What to wear to an interview at a bank?

[waitingforivy]

Hi!

I am going to have a college interview at the bank where my interviewer works. I am planning to wear slacks, a casual jacket (like a suit jacket), and a pretty shirt. Is that okay, or too formal?

It's at the headquarters of a well-known company

[Lakemom]

I don't think too formal at all plus, I would suggest a tie.

[cnp55]

And I was going to suggest tying the long hair back ... I assumed a female. Agree that a young man should wear a tie ... and probably a dress shirt, not a "pretty shirt"!

[Consolation]

Are you male or female?

[waitingforivy]

EDIT: I'm a girl! It's not a dress shirt, but under the jacket just looks like a patterned formal shirt.

But basically - completely formal, not semi-formal

[alwaysamom]

That sounds fine. This is a college interview not a job interview, where you might want to dress in a more business-like fashion.

[Lakemom]

Okay forget the tie

[ucbalumnus]

If you have time to scout out the place beforehand, just see how people who are walking into the place are dressed to get an idea of what level of dressiness to target. Dress in banks tends to be dressier and more conservative than in other industries in general.

[Consolation]

Nice slacks, a nice blouse, and a nice jacket sounds good. Make sure you are wearing appropriate shoes. (Simple flats would be fine if you have them. This is not the time for platforms or stilettos. ) It probably goes without saying that you should be well-groomed (clean hair, discreet makeup and jewelry, etc.) and on time. The thing about an interview at the HQ of a large company is that it is an occasion to show that you know the "right" thing to do, even if you never dress that way again during your entire college career. It doesn't mean you have to be devoid of personality, but it shows maturity. Good luck!

[MizzBee]

I would also arrive a little bit early and have photo ID with you. Depending on the security, you will most likely have to register at the front desk and get a visitor badge.

[thumper1]

And carry a small purse, not a backpack. If it's winter, wear a dress coat, not a down/ski jacket.

[flyaround]

Medium amount of makeup. Definitely lipstick, mascara, blush. Simple earrings. No perfume.

[mamabear1234]

^That one made me laugh. My kids don't own lipstick and blush! I think they have mascara.

[wis75]

This is a college admissions interview, regardless of the bank setting. Wear what is appropriate for the interview, not the bank. A nice top/pretty shirt with jacket and slacks sounds good for a young woman with an alumnus interview. I would skip any makeup you usually don't wear, school day amount, not going out amount. Wear your usual winter jacket- you remove it once in the building. Simple, if any jewelry. Turn off your cell phone (or ignore it on vibrate) and have a watch for knowing the time. You dress better than you would as the student at the college but not too formal as you would for a businees job. Ignore the bank setting- that is the neutral, convenient setting for the interviewer. Be sure to include a pen and paper in your purse to write down anything, however unlikely that may be.

[flyaround]

My bad, I thought it was a job interview.