Hi,

I read the two other posts regarding women's interview attire (which were very helpful), but I was wondering if anyone thinks there is a different standard for graduate assistantships. It is a paid position with free benefits. I would be doing archival and some reference work in the manuscripts division within a particular collection at a large (and very beautiful!) academic library. Only a handful of people work there. When I visited, one woman was wearing a sort of beige, somewhat casual pants suit, and the other I believe was wearinng a long skirt and blouse.

My interview is scheduled after my first class on my first day of graduate school! I was planning on dishing out a bit of money on a suit, since that is what everyone here seems to suggest. Maybe with a shorter jacket that has a bit more of a casual, summer feel to it? Do you think they expect me to wear a suit, or would a nice blouse and skirt work as well. I suppose wearing a suit shows a certain amount of effort you are putting forth. Thoughts?

Also - pardon my ignorance - but why do I read so many library professionals stressing the importance of comfortable, low-heeled shoes on an interview?! I would never show up in stilletos, but is it simply a matter of "looking the part?"

Thank you in advance for your suggestions and advice!

I conducted interviews this week for two graduate assistant positions; located in the library's resource center general responsibilities include grading and facilitating an education lab. Each of the candidates (men) were appropriately dressed wearing slacks, dress shirt, and tie. Each was prepared with additional copies of support materials and a briefcase. As the interviewer, I appreciated the effort put forth to arrive in professional attire and everyone working those two days commented on their dress code for the interview. I would agree wearing a suit, or mixed separates, would show respect for the position you are trying to obtain.

As to the shoes, generally wearing comfortable shoes helps when there are campus tours involved during the interview process.

Good luck with your interview.

I agree that a suit is best, but if you know how the staff dress in the department, you are probably safe going a couple steps above that. You really want to dress at the same level as the interviewer, if at all possible.

And, yes I would avoid ruffles, etc. They get caught on things and get dirty at work very easily---by wearing them it shows a lack of knowledge about the kind of work you will have to do. It is sort of like wearing a skirt to a tech job when you know you may end up on the floor trying to work on a few computers in a public area.