Can’t sleep so thought that I would throw this out there …
I have a job interview – first big one in 15 years – and am getting a mani pedi tomorrow in preparation. I normally wear purples. Right now my toes are coral, which looks great on my olive skin. At 54, I fear ageism but don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard to look youthful. What should I get? I’m leaning toward some boring neutral.
Not sure what industry you are interviewing in but I’d play it very safe and go with something very neutral in a lighter/mid pink or buff. Basically something that looks like your not wearing nail polish at all.
I’d say pick something that looks sophisticated.
Boring neutral. I interviewed a young woman with black nail polish with flowers on her thumbs. It was distracting. She didn’t get the job.
Good luck, Youdon’tsay!
Other than noticing that you are groomed, you don’t really want something too eye catching. You want them to focus on your qualifications, not your nails. I agree with something neutral as @doschicos suggested.
I had an interview in January and had my nails done a light pink. But I didn’t get the job, so don’t go by me.
When we interviewed organic chemists, I would always look at fingernails - long nails and perfect polish meant the person was not too keen on lab work.
Short and pink is my rec - for any job that does not list a goth look as one of job requirements.
@BB, short and pink works in microbiology as well. 
Now, are there any 20 something job applicants without huge distracting tatoos that prevent focusing on their knowledge of Enterobacteriaceae?
Oops, off topic.
I vote for boring neutral. But I having been to a job interview in 20+ years!
Good luck!
Neutral, I’d go with a sheer pink or cream…nothing opaque.
This would not be something that would matter at all to us at my company- Fortune 500.
My favorite color is OPI Dutch Tulip. It’s a red, but it’s a red that matches everything.
Ha @BunsenBurner - I’m an organic chemist and I can’t remember the last time I had a manicure or wore nail polish!
I love Dutch Tulips. It’s my go-to color for toe nails, but for an interview I’d go with a neutral like pale pink or light beige. OPI Bubble Bath is a great neutral pale color.
Agree that the field/industry/position for which you are applying might matter. Can you give a tad more info?
I don’t do manicures- only summer pedicures. Will your toes be showing too or only your hands? YOu want to look classy- you dont want your hands to be a distraction. You want them to pay attention to you and what you say, not your hands. Are french tips still in style?
When I interview potential hires, I do look at their hands in general (just because they’re usually pretty visible). The turn off is when they have really long complicated structures with glittery gemstones embedded in them and intricate designs like feathered spikes (I could go on and on). The other turn off is ragged bleedy cuticles (I see this more with men).
My recommendation is: short, straight, and sheer. Not opaque – it actually looks healthier and younger IMO to have a sheer color. My specific Essie colors are: Ballet Slippers, Vanity Fairest, Mademoiselle (very sheer). If you want more opaque, Adore-a-Ball or Fiji.
Good luck!
I’d do a French manicure.
It’s a communications job. Think media relations. I already know many of the people in the dept but not the particular woman interviewing me.
I could never do a French manicure. I would feel uncomfortable the whole time.
Pink sounds so … pink. I’m not sure how it would look on my olive skin. I do like the OPI Bubble Bath color. I was thinking something a little more taupe than that. Maybe OPI Taupe-less Beach?
I think it should be more important that you and your hands appear clean and cared for. A fresh manicure of most colors should not be offensive. I would avoid extra embellishments like glitter, stickers or a design that makes each meal look like Minnie Mouse or whatever…
My D works in a communications job. Her manicured nails are typically painted a neutral, opaque color. The OPI Taupe-Less Beach is something she would wear. I think anything that doesn’t scream “look at my nails!” is probably fine.
Something boring - a neutral that looks nice with your skin color. Something invisible. The grocery store cashier complemented my purchase of a pale pink nail polish. She interviewed for her cashier job with a wild manicure - they told her to return the next day with something more professional. The times haven’t changed that much!
Edit: If taupe is a neutral on you - then it’s a great choice!