-down shirt?
I'm from Europe, and I think we have quite a different understanding of business casual. My go to outfit is jeans (which aren't considered as casual in Germany as in the US I think) and a nice shirt, possibly paired with a vest. I yet have to dare to bring on a tie ;).
Pants suit with a button-up shirt.
For instance:
http://suit.chinese-suppliers.com/n_pant_suit.htm
The first one on this page
http://www.afterellen.com/afterellencoms-top-50-favorite-female-tv-characters/02/2012/9/
Nice slacks, a button-up, and a vest have been my go-to for a while now.
Thanks, y'all,
You've definitely added options for me. I think I'm going to pull from each of you!
I'm thinking a combo of khakis/Dockers, a button-down and a blazer will work best.
Chris
Good luck on your interview!
Sounds awesome - good luck!
I always suit up. It is better to be over dressed than under dressed in these situations. However, If you haven't had top surgery I recommend trying to find a suit sale to get a cheap one that will work.
For my internship last summer in the interview I wore a suit even though I appeared female. On the resume I did E. (male name) Last name. Also if you're in the states I'm pretty sure you can get your name changed on all of your licenses if you contact the licensing boards. The FE/EIT people were pretty good about it for me.
Quote from: David27 on November 12, 2014, 09:13:35 AM
in the states I'm pretty sure you can get your name changed on all of your licenses if you contact the licensing boards. The FE/EIT people were pretty good about it for me.
Good advice, David. And good to know about the FE/EIT board. I've already spent a couple of months just getting registered with the NCEES (not anything do to with trans*. Just trying to get reciprocity.) All my professional references only know me as 'she' and most would freak about me being 'he', so I'm keeping it she for a while longer. Just until I get the job and get settled in. Financial security wins this round this time.
Chris
I interview people and a suit definitely helps... a little.
If you come in looking sloppy, unless you are a guru level expert I will probably quickly show you the door.
If you come in looking decent but not in a suit, it's fine.
If you come in in a suit, it will be a good first impression (but you must still back up your resume).