When you are returning to work after a career break, it is often hard to know what to wear for interviews, especially if you have been out of the workplace for a number of years. With so much having changed over the last couple of years with the pandemic, we know that many returners feel that even more acutely now. But we also know that feeling comfortable and confident at interview is really important and can help you to perform at your best. Ella from Smart Works recently joined us for a webinar for members of our Professional Network to discuss how to feel at your best when dressing for an interview. These are her 3 top tips:

1. Wear colour

If you like wearing colour, then you absolutely should wear it to your interview. Wear colours that make you feel confident and that suit you. Even if you have to keep an overall neutral or darker colour palette, add a splash of colour with your top or accessories. As many candidates stick to a more neutral palette, colour can be another way to stand out and help the recruiter to remember you.

2. Buy for the longer term 

If you can afford it, choose high quality clothing that will work for your interview and beyond. Think about options that can be restyled with accessories for different occasions and that could form a good part of your usual working wardrobe.

3. Dress for a virtual interview like for an in-person one

Dress fully from head to toe.  Even if the interviewer is likely to only see part of you, dressing fully helps you to be in the right frame of mind. That means no pyjama bottoms or anything else that fails to put you in your most professional mindset!

Natalie Hunter, a trained Colour/Style Consultant, adds her advice.

4. Dress as though you already work there

Research the organisation to understand the usual dress code. Follow them on social media and see if there is a kind of ‘uniform’ or a more diverse range of outfits.  Dress so that the interviewer(s) can see you immediately as someone who would fit in. If the dress code looks to be very informal, e.g. jeans, err on the side of ‘smart casual’ such as a tailored pair of trousers with a top/jacket in a colour or a more creative dress.

5. Choose something that reflects you

Find some common ground between what sort of outfit would reflect the brand and what feels representative of you. For example, if you are interviewing with a traditional city firm, and yet your natural style is more contemporary, choose a tailored dress or suit with a more cutting-edge style and team it with a statement necklace or a coloured bag. While you want to fit in, you want to retain a sense of who you are and be remembered for this.

If you usually live in jeans and jumpers, find a smarter outfit that still feels comfortable. There are lots of work clothes that fit this brief, eg tailored trousers in soft fabrics look great with a crisp shirt/soft silky top, gently structured jacket and brogues or loafers (flat or heeled). Now is perhaps not the time to experiment with a whole new look that doesn’t feel like you.

6. Update yourself

Some ‘classic’ work clothes that you’ve kept may stand the test of time but, more often, some details (eg width of collar, shoulder padding) will make them look dated. Wearing dated clothing might affect how comfortable you feel, so aim for a more contemporary look. Research online to see the latest styles. Pinterest pulls together lots of ideas in one place, saving you precious time.

7. Choose colours that flatter you

Your best colours will be those that match your natural characteristics on the following 3 scales: Deep or Light, Warm or Cool, Bright or Muted. So, if your natural colouring is Light, Cool and Muted (not much contrast between eyes, lips, hair, skin tone) consider greys and blues without much contrast between them, as opposed to black. Black tends only to suit those who have Deep, Cool and Bright characteristics. For the rest of us, it can drain us and cast unflattering shadows on our faces. Cool colours are considered to be more business-like (i.e. colours with more blue in than yellow) so, if you suit warmer colours, try to find warmer versions of, for example, navy and grey.

8. Be comfortable

Give your outfit a test run by wearing it at home for a while to check that it’s comfortable, both when standing and sitting. Make sure that buttons on shirts/blouses don’t gape, skirts don’t ride up when you sit down. Check hems are in place, no loose buttons or marks/creases, etc. Choose shoes that are comfortable to walk in (flats shoes are much more usual now, even for city roles).

9. Plan your outfit in advance

Choose your outfit well in advance, so you can then give your full attention to the most important aspect: mental preparation and avoiding a last-minute panic. Above all, spending some time choosing the right outfit will enable you to look and feel more confident on the day.

This is an updated version of an original blog by Natalie Hunter, a trained Colour/Style Consultant with additional tips from Ella of Smart Works. Smart Works is a charity which provides an Interview outfit, free of charge, as well as an hour of one-to-one Interview coaching by a trained volunteer for unemployed women referred to them by job centres and other charities.

Anna Johnstone, Women Returners Senior Coach, has created a short webinar on “How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview Process” as part of our series to support our network through the COVID-19 crisis. Here’s a summary of some of the key points, with a link at the end if you want to watch the full 15 minute webinar.

If you’re on a career break and it’s been a long time since you’ve had a job interview, then you may be feeling nervous and uncertain about the interview process. Given the current situation, where your interview is likely to be virtual, your worries might be heightened. We have some top tips here to help you prepare and feel more calm and confident about having a successful video interview.

1. Recognise the advantages of virtual interviews 

Yes, you may lose some visual cues from your interviewer and it can be trickier to build rapport. However, on the plus side, you’re in a familiar home environment and you can have all your preparation notes and your CV right next to you in case you need a prompt during the interview.

