Last week, just before tropical storm Erin landed in Houston, I had the good fortune to speak to students of the University of Houston Law Center and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Like the Iowa students with whom I had worked just one week earlier, these Texas students seem hell-bent on making the most of each of their upcoming on-campus interviews.

 

Several women participants approached me after the program and inquired as to whether or not it is necessary for women candidates to wear skirt suits (as contrasted to slack suits) to both their on- and off-campus interviews. I told them there is no hard and fast rule.  Especially when interviewing with more conservative law firms, however, women candidates will never err by dressing in a more conservative manner. I recommended they opt for the skirt suit. When invited to an off-campus interview, and if the invitation specifies “business casual,” women candidates could safely opt for a slack suit.

 

Additionally, when selecting an appropriate interview outfit, women candidates should keep in mind geographical differences. The Texas career services representatives that I know strongly encourage their women candidates to wear skirt suits.