Enby Interview Clothes
Interview clothes have always been a weird thing to figure out for me.
When I started out I was trying to work in the gaming industry, where they smugly chuckled at this kid fresh out of college wearing an off-the-rack suit from Men’s Wearhouse.
Then I moved to SF and the tech and tech-adjacent companies I interviewed for out here had a similar thing, but with a weird “blazer over a t-shirt, dark fresh jeans and brown shoes” hybrid casual thing I always felt stupid in.
Now we have the added wrinkles: everyone’s remote and I’m out as non-binary.
WTF do I wear? 😅
Conversation
Wear something nice. They just want to see that you put enough effort in to getting dressed that you have respect for them.
Anonymous (1)
What makes you feel confident? A power color or a power piece? In tech you can get away with a lot. And I know people that have been judged for over dressing and seeming more self important. I’m always happy to grade a power outfit. ❤️
Anonymous (3)
People also linked me to:
- https://www.pinterest.com/maccareerexploration/non-binary-professional-dress/
- https://www.liveabout.com/gender-neutral-interview-and-business-clothing-2061166
A more in-depth discussion
How ‘out’ are you during the interview process? That’s something to think about in advance. Do you want to be very clearly nonbinary while interviewing, or play it down? Either is fine / valid.
Anonymous (4)
My general job interview outfit is women’s pull-on black loose business slacks, black women’s boots with a short stacked heel, with a colorful pullover fine-gauge sweater or plain colored t-shirt with a cardigan, light but visible neutral makeup, maybe with a scarf, metal or black small earrings. When interviewing remotely, I’m probably wearing leggings instead of the slacks, but otherwise the same.
At the moment, I’m comparing any job offer to my current one which is accepting (not advocating or going above and beyond, but accepting) of my full out-ness. And I’m considering that a requirement for any new job at this time, so I’m going with “fully”.
If I start hating the current gig more than I do now and want to compromise a little that may change, but I’m hoping not.
I think you’d do well with a pair of slacks that fit you well with a high quality plain t-shirt (you can tell by the fabric, you know what I mean) and a flowy cardigan or women’s style blazer (the cut is visibly different), with unobtrusive but visible earrings, manicured hands with polished nails, maybe very light makeup if that’s something you already do. If interviewing in person, manicured hands with polished nails, maybe a ring or bracelet, and a creative / funky bag from a recognizable brand that’s either a messenger bag or a crossbody purse style.
Anonymous (4)
Also worth noting that I’m very conscious of bags when interviewing. Women play status games with handbags. I wasn’t really raised around women who did this and didn’t realize for a long time, but it’s a thing.
Anonymous (4)
Men do this a little bit with backpacks and messenger bags, but fewer men do this and not as much. This isn’t to say that you necessarily need to carry a super expensive fancy bag intended for either gender, just that whatever bag you carry is sending more of a message than you probably think so it’s worth considering. I usually bring either a nice black leather women’s handbag in good condition but otherwise not exciting or my Tumi fancy work backpack.
I have never put an ounce of thought into what bag I carry to an interview 😳 This is illuminating!