2. Familiarise yourself with the technology beforehand

Taking these few steps in advance of your interview will help ensure everything runs smoothly on the day:

• If your interview is via video, maximise your broadband speed – ideally it should be at least 10-15Mbps. If you can, use an ethernet cable to plug directly in to your router as this will give a faster and more reliable connection. On the day, try to make sure others in your household are not using the internet at the same time. Close any cloud-based applications e.g. Spotify, Dropbox as they’ll be using precious bandwidth
• Whichever application your interviewer has proposed using (e.g. Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams) download and practise using it beforehand with a friend or family member. Review helpful online guides so that you know how to do things like switch video or audio on and off, share your screen or hide your self-view if you find that distracting
• Check and adjust the video angle so that your camera is looking straight at you – use some thick hardback books underneath your laptop or tablet if needed to elevate it. Make sure your face can be seen clearly and there is no shadow or glare from the side
• Ensure your audio is clear – you may prefer to use a headset if you have one.

3. Prepare your interview responses & questions thoroughly

Even though a virtual interview may feel slightly less formal or you may have your preparation notes and CV to hand, it is still vital to prepare thoroughly so that you have clear, succinct and confident responses.

• Ask beforehand about the structure and length of the interview, as well as the competences they are looking for and the type of questions you might be asked – in that way you can focus your preparation.
• Do your research on the organisation, department and role and prepare 2 or 3 questions that you’d like to ask – an interview is still a two-way process.
• Prepare responses to two typical types of questions. 1. General questions e.g. ‘Why are you interested in this role?’ or ‘What are your top 3 strengths?’; and 2. Competence-based questions e.g. ‘Give me an example of when you……’. Prepare for competence questions using the S.T.A.R format.

4. Take time to prepare on the day 

• Find a moment beforehand to gather your thoughts and take some deep breaths. Remind yourself of all your strengths, experience and achievements.
• Dress professionally, head-to-toe – just in case you need to stand up!
• For the interview, find a quiet spot without distractions – this can be challenging at the moment but do your best!
• Make sure your backdrop is professional and the lighting is good.
• Have your CV & preparation notes to hand

5. Consider your non-verbal behaviours

• Only switch your video on when the interviewer joins – that way you can enter confidently
• Vary your tone of voice to convey your energy and enthusiasm for the role and organisation
• Sit up tall and confidently
• Keep eye contact
• Smile!!

We wish you the best of luck!

For more tips watch our pre-recorded webinar: How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview Process presented by Women Returners Anna Johnstone [15 mins]

If the dress code looks to be very informal, eg jeans, err on the side of ‘smart casual’ such as a tailored pair of trousers with a top/jacket in a flattering shape and colour or a more creative dress.

Massimo Dutti – see here

Find some common ground between what sort of outfit would reflect the brand and what feels representative of you. For example, if you are interviewing with a traditional city firm, and yet your natural style is more contemporary, choose a tailored dress or suit with a more cutting edge style and team it with a statement necklace or a coloured bag. While you want to fit in, you want to retain a sense of who you are and be remembered for this.

Finery – see here and Zara – see here

If you usually live in jeans and jumpers, find a smarter outfit that still feels comfortable. There are lots of work clothes that fit
this brief, eg tailored trousers in soft fabrics look great with a crisp shirt/soft silky top, gently structured jacket and brogues or loafers (flat or heeled).

M & S – see here – Jigsaw – see here – Warehouse – see here

Business dress has moved on with many alternatives to the suit, even in some of the more traditional companies/professions, eg. a tailored dress or trousers/skirt and a tailored top/sleeveless jacket.

John Lewis – see here – Massimo Dutti – see here – H&M – see here – Massimo Dutti – see here

A good coat option is a trench coat which looks great with formal and informal wear:

Massimo Tutti – see here

If you’re unsure about your best colours, consider having these identified as it will save a lot of time and money when shopping. You can edit a shop floor in minutes!

Biba@ ouse of Fraser – see here – Ted Baker – see here – Jigsaw – see here

• The curvier we are, the drapier the fabric we should wear. Trying to force curves into structured garments made from stiff fabrics is a challenge. You will look and feel uncomfortable. Choose clothes that are more fluid, but still smart.

Winser @ John Lewis – see here and The Fold – see here

• Choose trousers/skirts/dresses that skim the hips, thighs and bottom without clinging.

Hobbs – see here

• If your shoulders are narrower than your hips, try balancing this by adding more structure to the shoulders or wearing a wider neckline or collar.
• If you want to create the illusion of looking taller, vertical stripes (eg pinstripes, trouser creases, edge-to-edge jackets)
  will help. Same-colour trousers/tights/shoes will lengthen the leg. Anything that creates a horizontal line, eg a belt, strong contrast in colours, pockets, wide lapels, etc, will have a widening and shortening effect.
• Dress to suit your frame: smaller frames need lighter-weight fabrics, smaller patterns and accessories, while larger frames can take heavier fabrics, bolder patterns and larger accessories. If you’re petite, getting clothes tailored can make all the difference.

