Nylons or not?

[r5bales]

This is kind of an companion post to the interview shoe post. Do you wear nylon/pantyhose with the interview shoes, or not?

DaughteR5 has never worn a pair of nylons... ever. I did not wear stockings to a job interview (in the early 80s) and did not get hired because my dress was not as "professional" as they would have liked. (Ya live, Ya learn.)

So, are nylons a requirement? or not? What do you all think?

[galligator]

You always dress 'up' for a standard job interview (ie in most conservative industries). I know a lot of women don't wear stockings anymore, but $10 for an interview pair of nude or skin-tone stockings paired with a low-to-mid height closed toe pump is best for most interviews. This is especially true if the interviewer is a little bit older & used to a more conservative definition of business attire.

Another idea is to drop by the company and see how the managers dress. As a general rule, it is better to dress up than down for an interview. Partly to show you are professional, and partly to show respect for the organization and interviewer.

[r5bales]

What? I know a cat can snag nylons.

[galligator]

Deleted...some of the automatic spam that winds up on forums is bizarre. Anything to add a trackback & try to increase someone's google search number.

Anyway, back to nylons. With most hiring execs being older, probably a good idea for interviews since it is considered a more 'professional' look. Kind of part of the 'interview uniform' for women - even if you never have to wear another pair at that job.

[r5bales]

I doubt I will ever have to interview for a job again, but just trying to start conversation.

I keep telling my tattooed R5Son that he needs to make sure he can cover those tats up because people like his dad are the people who hire, and his dad would not hire a guy with tats on his neck, or any body part that shows tats.

It is an employers market now, so they can afford to be picky. That wasn't the case 3 years ago.

[barbiegirl]

I have to agree that you need to consider the job environment and interviewer when you dress for an interview. Most standard jobs expect you to dress most conservatively for your interview than for the actual job you would be working. If you are interviewing with someone in their 30's/40's/50's, failure to dress appropriately can be seen as a lack of respect for the interviewer and by extension, the employer. It's only 1-4 times most people have to interview at a given employer, so it's not some terrible sacrifice. It's definitely a reason that people I know who are 'sleeved' usually have the tattoo coverage stop above the wrists and ankles. Body art is personal, and for some people, spiritual - but it was not that long ago that it was primarily associated with the outlaw/criminal element (which is still true in some areas). Body art, extreme piercings, suggestive clothing, casual shoes - these are all still not considered a professional image norm in most of today's workplaces. That may change, but I don't think we are there yet.

[thesalesman]

If she wears dress slacks, then I think nylons are not necessary. If she wears a professional skirt, then I think the nylons would be a safe bet. But if you live in a warmer climate region, then nobody probably wears nylons or rarely. Cooler weather regions, certainly wear the nylons - it can't hurt.

[shoelove99]

My cat ruined a pair of mine, no treats for him that night

[ITSDF]

Joining this discussion late, but it was one I just had with friends who NEVER wear nylons... I agree with barbiegirl, consider who you are interviewing with, not just what you are comfortable in. A job interview is about making an impression on someone else, not just about making a statement.