Are you stressing over whether you should wear sandals for a job interview? Then this piece will solve your dilemma be it whichever interview – waitress or an engineer, for teenage or an adult. If we look at the standard dress code for attending any interview it’s mostly formal. But there can be a situation where a person feels uneasy and goes for relaxed footwear along with loose-fit attire. Will that be feasible? That’s the question.
If you are thinking of getting sandals and wearing them to an interview that can be a huge turn off for the interviewers and that’s quite an issue. Sandals can make a working woman appear as a carefree person who does not take things seriously. Though you can say that it’s an assumption. But the truth of the matter is your dress projects an impression of how you will be as an employee.
That’s what first impressions are all about, if you don’t strike the chord and appear as a serious candidate willing to get the job, you might not get it. That’s why you need to wear sharp formals and office footwear. So, if not sandals what are the alternatives? Things that you need to consider before dressing sandal as the footwear for the interview.
Can You Wear Sandals to an Interview?
In a normal scenario, it is not permissible for you to go to an interview wearing casual footwear. And this is not only the rule in context to sandals but all casual wear and accessories. Sandals are worn on informal occasions.
When people discuss and talk about their life at a pool party or discussing their life decisions at a backyard BBQ, you would see people wearing sandals. Hence, as the first attire for an interview, it makes a person extremely informal and posits a message that the interviewee cannot dress seriously for the interview.
Interviewers also then reason that if you as his potential employee cannot take your dress seriously, chances are you won’t be able to do your job.
Reasons Why you Should Not Wear Sandals to an Interview
Wearing sandals to an interview might not be a right decision. Let us see a few reasons why one should not wear sandals to an interview.
Alternatives to Sandals For an Interview
Sandals in any manner or fashion are not interview attire. But if you want to wear a specific type of footwear other than sandals then there are many available. You just need to select one that you love and not feel uncomfortable while sitting for the interview but at the same time it does not make you a person who does not care. It can also mean that you look exactly like a person who wanted to have this interview:
Leather Black Shoes
Leather Black Formal shoes are the main component that makes your formal attire complete. It makes you look proper and it portrays you as the woman who has dressed in appropriate office clothing. You can pair your Black Shoes with a traditional formal blouse and wear long off-white or white pants. That will add chic and contrast to your style. However, it will also mean that you will look decked up without managing to violate interview norms.
Penny Loafers
Penny Loafers are an alternative to your formal black shoes. Penny Loafers have a great slip-on form which is laceless and very easy to put on. You can easily wear and unwear it if your feet sweat a lot. But, indeed, Penny Loafers are casual wear and they are not the first choice to go for. But they are better than your sandals. Try to match them with your interview attire.
Suede Dress Shoes
Suede works great for non-formal shoes. It appears it can be swapped but it will still fall under casual formals. However, the thing that works for these shoes is that their rugged and rough structure makes them casual but it is still shaped like formal black shoes. It can work if you go on for a casual interview.
Dark Boat Shoes
Dark Boat Shoes work amazingly in a casual business setup. When we are trying to wear something in a casual setup it should be close to a formal shoe. The best alternative however is to choose something comfortable when we are breaking the rules. Boat Shoes work great since it’s put-on laceless. Try to make sure that the Dark Boat Shoes go with the attire you have put on. It is any day better than a sandal, your feet-fingers won’t be visible which looks a bit inappropriate in an interview.
Things to Consider if You Wish to Wear Sandals For Your Interview
Some people sweat a lot on their feet. The condition is mostly hyperhidrosis. This is genetic and can be amplified with the wearing of formal shoes which essentially blocks the movement of air when you wear them. Hence the sweats can dry and produce a smell. If you have such issues then do the following things:
FAQs on Wearing Sandals to an Interview
There are a few questions to ask when it comes to wearing sandals to an interview. Let us see an answer to a few of them:
Can I Wear Flat Sandals for an Interview?
Flat Sandals are frowned upon being worn in an interview. But in certain cases, in places where your job profile requires you to wear informal clothing, you can put on flat sandals. But it is still advised to go for suede shoes, loafers, or Boat Shoes in case you are allowed. This footwear does not expose your feet which when done looks informal and non-professional. It brings attention to things that are not relevant to the interview.
Are Sandals OK for Casual Interviews?
For casual interviews, sandals can be worn. But try to take care in mind the following pointers:
- Sandals are open-toed footwear. Try to prefer penny loafers type footwear instead which does not expose the front part of your feet.
- Confirm by calling the company or the HR Department of the company and ask them if you can wear them. You will get a pass if you suffer from a medical condition called hyperhidrosis.
- There are two types of casuals, there are dress casuals which are fine and go hand in hand a bit with your formals. Then there are outing sandals which fit only for beach use or just a BBQ evening with friends. It’s advised not to wear the outing sandals and stick to only dress casual sandals.
- Many people make a callous decision by thinking that just because it’s summer they can go in a casual outfit. That’s not the case. You have to be in formal attire. You cannot go to the office in a tank top during summers, so that’s also the same with footwear. You cannot swap footwear from formals to casuals just because it’s summer.
Is it Acceptable to Wear Open-Toed Shoes for an Interview?
Open-toed shoes are different from sandals and that’s why both shoes and sandals cannot be compared. Open Toed Shoes work as a charm for professional women with hyperhidrosis. If you face the problem, you can shift from formal black shoes to open-toed shoes. Open-toed shoes work as an asset for women who find it difficult to wear black shoes. Many offices permit wearing them. They are available widely in plain colors which means the lack of contrast works in favor.
Factors to Consider in Wearing Casual Sandals for An Interview
In case you asked the company whether you have permission to wear sandals and casual attire and if they say yes you need to choose the right sandals. Now what are the factors involved in making the right pick:
Final Say on Wearing a Right Footwear to an Interview
Sandals should be avoided in any case while going for an interview. As it is mentioned here there is a possibility of wearing sandals when appearing in a casual workspace. However, these are exceptions. The alternatives of Sandals can work perfectly in a casual work scene rather than going completely informal. Flat Sandals are not an ideal choice of footwear for interviews; however open-toed shoes with mute colors work as a desirable choice.
