Job Interview Questions: Is it acceptable for a woman to wear a pantsuit to a job interview?

I am reading a job interview book and it says skirt suits are the only "proper" attire for women. What year is this again?

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Recommended Answer:
That must be a really old book. Check the first publication date.

I have worn pant suits to all of my job interviews. I think it looks more professional than a skirt suit and I feel much more confident than I would in a skirt suit.

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• Today, pants are acceptable in most workplaces. However, many interviewers may still hold old fashioned views about proper dress, even if they never express them and would never consciously believe they affected their selection. Unfortunately there's just no way to tell. For an interview, you want to make a good first impression, so why risk it? I'd wear a nice, conservative skirt suit to get any possible extra edge there might be. A formal skirt suit can never, under any circumstances, be considered inappropriate. When you get the job, you can wear pants every day of the work week if you want to. And the year is 2009, but that doesn't change human nature.


• People generally advise you to dress up at least two levels higher than the current job for which you are appearing. It will create a good first impression. For professional and senior management positions, a suit, with a tie and dress shoes is quite suitable. For women, a formal pant suit will be very apt. Women should wear only minimal and simple jewelry. Women candidates should opt for only moderate heeled shoes.


• I don't know, but i'd throw it away and get something that is relevant.
  Even for a very professional interview (lawyer, executive, etc), pants would be acceptable.


• Pants are acceptable. You are right.
  Caveat: If someone were applying to a job where she knew the company held old-fashioned values, I think wearing a skirt would help.