Varying Attire for a Third Interview

Patty writes:

Hello, I am going for my third visit to a prospective position. This will be the third time meeting with the director and the reason for the third visit is so she can make sure I meet co-workers. The last few people were not a good fit. I wore the same suit w/different shell the first two times and am wondering if it would be appropriate to wear a long skirt and blouse to meet the co-workers. I really don’t want to wear the same suit a third time to meet the same director. The dress in this counseling setting is casual but professional.

The Career Doctor responds:

First, let me congratulate you for getting this far in the interviewing process… a job offer sounds like it is forthcoming as soon as you pass this last “test” of fit. I’m sure the hiring manager already has a good sense that you will fit, but it is important that your future co-workers find you acceptable.

If you’ve read my column or articles in the past, you know that I always believe in erring on the conservative side, so my advice would be to wear the suit, perhaps with a new blouse, and not worry about the director really noticing that it’s the same suit three times running.

On the other hand, because fit is important for this visit, you don’t want the prospective co-workers to think you are trying to upstage them by wearing a suit when their attire is more casual.

So, you have two options. First, wear the suit. You are job-hunting, and the suit is the outfit of choice. I don’t believe the co-workers nor the director will be put off by it. Second, call either the director (or her assistant) or someone from human resources and pose the question to that person.

If you do call and ask, don’t frame it as “I only have one suit, so what should I do?” But, instead, “I want to make a good impression on my future co-workers and called to solicit your advice on what type of outfit would be best to wear to meet them.” Asking about attire can actually add to your status as someone who wants to fit in with the organization.

For other issues related to how to dress for interviews, read my article, When Job-Hunting: Dress for Success, published on Quintessential Careers.