<p>I have an interview this week for an internship at a biotech company. I was wondering if a combination of a black pencil skirt, black pumps, and a nice blouse would be appropriate. I considered buying a skirt/pant suit, but might a suit be too formal, since the dress is usually casual at these places? I don’t want to look too out of place compared with the interviewer.</p>
<p>Also, are there any colors that the blouse is supposed to be?</p>
<p>Finally, in general terms, are pantsuits better than skirt suits? In what environment would one be more appropriate than the other?</p>
<p>It sounds just perfect. It’s fine to be more dressy than an interviewer because you want to show that you take the opportunity and the formality of the occasio seriously. I always think a skirt is nicer, but both are perfectly fine. Good luck!</p>
<p>It sounds fine to me. I’m not familar with biotech companies, but most of the biologists I know don’t believe in dressing up. I’d wait on buying clothes till you see what the office culture is. I, personally, think pantsuits or even pants with blazers that don’t go with them are much more comfortable than skirt suits and I just loathe wearing stockings. Pants are fine for my business. (Architecture.) The blouse should be a color that makes you look good. :)</p>
<p>I agree with zoosermom, it’s fine to be a little too dressy for an interview.</p>
<p>demeter, what you are choosing sounds fine. I think it’s fine to “overdress” a bit for an interview. It shows a “respect for the institution.”
Edit: x-posted with zoosermom-we’re on the same page.</p>
<p>I agree with all above. S had an internship at a biotech company last summer and is returning this summer.</p>
<p>Dress (for a male) at his company is golf/polo shirt, jeans and non-sneaker/non-athletic shoes. He wore the above, but khakis instead of jeans, the first day or so. He was hired via online/phone interview, so the interview attire question didn’t come up.</p>
<p>But I always think dressing one “notch” higher than what is common for working there is the right way to go for an interview. </p>
<p>I think a suit could be overkill.</p>
<p>I don’t think one can generalize re pants vs. skirt suits in the workplace. Wait until you have a job to see if suits are needed at all, only for client meetings, almost always etc. Then, pattern your wardrobe after those around you and particularly those at the level where you want to go.</p>
<p>Blouse can be any color, just not revealing and not loud (fuschia and red are not loud, eg; but fuschia and red wild prints are loud, imo).</p>
<p>Get a cream silk blouse, pale colors tend to be better (no hot pink, dark blue, purple, green…) Even when a place is business casual, when you go on an interview it is better to be more formal. Remember to keep your legs closed when you are sitting (you would be surprised how many girls forget to do that). Don’t wear too much makeup or jewelry - stud earrings (no hoops), one simple ring, no bangles. Bring a notebook with you to take down anything important at the meeting. Have a nice handbag with you. It’s my pet peeve, I always look at people’s shoes and handbags/briefcase. They should be professional and clean/shined. One last thing - be on time, do not be early or late. Good luck.</p>
<p>I have some knowledge of the biotech world. Your outfit sounds fine. Just do not wear open-toe shoes or sandals; those in general are not considered appropriate for interviews. Do your DD. Make sure you read up on the company and their projects. If you look up your hiring manager’s recent publications or patent applications and can come up with some meaningful questions, it will be a plus.</p>
<p>Nobody will penalize you for being slightly overdressed. It may be practical to put on a (not-too formal) jacket on top of your blouse. Some offices can be cold. Your jacket may also have convenient pockets.</p>
<p>BunsenBurner makes a nice point. Don’t worry about ‘getting it wrong’ with the clothes. Don’t get it wrong with the things that matter. At least google the company and everyone you are going to meet before you go for the interview.</p>
<p>Haha, what do you mean by a “biotech-y color”? By the way, is there an unspoken rule about whether shirts are supposed to be tucked in or not? My mother adamantly says no, but I can’t help but feel that an untucked blouse might look sloppy.</p>
<p>If you browse biotech companies’ websites or take a look at biotech logos, most of them have greenish or blue colors, which people tend to associate with anything “life”.</p>
<p>Is this for a summer internship? In this case you will be fine, perhaps even a tiny bit overdressed, but that’s okay. With the pencil skirt and the tucked in blouse, wear pumps, not sandals or flip flops.</p>
<p>My S went to an interview at a tech company, wearing khaki trousers, a shirt, tie and a crew neck sweater (he refused to wear a jacket). He came back saying he was the best-dressed person he saw in the fairly large company! Most people were wearing jeans.</p>
<p>I’m inclined to agree with everyone on the tucked in blouse, but my parents and I nearly got into a shouting match over the question. My mother says it looks more professional to leave the shirt untucked, but I think the complete opposite. Is there a rule on this one way or the other?</p>
<p>I figure I can just duck into a bathroom before the interview to tuck my shirt in, since my dad (who’ll be dropping me off tomorrow) is the type to explode in rage if he sees that, after all this time, I’m still going to tuck the shirt in.</p>