What should I wear for an informal interview?

[Chandra]

Hiya, trying to get myself back in shape for a proper job I volunteered my self at a couple of places that I would like to work for in the future (whatever allows me to get a foot in...). And I'm having an informal interview this week. The question is... what should I wear? The appointment is with the head of an admin department of a university. I expect that a good part of the job would be dealing with students' queries but if I land a job there sometime in the future, I would like also to be involved in promoting the university in other countries (which is part of several job descriptions in the same office). So, the question is... what do I wear? the boss, who will be at the interview, normally wears suits, but the rest of the staff wear smart casual. I know that most of you would say "casual" but then... what is a good casual atire?

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance


PS... I don't do skirts

[Newbarnsleygirl]

Some smart trousers with a casual top or shirt. No jackets or suits.

[hunkermunker]

I would wear a trouser suit.

I think it's better to be a bit smart for an interview and then dress more casually for the job, iyswim.

[Fran1]

I'd go for a suit.

[lemonice]

I would say as style guru (not) you must feel either comfortable and yourself or if that is too haven't been working enough recently and too laid back how you expect yourself to dress once you start work (maybe just a little smarter than that in my case)

I would have a haircut, buy new shoes, have some early nights and get a simple pair of comfortable tailored trousers and er something else..

Hello Chandra

[Chandra]

Even if there's the possibility I end up just serving the coffee? or filing complaints? (always a risk when you are a volunteer...)

[lemonice]

Yes, aim high and you know you can

[Chandra]

Hi Lemonice

Thanks, how's the Spain trip's planning going?

[lemonice]

Hi, not really at the moment dd is coming home today (or looks at clock maybe tomorrow) as she is fickle child but hopefully will be on. One of her friends bfs is there at the moment and she is looking at an agency that he went with but no plans sadly for my little break with her I always get excited too soon. And no news brother wise either yet.

Good kuck with job..

[Fran1]

On first impressions, as an interviewer, a suit would tell me this girl doesn't plan on serving tea and coffee for ever! And thats what you want!

You know psychologists will talk about subconscious assumptions made on first sighting, i think that plays great importance when it comes to interviews, having been on both sides of the table.

You will also feel more confident in a suit, esp if it isn't something you often wear.

[Chandra]

The thing is that one of the main parts would be to look "accessible" to students that are already here, still a suit?

(OK, I may not be willing to accept it but you are right... you have convinced me, I need a suit!!! what kind of suit? could you recommend a store that sells suits in a model that it is not too formal but not too informal either? something flattering for a big hips girl? (Yeah I know, long jackets... but where do they sell them -have been looking for one for ages)

Thanks

[Fran1]

When i needed a suit to fit my just post pregnancy body, that i knew i'd only wear once, i bought it in new look and it was surprisingly good fit and quality!

[Chandra]

Lemonice. Could your girl start e-mailing other students to search for somebody who may be renting a room in their flat? When I went there I found it very difficult, agencies charge a fee for releasing the info and sometimes you end up paying a small fortune just to realise a minute later that they don't have any suitable property in their lists. Unfortunately, is either the good old newspaper or connections. But if she has another friend going as well then is easier, they can rent a flat and then if they still have more space get another person to share the costs. HTH,

PS Don't worry about the missed holiday, you can always can go to visit her later when she is already there

[Chandra]

OK, NEw Look in the list... any one else?

[Fran1]

next? they have got a few nice suits, personally i prefer the shorter jackets but this is a nice long jacket as you requested.

and i'm cross with you, cos you've got me on a shopping search now and i just know i'm gonna spend money!

[lemonice]

Thanks Chandra

Back to the Trinnie and Suzannah question, which i'm laughably unqualified to advise in but that is the trouble if you post in the middle of the night!!

I think suits at this time of year might be a bit difficult I tend to see them in Autumn/Winter colours and it will probably be quite warm so I would go (probably mistakenly against the others and say trousers and "top" - I'm sure I'm not as old fashioned as that sounds)

I think you should go for your stylish self, a bit of simplicity with derring do..

[Skribble]

I would dress just a little bit smarter than the staff dress everyday. It maybe informal but as you say you will want a paid job in the future so start as you want to go on and how you want to be perceived. If you are to casual it could be hard to shake this image no matter how much you dress up after, First impressions do count.

Good luck and I hope it leads you to where you want to go.

[Chandra]

Thanks Fran and Lemonice, I will check Next tomorrow (hope they have it in the local store as I have the interview on Thursday). If I don't find the suit then will try to find a nice sensible top (can tops be sensible?)

[Chandra]

Thabks Skribble

[lemonice]

Stylish and just a touch individual or even if you can carry it off confidently an itsy bit flamboyant...(but tasteful).. I know what I mean my friend can do it but i can't!!

Let us know how you get on..

[Skribble]

The individual thing is excellent advice especially when going for interveiws where there are many candidates. I have done conducted interveiws for one of my jobs and we might go through 80 in a day between 3 of us. We always refer to people as the "woman with the red shirt" or "the guy with the dodgy tie" its hard to remember names.

I often were one of my favourite red shirts under a suit jacket its worked so far I have 3 jobs and also work for a agency .

[lemonice]

Somebody described a way of dressing on here recently and I noted it down for future reference - well in my head, it was along the lines of trousers, "top" and flowing item - I sort of envisaged a very memorable theatrical quality from the back as she strode confidently down the corridor...

[Chandra]

Thanks girls, I'm already trying to figure out about the individuality (I have put on so much weight that none of my old ideas seem to work anymore... I would have a look around tomorrow, to see if I can find something that fits the purpose.

[Fran1]

Chandra - yes tops can be sensible but you have to refer to them as a blouse

[Chandra]

I always knew they had an intelligence of their own!

[Skribble]

Remember don't attempt to be too individual unless you are going for a job in a creative field, an interveiw for an admin position is probably not the time to break out the strange kaftan you bought on hoilday, or the blouse with the strange swirls you got five years ago in the sales and have never worn since . Maybe a bright neck scarf or interesting broach on a plain suit.