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PhD interview next week: which outfit please?

12 replies

CharminglyOdd · 16/02/2012 17:30

I am hopeless. I have a choice of two outfits but not sure which one will project the right image (suspect I will be competing for scholarship against mostly ex-industry professionals rather than fellow students).

First: Next suit comprising waistcoat, skirt and white shirt. It's v smart but I bought it for my graduation three years ago and have put on a stone since then. The last time I wore it for an interview it looked obviously tight and I haven't lost weight.

Second possibility is a pair of black linen trousers, white shirt and a light wrap-around black cardigan which is smart enough that I've worn it to work and one relaxed job interview (although an interview it was more of an informal chat about whether I'd like to work there an in a totally different environment - catering).

I don't know whether it's best to wear a too-tight suit (not sure what impression that conveys, but doubt it's positive) or an outfit that fits but includes linen trousers (are these a no-go?). Shoes will be shiny and black. I can't afford to buy anything else except a new pair of tights.

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FebreezeYourJeans · 16/02/2012 17:41

Never wear anything ill fitting, you will be uncomfortable and distracted by it. The trousers sound fine.

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mirpuppet · 16/02/2012 17:48

I agree don't wear ill fitting suit.

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Ephiny · 16/02/2012 18:19

I don't think a suit is essential for a PhD interview, at least I didn't wear one to mine and I got the studentship! The second outfit sounds fine to me.

This is in science however, if you're applying to business school or something it might be different.

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janmoomoo · 16/02/2012 18:20

Nothing worse that an ill fitting suit, makes it look cheap and scruffy. Wear the other one.

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CharminglyOdd · 16/02/2012 18:22

Thanks :) It's in Engineering but the school is heavily involved in industry. I agree I don't want to be uncomfortable. The linen trousers are quite wide (although flattering) so I didn't want them to appear too casual. I may ask DP what he thinks although I suspect he will say suit, which is why I wanted as wide a range of opinions as possible.

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CharminglyOdd · 16/02/2012 18:23

Not silly wide though - they stretch from just at the bottom of my toes to just behind my heel.

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polyhymnia · 16/02/2012 18:28

I also got my PhD studentship without wearing a suit - admittedly it was in an arts subject so more or less anything goes!

Having conducted and been on end of a lot of interviews in my past work life, though, I would advise definitely avoiding anything too tight - apart from how it looks, you won't be comfortable in it. Stick with the other outfit. As the linen trousers are black they won't show creases the way lighter linen can.

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polyhymnia · 16/02/2012 18:28

Good luck!

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grubbalo · 16/02/2012 18:33

Having also done a PhD in engineering.. I would say don't worry too much... If the academics interviewing you are like the ones I worked with, you could probably turn up naked and they genuinely wouldn't notice..!

Seriously, I honestly think smart casual would be fine. They will be far more concerned with your academic credentials.

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 16/02/2012 18:34

Can you not wear the waistcoat with the trousers which fit? Personally I'd avoid linen trousers because they will likely be creased before you even get to the interview. Have you got a skirt which you could wear with the waistcoat and shirt?

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MrsDobalina · 16/02/2012 18:35

The second outfit sounds lovely. Mind you I wore an ill fitting suit to my phd interview (for exactly the same reason!!) but I was so fecking nervous I didn't notice once I got into the interview. I went with the suit in the end cos I knew everyone else would turn up in one. In reality I honestly think if you look smart, which you will in your second outfit, they won't care beyond that! Good luck

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CharminglyOdd · 16/02/2012 19:46

Unfortunately the waistcoat and skirt suit are matching dark blue with a peach pinstripe (sounds vile, I promise it isn't). Nothing goes with anything else. I mostly live in leggings and tunics as they're most comfortable/flattering and everything is very old. The wrap around cardigan is actually a hand-me-up from my DSis but has worn very well and still looks respectable.

I hoping my academic credentials and (much though this pains me) commercial potential of the project will be enough.

I do want to look smart as I think I have a reputation for wearing jeans (which really pisses me off as all the men wear jeans and no one makes snide remarks about them Hmm) and I do want to make the point that I know how to dress appropriately. OTOH the person who made those remarks has nothing to do with PhD selection.

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