What to wear to a skilled trade job interview within local government?

Definitely don't talk about your hair during the interview. As an interviewer, I would find that much more off-putting than the hairstyle itself.

My feeling is, a Ponytail Guy is not going to enjoy working at a place that would not hire a Ponytail Guy just because of the ponytail. There are thousands of reasons he might not get the job (better qualified applicant, nepotism, last minute budget cut), but if he is well-qualified, part of the interview is determining if the job is right for him. Stay true to who he is and let his resume speak for itself. /former ponytail guy

He should not discuss his ponytail during the interview! This has a good chance of making the interviewer uncomfortable, and it calls attention to his appearance! Looking professional means being confident and comfortable -- and this means not discussing his hairstyle.

My husband worked corporate Richmond for 20+ years. He says keep the ponytail. Wear a blazer. In part (he says), it's an asshole test. Do you really want to work at a place where you aren't accepted?

Business and government culture in Richmond, VA is pretty damn conservative. I've been to tech industry networking events in Richmond and 3/4 of the attendees are wearing suits. If getting the job is really important I'd probably play it safe and cut the ponytail. He can always grow it back, whether he gets the job or not.

Blazer, no sweater, and yes, get a haircut. The ponytail will in no way help him to get the job but it could hinder him.

I work for government but not your government. I would recommend wearing a blazer and tie and making sure his ponytail/facial hair is neat, clean and well groomed. Practice tying it back in different ways (eg. braid) and wearing it that way for a few hours before the actual interview so it feels and looks comfortable. People saying he can grow back a 12 inch ponytail probably underestimate the slow frustration of growing back beloved hair after an unhappy haircut. I don't wish to pre-judge your husband but I think that if he takes steps to minimise any other signs of metalhead-dom (minimal jewelry, covers tattoos as appropriate) and balances the ponytail with nicely laundered, pressed clothes, shined shoes etc nobody will have any reason to hold a neat ponytail against him.

Yeah, I agree with commenters saying it is safest for your partner to cut his hair and wear the jacket. I'd also advise that the haircut should happen soon, and you should be willing to pay for a good one at a stylish salon. I'm guessing your partner may be tempted to keep his ponytail right up to the last minute, but that's a bad idea -- it'll take at least a few days for him to figure out how to style the new cut (what product, how much), and until he does it won't look great. Same goes for the jacket: he should wear it around the house a little and get comfortable in it, before wearing it to an interview. Essentially, he wants to turn up able to ignore his clothes and hair, not distracted by them. Good luck!

I think a big part of this comes down to what level of experience he has for the job. If he's been an electrical inspector for a long time, worked for some really reputable companies, and is seeking out a new job on his own (rather than having been fired from a position), his hair will likely be of little concern to anyone at the potential new job. He would have already proven his skills, personal qualities, etc., in previous jobs. People who are really good at what they do are often 'allowed' to have more quirks. If I were in your husband's shoes, and wanted to keep my ponytail, I'd put it in a braid - neat, tidy, less visible, and obviously not going to interfere with his ability to do his job (i.e., his hair won't blow into his face if he were working outdoors). But I am speaking as a person with purple hair who has thus far refused to dye it to a 'normal' colour for the sake of employment - and who remains employed due to being good at what I do.