Mundane question about interview attire - ladies!

[mitten]

I'm planning on wearing a pants suit for my interview, but at the moment I only have some slightly slim fitting (rather than usual fit) grey trousers and a slightly different grey asymmetrical (but smart) jacket. They both look fine together and I often wear them for formal work situations, but in this instance I want to be 100% sure - should I go out and buy a matching black (or dark grey) trouser suit that's totally matching and more standard for business wear?

I would kind of rather not spend the extra money, however if the general consensus is that it's necessary, then I'm sort of leaning that way anyway.

I also thought I should start a "what are you wearing for interview?" thread - someone was talking about hair earlier right?!

[Otashi]

I'm planning on wearing a pants suit for my interview, but at the moment I only have some slightly slim fitting (rather than usual fit) grey trousers and a slightly different grey asymmetrical (but smart) jacket. They both look fine together and I often wear them for formal work situations, but in this instance I want to be 100% sure - should I go out and buy a matching black (or dark grey) trouser suit that's totally matching and more standard for business wear?

I would kind of rather not spend the extra money, however if the general consensus is that it's necessary, then I'm sort of leaning that way anyway.

I also thought I should start a "what are you wearing for interview?" thread - someone was talking about hair earlier right?!

As long as you feel comfortable and confident in it, then I see no reason why you shouldn't wear it! Just make sure it's not too fitting or too tight, as that's never a good look. Try and avoid loads of cleavage as well. If you're still not sure, go out and buy the suit trousers, take them home and try them on with your jacket and see how they compare to your other pair of trousers. But seriously, what you said sounds fine

I'll be wearing a dress, an old cardie and heels for my interview. I feel super confident in it, which should (hopefully) calm my nerves during my interview on Thursday!! Plus it was cheaper to buy a dress than to buy a two-piece and a blouse

[kdelponte]

If you get the job, you'll need more suits to take over to Japan with you, so buying it now could be killing two birds with one stone. Though honestly, what you said you have sounds fine. As long as it looks professional, you're good.

If I get an interview, I'll be more worried about shoes since I'll be hiking through snow-covered Boston. Is it faux pas to bring a change of shoes to an interview haha.

[oneokbunny]

lol I was thinking the same thing about bringing a change of clothes since I have to take trains and buses to get to the interview ^^;; It might be raining too! But i'm not sure about walking into the interview with a big bag with my change of clothes.

[sumisaki]

Hi there

I was just wondering - is it a must to wear suited attires while teaching in Japan?

Not sure if that's the protocol, but I have seen pictures of ALTs in casual wear whilst teaching in a class....

Perhaps we can start posting pictures from fashion pages dealing with good formal attire/dress here...
This might be prove to be really useful to lot of us out there!!

[Jen_KyotoPA]

Hi there

I was just wondering - is it a must to wear suited attires while teaching in Japan?

Not sure if that's the protocol, but I have seen pictures of ALTs in casual wear whilst teaching in a class....

Perhaps we can start posting pictures from fashion pages dealing with good formal attire/dress here...
This might be prove to be really useful to lot of us out there!!

No, most ALTs don't teach wearing suits. Some wear quite casual attire--depends on your school and the grades you teach. Most CIRs don't wear suits every day either, although I think some do. I (female) have worn dress pants and a sweater most of the time this winter.

That said, I'd recommend having a suit for the interview. If you get in and come to Japan, it's unlikely you'd be wearing a suit all the time, but it's very likely you'd need to wear one for a number of occasions--Orientation, conferences, meeting the higher-ups, etc.

I wore a suit to the interview (albeit a very cheap suit, but it looked fine). I think it helps make a good first impression, and with the sheer number of people interviewing, that matters.

Best of luck!

[Namisuke]

As a lady, please make sure:

- you cannot see down your shirt when you bow and lean forward.
- you do not wear perfume.
- your nails are not painted a bright colour (beige might be okay).
- you brush your teeth.
- you wear different shoes and change them in your car if winter exists where you live.
- you SMILE!!!
- you consider jewelry. Some jewelry is okay in Japan, depending on where you are. If jewelry is part of your culture, that is not usually a worry unless it goes against the school policies. Some JETs have special permission to wear things because it is a cultural aspect of themselves.
- you consider tattoos. Depending on where you are in Japan, tattoos are considered almost immoral. My town is pretty accepting, but some are not. ESID! Decide whether you want to completely cover them for your interview. If they see them, you will likely get asked about them, so be prepared.

That's about it. If you don't wear a full suit, that is okay, but dressing professionally is important. If you have blue hair or something outrageous like that and really want to get into the program, you might want to consider changing it. Teachers and admin here make many sacrifices to have ALTs in the schools, so it is good to show you can make sacrifices too. You can always show photos of what you used to look like. Hair is always something you can change easily and get back if you return home.

As long as your suit is not too tight (can't see panty lines or is not riding up your butt), you shoud be okay. I was surprised, however, how many stylish JETs were accepted when I was in orientation. If you feel good in what you are wearing, then it won't distract you from the interview itself.

[sykoscout]

If you get the job, you'll need more suits to take over to Japan with you, so buying it now could be killing two birds with one stone.

This is not necessarily true. All of the one-shot/Elementary ALTs I know wear jeans/t-shirts/track suits to school, which is the norm for their particular situation. However, I work at an academic high school, and everyone wears suits here. This is something that you can't really know until you talk to your predecessor.

