interview advice (Jewish Agency)

I have an interview on Thursday with a Jewish Agency for a preschool social work position. I looked at pictures on their website and I noticed that most pictures of women have them wearing skirts. Should I dress in a skirt for the interview even though I am not Jewish? I don't want to make a bad impression of offend anyone. Also are there any other customs I should know?

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

How religious is the agency?

I work in a conservative Jewish school as a teacher, and although I'm not Jewish I still am required to follow their dress code. I have to have clothes that always cover my shoulders and are fingertip length or longer. Pants are fine

I interviewed once for an Orthodox Jewish school, and was told point blank that I needed to wear a skirt knee length or longer, and have my elbows covered. In addition, if I was married, my head needed to be covered as well.

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

I really don't know, I mean in it's mission statement they talk about both the staff and clients being diverse and non denominational. So I'm guessing it's not super strict. I just don't want to offend anyone in the interview. I was thinking a skirt to my knees a cute blouse with a cardigan over to cover my arms. Do you think this is sufficient?

interview advice (Jewish Agency)

I work in an orthodox yeshiva school and I am not Jewish. Because I worked through the public school (I was contracted out to work in the yeshiva) I was not required to wear skirts, however I did anyway. I would wear a skirt on the interview, just in case. Wearing a skirt would be seen more as a sign of respect, and definitely would not be offensive. Also, I would make sure your shirt isn't very revealing (no cap sleeves, etc).

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

Dress for the job you want. I'd wear a skirt.

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

Thank you for all the advice!!! I guess I'm going shopping tonight!!!

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

It has nothing to do with being Jewish. Much like ANY man over the age of 13 entering a synagogue, even as a guest at a baby naming or bris, must wear a yarmulke, same goes for a woman working in a religious institution. She would have to adhere to the regulations and traditions of the said religion.

So, go buy that skirt and good luck on your interview!

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

I have the same advice i would give a man. Dress conservatively, in a suit. As a woman, i would wear a suit with a skirt, not pants.

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

If you were to get the job, you'd be expected to dress in accordance with the firm. I would wear a long skirt (to or past the knee), and I would make sure your shoulders are covered. Definitely err on the side of modesty.

if your attire won't fit in or will make your co-workers or clients uncomfortable, they won't hire you. you definitely need to dress to fit in. I'm not jewish, but it's the same way i would dress if I were attending an event at a family member's conservative shul or at an orthodox family member's home

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

As another social worker who is not Jewish, I think for the interview at least you should dress like you would for an interview at any other agency. It's perfectly fine though if you want to "dress the part".

I am sure they will tell you if there is a dress code required. I interviewed once at a nursing home in Queens that I had no idea was Jewish and was told that if hired (and they ultimately offered me position but I declined because I got something better elsewhere), I would need to wear the long skirt and long sleeves.

I also got my MSW at a Jewish university in Manhattan and never had to dress this way.

The social work school was extremely diverse, however.

Good luck on your interview!!

Re: interview advice (Jewish Agency)

Wear a suit with a skirt to the knees.

Good luck!