Let's say you are interviewing a female...

[Midlander]

I have interviewed and hired (and not hired) females. I cannot remember a single time when I noticed whether she wore hose of any type. As stated above, normally the interviewee will be across a table or desk. It just isn't a notable issue.

Low-cut blouses are a different story. I wouldn't recommend wearing anything remotely suggestive.

 

[UTmtnbiker]

Preface this by saying that I am a manager of 4 functional groups with about 50 people reporting to me. I have direct reports who are both degreed and not degreed along with people below them from BS in engineering to people who have probably not even graduated high school. I have an MBA and a BSEE and would like to think that all I care about is what the person brings to the table.

That being said....the clothes do matter. I've been interviewing people the last week in regards to some white collar, professional positions. You'd be surprised how big the bias is towards the sloppily dressed ones. Yes, I would notice if a woman was not wearing hose for a professional level job. Just as most men don't like wearing ties I know my wife says most women do not like wearing panty hose. Now...with that in mind, what type of position is it? I'm of the firm belief that you can never overdress to an interview. Before I got my manager position, I was interviewing like crazy. No matter what the temperature, what the weather, I would always wear a suit and tie. If it's between two equal candidates and one looks more professional than the other, which would you choose? So...long story short. Wear the hose.

 

[Deleted member 4644]

pantyhose. Here is Los Angeles I have not seen a woman wear pantyhose who was under 40.

 

[miniMUNCH]

Originally posted by: Dirigible
(Serious reply alert.)

Whenever someone interviews for a professional-type job in my group (roughly 75 professionals in the group, with commensurate turnover), I'm one of the people who interviews them. The chances of me noticing something like that is about 0.01%. And even if I did notice, I would not care.

ditto... I wouldn't care. But I know older managers in places I worked that would care.

I'd say, just wear'em.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: MisterJackson
I'd be too busy staring at your chest to notice

:laugh:

 

[mcvickj]

Originally posted by: LolaWiz
... would you notice if she was/was not wearing pantyhose with a conservative length skirt?

I ask because technically it is unprofessional to not wear pantyhose when wearing a skirt/dress, but it is going to be quite warm the day of my interview and to be honest, I HATE PANTYHOSE and would rather not wear them.

Also, ladies, should i just wear them?

PS, skirt length: below the knee, with closed toed high heels.

Intersting. A female who likes cooler weather? Impossible! Heck some of the people are work are already starting to complain that it is too cold and its only been in the low to mid 70's. It is just getting comfortable for me!

No pantyhose. Just some silky smooth legs. Good luck w/ the interview.

 

[bctbct]

I could go either way, are you planning on wearing panties? :laugh:

 

[montanafan]

Sure, it shouldn't matter, but I would wear them just to play it safe. You might get that odd interviewer who would notice and when comparing you with someone of equal qualifications have that feeling that there was just something a little less professional about you during the interview that sticks in the back of their mind.

Then when I got the job I would throw them in the back of the sock drawer, unless there's a probationary period of course.

 

[Feldenak]

I hate pantyhose too...women in garters & stockings FTW!

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: MisterJackson
I'd be too busy staring at your chest to notice

Well, at least you're honest.

 

[randay]

ttiwwp

 

[KevinH]

Originally posted by: LolaWiz
Thank you all... even for the smart ass comments.

First off... OF COURSE legs need to be shaved. Also, I will be wearing closed toed shoes. AND, i would NEVER wear something slutty to an interview.
Finally, it is a toss up for me because i do have a nice suit, but but don't know if it is better to wear a nice skirt and top and be a little more feminine than with a suit.
I will think about thigh highs as well, but my legs are tan enough that unless someone really looked, they would not know i wasnt wearing them. Plus, i want to look contemporary but not dated.

Edit to say... the last job i did not get because of how I looked, eventhogh i wore a very VERY conservative outfit, the other women in the panel interview were not liking me (as a professional). It was between myeslf and another girl and the other women bitched at their manager (who had the final say) because he was going to hire me. They did not like that i was blonde, etc. So, he went with the other girl because of the pressure they put on him... EVENTHOUGH, her interviews went terribly bad.
SO, i dress as conservative as possible with hardly any makeup because of that. I never though that would happen.

You don't want to dress slutty? That's your first problem right there.

 

[xaeniac]

don't wear the panty hose FTW

 

[ultimatebob]

Ya know... If your interviewer is staring at your legs long enough to notice that you're not wearing pantyhose, maybe you should be happy not to get the job.

 

[Xyclone]

Originally posted by: badmouse
Wear the stupid pantyhose. It's an interview.

I know, I know. But people do notice those things. Why take a chance?

Best of luck with the interview.

agreed

 

[WildHorse]

technically it is unprofessional to not wear pantyhose when wearing a skirt/dress

I never notice women wearing pantyhose anymore, except older women in big cities.
Other than that, I thought they were passe for many years now. Maybe in snow country in winter?

a conservative length skirt

I guess that just means not as short as styles really are???
So you'd have to buy a special skirt just for the interview, that you'd have no other use for unless you cut it shorter?

I always thought those skirts that go mid-calf are the worst looking, unflattering length

When interviewing I don't really notice clothes much, but do mostly notice the overall image, and the smile. And if a woman shows up for an interview in pants I ding that. Smile!

Good luck nailing the interview!

 

[imported_Pablo]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Ya know... If your interviewer is staring at your legs long enough to notice that you're not wearing pantyhose, maybe you should be happy not to get the job.

 

[DurocShark]

Bare legs can look really bad in an office. Shiny legs reflecting the fluorescent lighting is just gross.

 

[PingSpike]

To hot? How do you think we feel wearing suits in the summer!

 

[rh71]

darker legs = less noticeable.

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: PingSpike
To hot? How do you think we feel wearing suits in the summer!

I feel sorry for men that wear suits in hot weather. I do.

Well, after reading all the very well thought out responses, i will wear them. Just a nude color.

Thanks again. I really wanted a male input on this since when i ask my hubby he said he would not notice!

 

[NeoV]

Lola, you don't have to wear them, you'll be fine without them.

What kind of job is it if you don't mind my asking?

Are you interviewing with one person, or multiple people?

I'm hiring, Ohio isn't too far away!

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

thigh-his!

 

[rgwalt]

I wouldn't notice, but I don't take notice of such things. What about wearing a smart looking woman's suit with pants?

R

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: NeoV
Lola, you don't have to wear them, you'll be fine without them.

What kind of job is it if you don't mind my asking?

Are you interviewing with one person, or multiple people?

I'm hiring, Ohio isn't too far away!

It is one one person... a male. It is an "inside sales" position for an automotive supplier.

Originally posted by: rgwalt
I wouldn't notice, but I don't take notice of such things. What about wearing a smart looking woman's suit with pants?

R

i would wear a pant suit, but i feel more confident in a skirt. If worse comes to worse, i will wear my suit, but even though my suit fits perfectly, i still feel silly in it... like i am playing dress up with my moms clothes.