[katiep]

As a lady, please make sure:

- you cannot see down your shirt when you bow and lean forward.
- you do not wear perfume.
- your nails are not painted a bright colour (beige might be okay).
- you brush your teeth.
- you wear different shoes and change them in your car if winter exists where you live.
- you SMILE!!!
- you consider jewelry. Some jewelry is okay in Japan, depending on where you are. If jewelry is part of your culture, that is not usually a worry unless it goes against the school policies. Some JETs have special permission to wear things because it is a cultural aspect of themselves.
- you consider tattoos. Depending on where you are in Japan, tattoos are considered almost immoral. My town is pretty accepting, but some are not. ESID! Decide whether you want to completely cover them for your interview. If they see them, you will likely get asked about them, so be prepared.

That's about it. If you don't wear a full suit, that is okay, but dressing professionally is important. If you have blue hair or something outrageous like that and really want to get into the program, you might want to consider changing it. Teachers and admin here make many sacrifices to have ALTs in the schools, so it is good to show you can make sacrifices too. You can always show photos of what you used to look like. Hair is always something you can change easily and get back if you return home.

As long as your suit is not too tight (can't see panty lines or is not riding up your butt), you shoud be okay. I was surprised, however, how many stylish JETs were accepted when I was in orientation. If you feel good in what you are wearing, then it won't distract you from the interview itself.

Thank you Nami! This is really useful advice! Especially the bit about jewelry. What did you wear to your interview?

And,

If I get an interview, I'll be more worried about shoes since I'll be hiking through snow-covered Boston. Is it faux pas to bring a change of shoes to an interview haha.

I was wondering this too! I imagine walking around with a dripping pair of boots would be a little gross! So much snow here lately. I hope it all melts away by February.

[tint01]

I currently am in JET and teach at 13 elementary schools that I visit them about twice a month. I often wear suits all day and bring a seperate bag with clothes for running around. Jeans are a big no-no at schools, same with t-shirts, and to be safe I stick with mostly black or formal looking clothes. The teachers all wear track suits but I stick to dressier stuff to look more professional

[AVN]

I currently am in JET and teach at 13 elementary schools that I visit them about twice a month. I often wear suits all day and bring a seperate bag with clothes for running around. Jeans are a big no-no at schools, same with t-shirts, and to be safe I stick with mostly black or formal looking clothes. The teachers all wear track suits but I stick to dressier stuff to look more professional

I am the same I work at 11 different schools nursery through high school and I wear dress clothes (that are a good fit and thus comfortable) everyday. Not full suits, though I have many and have had to wear them many times already.

I wore a full matching pant suit to my interview as I felt it made me look professional and I still use parts of the suit all the time.

[ichigokuma]

For us girls it seems that either a formal dress, pants suit or skirt suit is acceptible as long as it isn't figure-hugging-can-see-your-every-bump cut lol
In terms of the colour of these items though, usually work attire comes in black, varying shades of grey, and beige. Whereas blouses, if bought separately, actually come in really nice colours these days, and even prints and stuff What colour outfits did everyone opt for for their interviews?
Personally, I have a formal high-waisted skirt, its layered style though so not the usual plain straight cut, but it fits well and I feel good in it all the same Because it's layered though, if I wear a blouse/shirt that's got frill/lace/any detail really, I look like one big frill lol which is obviously not attractive
I thought of just buying a nice short-sleeve shirt (no pattern, just plain) in a pretty colour to go with it (coz white makes me look like a waitress hehe), or I have a vest blouse in light grey, which is very smart too. Just wondering if grey + black = dull? though? Personally I think so, although it does look professional
What's everyone's take on this? And the colour issue?

[AmberBear]

Hi there

I was just wondering - is it a must to wear suited attires while teaching in Japan?

Not sure if that's the protocol, but I have seen pictures of ALTs in casual wear whilst teaching in a class....

Perhaps we can start posting pictures from fashion pages dealing with good formal attire/dress here...
This might be prove to be really useful to lot of us out there!!

I wore a suit my first day (btw it's more gray-ish, not black). I always wear nice black pants (or brown... I have those gray ones somewhere...) and a nice shirt. I was never informed of a dress code and never asked. Next to the other woman, I feel really over dressed. But if the men aren't in track suits, they are in suits... so... I don't stick out. But there is one female teacher who wears pants with many pockets and a tshirt... like some just look "nice" but not professional... I guess is what I'm trying to say. They aren't dressed like a teen or like they are going out to shop in the 'Juku or anything. But still not business. That's why I feel overdressed next to them.

To the OP: I had different colored pants and jacket (different brands too) and got in

[saikick]

No, you don't need to buy a new black suit just for the interview.
However, having a black suit is ideal, especially if you ever need to attend an enterance ceremony or a graduation ceremony at school.

I wore a grey suit to my interview, so don't worry.
Just be confident and you will do fine.
Good luck!

**EDIT**

In regards to wet snow boots, I HIGHLY recommend you to bring a change of shoes.
I definitely did as I would've looked completely silly with a nice suit and wet boots.
Plus, you don't need to worry about being tired in heels all day if you only need to wear it at the interview!

[Jennaiii]

I bought a brand new black suit this week - my old one is knackered! The jacket cost an arm, but I just got some relatively cheap trousers. I think you can get away with cheaper trousers, but the suit jacket is important imo.

What are thoughts on heels vs flats? I'm really short and my trousers brush the floor, so I think I'm going to either have to wear heels or take them up. Presumably the interviewers won't care as long as they're smart? (I have many pairs of nice black shoes knew they'd come in handy!)

Getting to the interview without looking like a wrinkly old bag lady in my suit is going to be interesting ¬_¬ fingers crossed the train isn't too busy! Anyone have plans to make sure they look tidy?