Can I wear this bag to a job interview in a bank?

[Rubiesandrainbows]

Here

//www.next.co.uk/x48358s2#993700x48

Or they have a shiny black one.

The thing that I like about this bag, is that my jacket is black, shoes black, and dress (lovely black dress in zara sale) is....black, so this breaks it up. But I'm worried its not really very "corporate".

What do you think? I already have an oversized Tula leather squishy bag that I can use, but this one seems more 'structored'.

Thankyou :)

[ninedragons]

What sort of bank? (investment or retail?)

Personally I wouldn't. Animal print is too casual for a very corporate environment.

If you were the stand-out best candidate for the job it wouldn't stop them making you an offer (if you are truly great in your field, they will take you on if you turn up to the interview in an "I'm with stupid ->" t-shirt), but it might raise eyebrows at some banks.

[LIZS]

Personally I don't think an interview is an appropriate time to make such a statement , unless it is a competitive, creative field. Patent might be a good alternative.

[Rubiesandrainbows]

ninedragons its a retail bank, working in their head office in their IT department.

I am a strong candidate, but I wouldnt put myself as "top of my game" standard.

LIZS Yes I think the parent one is more appropriate, but I couldnt see myself using that one for anything other than the interview, if you know what I mean :)

[Rubiesandrainbows]

patent :)

[mycatsaysach]

no go conservative

[Rubiesandrainbows]

Do you think my squishy oversized tula bag would be ok? Or is it worth shelling out the £20ish quid for the next patent one?

[ninedragons]

I am trying to think of a way not to sound bitchy, but where I work, that would be considered a secretary's bag. Even if you are being interviewed for a secretarial job, you need to look like you're a notch higher on the totem pole than that.

I would try to find something plain, structured and stylish - maybe red? I'm not familiar with Tula but I'm not sold on squishy and oversized either as a great professional look.

Good luck with the interview.

[tethersend]

No. Let your skills make the statement, don't go down on the interviewers' notes as 'The one with the crazy bag'.

And I LOVE animal print.

If you want to break up the black, go for a block colour bag; perhaps in red?

[ninedragons]

Excellent suggestion from tethersend.

[NoMoreWasabi]

Totally what tethersend and ninedragons said. I clicked on the link and thought "disinterested secretary bag".

[Rubiesandrainbows]

No its not bitchy ninegragons I'm glad you said that, thay next bag is firmly out of my head.

A red bag is an excellent idea! :) Just wish I had one, the interview is tomorrow, I'm trying to think if I have time to go out and get one...!

[Rubiesandrainbows]

This is the same as my tula bag
//www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tula-Womens-Leather-Handbag-Black-/270790967761?pt=UK_Women_s_Handbags&hash=item3f0c6641d1

[LadyClariceCannockMonty]

I don't think animal print is wrong for a retail bank per se, I just don't like that particular bag much. I'd go for a strong plain colour (red as suggested by others here would be fab, or an 'off' teal blue type colour?) but in a style that looks a bit more, um (going to have to sound snobbish here, sorry) expensive.

[Aworryingtrend]

An interview is not the time or place for 'wacky' accessories which is what that bag may be viewed as, especially if the people interviewing you aren't particularly fashion concious.

I think the tula one is fine, as long as its 'neat' and not crammed full to bursting, eg. Presumably you will have a separate document folder with your CV/paperwork in?

[lalababy]

Go with the Tula bag. I work at a bank and have interviewed a number of people and their handbag has never entered into the equation of whether or not I offer them the job. Having said that... conservative is the best way to dress during an interview because you just don't know what the corporate culture is until you join and convervative is the safest option.

[Rubiesandrainbows]

god this is nice!

//www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_089010538760_-1?breadcrumb=Home%7EWomen%7EHandbags+%26amp%3B+purses

[NoMoreWasabi]

I have that Tula bag in red myself and I use it for work sometimes. I'd go for that.