What You Wear on Your Feet May Get You Hired
One of the last things people think about for a job interview is what to put on their feet. Actually, footwear is important for creating the right impression at any job interview. For both men and women, the right shoe appearance can be made without spending a week’s paycheck (or equivalent savings) on the footwear just by following a few simple points.
Footwear for men
There are two styles that work for men. Laced shoes and slip-on shoes. Traditionally, laced shoes have been encouraged for job interviews as they require more work to put them on and keep them on. Slip-on shoes are sometimes referred to as loafers, but these are the dress variety not those with big moccasin style toes and “beef rolls” on the sides. Actually, laced and slip-on shoes are both acceptable. But they must be traditional or what is sometimes described as “classic” in style and appearance.
Men’s interview shoes should have toes that are not square or pointed. Black leather is best. Dark brown is next. Avoid any other colors and anything that looks like synthetic materials. The sole of the shoe should be leather but even if it is not it should be thin and not have lugs or anything for traction. These are not camping, athletic or multi-purpose outdoor shoes.
If the shoe has laces, they should be the same color as the shoe and in good order. If the shoe is a slip-on it should not have buckles, snaffles, pennies, and insignia of either metal or cloth.
The shoes should be shined with polish and a buffing cloth or brush. The sole and the heel should be shined and buffed too (the outside not the bottom). If the shoes have cracks, tears or other visible wear they are not appropriate for an interview.
Boots are never appropriate for interviews. Neither are sneakers, sandals or anything with Velcro.
Footwear for women
There are several styles of interview shoes that work for women. Please note: these are for positions in business, nonprofits, government and the professional fields not Hollywood or the New York high fashion industries.
The first style that is best for women is the classic pump. The height of the heel should be moderate. A higher heel is better for shorter women. A lower heel is better for taller women. The pump should be in black, navy or very dark brown depending on the color of the suit being worn. Avoid patent leather. The toe should not be long and pointed nor should it be blunt and squared. The entire shoe should be one single color.
The second style that is best for women is the ballerina slipper also known as the flat. These are classic and can be worn in the same colors as the pump. They work best for moderate to taller women though some shorter women swear by them and wear them successfully. They say all the right things about a women and are generally more comfortable than pumps with heels.
The final shoe style that is best for women is the sling back. It is just like the pump in every element except the back of the shoe is an open strap, usually with a adjustment buckle to shoe the heel of the wearer. They are another traditional or classic style for women.
Toes should not show during an interview, even in the dead of summer. As such, dress (or casual) sandals are not appropriate. Neither are flip-flops even in so-called dress styles.
Like men’s shoes, women’s shoes should be in good repair, polished and buffed.
Some may think talking about shoe styles for interviews is a forbidden subject, like politics and religion, but they are important. Follow the advice outlined above will not guarantee that you get the job of your dreams, but not following may keep you out of the running for it.
