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What Does Your Graduate Interview Footwear Say About You?

InterviewsWorkTips and Advice

What kind of impression could you footwear be giving for that all important interview for a graduate job? You'll be surprised how many students get this part wrong so here's a tongue-in-cheek run down for you...

Women:

Stiletto Heels

You are confident and skilled (especially at not breaking your neck). You are well-balanced and enjoy expressing your femininity through your dress-style. You are also very conscious of the formal tone that is associated with an interview, but you may be too eager to impress. Now you just need to decide if the raunchier the better!?

Low Heels

A more comfortable and safe choice that will bring out the professional look without too much glam, but could you have gone more flashy? Maybe it's best to just address the formal tone rather than out do it. You've done well.

Pumps

Maybe you don't want to overdo it and you want to feel comfortable in already nail-biting circumstances. This doesn't mean you aren't willing to push yourself into uncomfortable situations, but you hope to sell your independent personality and skills with your words, not height.

Flip Flops

Well, why wouldn't you want your feet to be free and exposed? You're reminded of that summer you spent in Thailand and we bet you can still feel the sand between your toes. Guess what, your interviewer won't remember it at all.

Boots

How could you read into this one? needing protection? Is it a blizzard outside? Do you like to just kick-ass? Well any of the above could be true but the bottom line is they are more practical than a style statement in this environment. Perhaps not that ideal with a suit?

Men:

Brogues

You've gone for the classic option and classics are classics for a reason. Pay close attention to the remainder of your outfit as a mis-match here can make you look unorganised - they don't go with everything. You know how to stand out as a strong candidate without being too flashy through your footwear so good for you.

Loafers

Another safe choice (men's footwear is notoriously boring!), just make sure they aren't too scuffed from nights out as that's an absolute no no. With low key shoes, you'll be able to wear a snazzy suit and maybe a vibrant tie. Just make sure you sell your personality to set yourself apart from the rest.

Crocodile Skin Boots

Well, make way for the extrovert! Plenty of confidence to boot here (see what we did there?). You were born to be a leader, and lead you shall do with a cigar in your teeth and trail of cheap cologne stalking you from 10 meters down the hall.

Trainers

Are they your gym shoes? At least we now know that you work-out. If not, then brilliant, we hope you're wearing jeans too as the informal tone shows that you aren't image conscious and don't care what people think. If only we were as brave as you, or as stupid.

Wellies

Is it raining outside? Because you look a bit like Peppa Pig splashing in muddy puddles. But bright yellow is a great colour on you. Good work, you'll definitely get job.
lizzi hart grb author

Lizzi Hart is the Social Media & Content Manager at the Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB). Outside of work, she enjoys reading, music, binge-watching TV and dreaming about the dog she'll one day own.

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