Give your outfit a test run by wearing it at home for a while to check that it’s comfortable, both when standing and sitting. Make sure that buttons on shirts/blouses don’t gape, skirts don’t ride up when you sit down. Check hems are in place, no loose buttons or marks/creases, etc. Choose shoes that are comfortable to walk in (or have some flats in your bag to change
into). If you wear heels, the good news is that there are many styles currently in the shops that have block heels and will help keep you grounded.

John Lewis – see here

• I don’t want to waste people’s time
• I’ll come across as nervous and unconfident
• I’m not sure what I have to offer

Remember that the best way to find out about a job or a company is by talking to people with this knowledge. And here’s a statistic: One out of every 10 informational
interviews results in a job offer. Considering that the purpose of
informational interviewing is not to ask for a job, what a fantastic side
effect! How does that happen? Well, in two
key ways: you might tap into the hidden job market (i.e. ‘get in there’ before
the job has even been advertised) or they might be impressed by you and decide to
create a role for you.

What is Informational Interviewing?

• It is a way of having a focused conversation
  with someone in your network in a job, sector or organisation that interests you
• It is an opportunity to gather information
  about a particular industry sector or role, to get the ‘inside story’ from
  someone who is working in the area and to demonstrate your interest and
  enthusiasm to find out more
• It isn’t asking for a job
• It is an opportunity to build your network by
  asking for names of others they could recommend you to talk to.

How can you overcome your barriers to Informational Interviewing?

I’d like to tackle each of the fears mentioned above.

• Do thorough research on the person, the role and
  the industry.
• Prepare good questions to ask based on what you
  want to find out about.
• Say your interviewee comes recommended: People love to
  be flattered if it is genuine!
• Don’t ask for a job as they’ll have to say ‘no’
• Ask for their help in giving suggestions, feedback and ideas
• Manage the time; say ‘I only want to take up
  20 minutes of your time’; keep to this timing; thank them and finish.

• Thomas Gilovich has found in numerous studies
  that people overestimate the extent to which they think other people can sense
  how they are feeling. We appear less nervous than we feel. He calls this the ‘Transparency
  illusion’.
• He also shows that we imagine others are far
  more confident than we are. He calls this the ’Confidence Con’.
• So, remember you look more confident than you
  feel. This is an opportunity to boost your self-esteem by dressing smartly for
  the meeting, maintaining your professionalism and getting back into the work environment.

I’m not sure what I
have to offer

• Try and make the meeting mutual and think about
  what you can offer them. Perhaps you have some industry insights from former
  meetings or can recommend a good article or a useful contact
• Ask about them, what they enjoy and like less
  about their work; how they got into it and what they would recommend. Then
  listen deeply. People love to talk about themselves if really listened to.
• Do thank them. John Lees suggests that a hand-written
  note is still appreciated and it is a great way of showing gratitude and making
  yourself memorable.

Next time you are feeling wary of interviewing for
information remember the benefits; you might just uncover a role too!

What is an Informational Interview?

The start of a new academic year is often a time when returners start thinking about going back to work. If you are at the stage where you are considering a variety of options, you’ll need to do some detailed research to help you to narrow your focus or even generate new ideas before embarking on a full job search. An essential source of information is people who have done or are doing the kinds of roles you are interested in: the way to approach them is by requesting an informational interview.

Informational interviewing is absolutely NOT about asking for a job and it is vital to separate the two. When both parties understand this, it takes away any discomfort about the meeting and allows for a more relaxed and informative conversation.

Uses of Informational Interviewing

Information interviewing is a research activity, for gathering data and getting advice. The range of potential uses include:

• Finding out about the skills and qualities needed for a particular role that you are investigating and any specific qualifications that are required
• Understanding the content of a role and the day-to-day responsibilities
• Learning how a specific company is on the inside – information which isn’t communicated on the website e.g. the company culture and values and what it is like to be an employee
• Gaining industry sector insight and finding out practical market realities
• Making new contacts in your field of interest

• Lack of visual clues: clearly, you are not able to see your interviewer (or vice versa). This means you’ll miss out on the normal conversational cues about whether you have the interviewer’s interest or are answering in the way they expect. Similarly, the interviewer won’t have any visual cues about your engagement or enthusiasm for the role. This means you have to use other methods to ensure a good understanding.
• Length and format: telephone interviews are commonly shorter than traditional interviews and the interviewer is often working from a set of highly structured questions, with less introductory ‘small talk’ so it may be harder to build rapport. With returner programmes, they may also want to check on your eligibility (whether you have had a career break for the specified period of time) and/or whether you would be happy with the level and salary of the positions available.
• Nature of interviewer: as the telephone interview is part of an initial suitability screen, the interviewer could be a recruitment generalist who might not have detailed knowledge of the company or the role/programme for which you are applying.