Tips for Dressing for a Job Interview for Transitioning Women

Hello, lovelies! Today’s post is quite a handy one for all trans women. There are not many that can afford the luxury to transition on a sabbatical, and not all want that either. This is why here you will find many tips to choose your outfit for a job interview!

Looking for a new job is a stressful situation no matter how you see it. For transitioning women, it can be nerve-wracking to face this in addition to all the changes going on in their lives. Knowing the dress code and a neat look are just some of the tips you’ll find here. Score that job that you’ve been waiting for!

1. Knowing the Work Environment

If you are in the job market, you are either out of work or looking to improve your living conditions. The last includes not only the financial aspect but also feeling comfortable at the workplace. If you are reading this, probably you are deciding on applying for a new job as a woman. If this is the path you’ve chosen, it is best to know how accepting trans rights are at the new job. I don’t think no one likes to feel discriminated against at work, so my advice is to ask in advance at or before the interview. When the green light turns on, you should go to the interview dressed as how you wish to be gendered. It will save you from trouble later on. If you are at the early stages of your transition I suggest you do the same, however, each goes through this stage differently.

2. Update Your Information Properly

Nowadays it is very common to find not only on Instagram but also on Linkedin the pronouns users wish to be used to refer to them. This practice has become almost mandatory for every major company around the world. Whether you are looking locally or internationally for a job, you should update your information, gender, and name to avoid confusion. Especially if your name doesn’t translate well into other languages.

To reinforce this add your chosen name and pronouns across all your accounts. Needless to say, your resume should also be up to date including your best photo, name, and previous experience. When it comes to legality and avoiding problems with your bank account, you should also make the jump and change your legal documents as well. If you haven’t yet, make sure you let the company know when they ask for your bank account.

3. Practice Addressing and Correcting Your Gender Professionally

If the pre-selection of candidates is handled more personally instead of through a social platform, it is pretty common to be misgendered. In this case, if either your name is foreign to the company or unisex, there are other ways in which you can reinforce your gender. You can add your identity and desired pronouns in parenthesis signing at the end of job applications, cover letters, and emails. This way the interviewer will know how to direct you. In case you get misgendered, it comes in very handy to know how to correct your interviewer professionally. Usually in this environment misgendering is not on purpose and often is more due to a dyslexic “faux pas”. If the confusion is constant, you can politely correct your interlocutor by saying something like “Actually, it’s Ms. not Mr.” or “I use/prefer she/her pronouns”.

4. Practicing for the Interview

Job interviews are a stressful situation for anyone, especially for trans and non-binary folks. It is not unusual for people to practice in front of a mirror for an upcoming interview. This is a great exercise to gain confidence to address some questions or situations, like our gender for instance. Also, ask your interviewer if you need to bring something to the interview. It will make a great impression as you present as an always-ready person.

5. Assessing the Dress Code

In the last few years, many things have been changing and merging with old traditional rules. The dress code is not excent from it and it is even harder to assess the situation correctly. Many jobs nowadays don’t make a fuss if you aren’t formal at the interview. It’s useful to know what kind of company you are being interviewed for to know how to dress. One thing’s for sure: be neat, clean, and don’t bring gum. Traditional professions like lawyers, bankers, or engineers follow a dress code. It is very important that you feel comfortable with it, as you will be dressing like this every day to work. Even though many don’t say it enough, there is more to life and work than just money. Nonetheless, if the previous point meets the standards and your gender is not an issue at the workplace, the dress code seems somewhat irrelevant.

As you can see there are some steps you can take in advance to prepare neatly for a job interview. Be sure to gather some info to know what kind of company has contacted you to have a better idea of the proper attire. Also, check the night before you have the right address, cell phone charged, clothes dry and clean, and shoes polished. Leave early just in case something happens with traffic and best of luck! I really hope you get that job you’ve been searching for and work as the woman you are!

Written by Tina Munova.