Lipstick and Shoes - the reality of interviewing

Recently I interviewed for a job. I've interviewed for quite a few in my job search, but this one is of particular interest to me, meaning I want it more than just for the money. The chance to be partly in charge of developing a new collaborative program based on a new federal grant, would be such a great experience. Sure it would come with some icky "to do"s like evaluating agencies and figuring out requirements of the grant, and creating a handbook for each part of the program. But I know the experience would only advance me in my career as I'd be working with professionals in the child welfare community, the city officials, and federal representatives. Plus it is my interest area - child welfare (working to reduce exposure from violence towards children and working to reduce their risk if they already have been exposed).  It's what I want to do with my life.

But I'm not ranting about this just because of the job possibility. I know that jobs are few and competition is big in the social work community right now, especially for higher paying jobs. I know I have a small chance based on my lack of experience. I'm really wanting to talk about it for a different reason. I want to present some thoughts I had as I got ready for my interview and after. Given my lack of experience,  other factors need to be in place in order to put me ahead of the pack.I would suspect that many of the things that ran through my mind are based on the fact that I am a female. Unfortunately, so many things that happen in my life do come with the understanding that women are held to slightly different standards then men when it comes to leadership and the work force. Sure it's getting better and those who are hiring in the social work field should be more aware of such bias, but it doesn't change the fact that underlying things is a different interpretation due to sex alone.

As I got ready for the interview I tried to remember all the things I've read about how to make a good first impression. This is important right? Regardless of how good any of us are at reserving judgment, it's difficult to avoid any assumptions on that first interaction. Do I wear pants or a skirt? Jacket or no jacket? what colors send the best message? how should the garments fit as to be attractive but not too attractive? The facts are that these things do make a difference. Females who are found attractive are more likely to get employed and make others comfortable. Recently I heard about a study that pointed to the fact that if you have a visible disability or unattractive facial feature that the interviewer is more likely to only remember the feature and less about your interview - reducing your chance at the job. Colors, pants, and skirts also send a message - jackets are seen as professional and point to leadership; bright colors say you are open minded and kind or joyful; while black and neutral say you are more serious and disciplined. How do you choose from what seems like all good features to present?  Skirts vs. pants is another story. The trend now says those females in pants are seen as better professionals. They must not be too tight, but must fit well enough to be attractive to your figure. Having coordination in your choices is important as to appear "put together". Trendy aspects can be seen as immature. Even hair style for a female becomes complicated. Do you put it up or leave it down? Does your style say that you are out of touch or too youthful? Or does it say you are professional? Good as long as it's also attractive. Makeup shouldn't be too much, but enough to make you look like you have energy and again...are attractive. It's alot of information to digest. It should be noted as well that the type of job makes everything a bit different, just adding to the confusion.
I chose to go with a light blue shirt, black jacket, and black pants and shoes. I wore a long semi trendy necklace to draw attention to the jacket. My makeup was neutral in color and my hair was only partly pinned back. Was this the right combination for these interviewers? I had two male and two female interviewers - wonder if I had the right combination for all of them.


Now post interview thoughts....
Not unlike anybody else, after the interview I ran through the questions in my head and came up with better answers. Nerves usually make us forget something we knew we wanted to say or say more fluently.  But also in my mind is whether my answers showed the best combination of caring and leadership. As a woman I can say something about facilitating a group of professionals and be seen as harsh, while a male with the same answer may be seen as strong and controlled. If I laugh and have eye contact do I seem like I'm trying to flirt? A man would only be concerned if it made him look weak or if it would be seen as approachable. I also tend to concentrate more on the processing parts of a job - pointing to the strengths of making people feel comfortable and having their views heard for example. Would a man say something different (my guess is yes) and would that answer be valued more despite the fact both answers are correct?  I worried if the men found me as strong enough. I worried if the women found me non threatening. No woman wants another strong woman to enter ranks and threaten her standing with the organization. Through their individual lenses, did my skin color make a difference. I look more like clients. Did they see this as a good thing or a bad thing? Do they hold stereotypes about my reliability and work ethic?

I was left completely uncertain on how I would come across to my interviewers. I told myself that I know enough about first impressions to have tried to reduce the risk of bad impressions and maximize the good. However it all lies in how the interview group sees things, what they want to see, what they think of men and women, and their experience with nonwhite employees. I sure hope they give this average looking Hispanic woman, with limited experience( but confidence) a chance. I do not want to have to go through this whole head game again.