What does one wear to an interview these days?

[bratnav]

I have a biggie next week (marketing). Is it a suit, dress, trousers/skirt and a blouse????

Help please!

[bratnav]

30 (14-16 size)
Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator (£25k)
consumer (for a press/pr agency)
Bristol

Thanks RR, I remember all your great advice when I asked about marketing before

[bratnav]

great advice, you have put down exactly the kind of thing that I was thinking of, wasn't sure if a suit was still a pre-requisite.

Strong colour-what a great idea, would never have thought of that when compiling an interview outfit, I always stick to black/grey/white etc.

Would a biscuit jacket, brown flared trousers and a turquoise strappy top under work? I have amazing tan Mary-Janes which work with the trousers?

[CostaRicanCod]

ooh no

[MascaraOHara]

OOOh I've just mentioned interview attire on my "I got an interview thread" outlines what I'm planing on wearing lol.. i.e. nice grey wool suit, wide leg non-power-dressing style

[bratnav]

Cod-any suggestions please?

[macherie]

I heard a top recruitment consultant on the radio yesterday talking about this.

He said that 99% of women interviwees wear black suit, white shirt with large collar turned back, severe hair. This look is to be avoided at all costs apparently.

He advised to get your colours done, or at least have an honest friend help you choose. Go for a dark jacket but not black, top underneath in a colour that flatters you. Discreet jewellery. Really good shoes and bag, the best you have. You need to be smart and tasteful but not flashy.

This guy said that he'd been on so many interview panels, where other interviewers had totally discounted candidates who hadn't bothered about their appearance, scuffed shoes, etc.

Hope you get the job

[bratnav]

Wow, thanks macherie, that's useful info

[bratnav]

Why why why did I get rid of so much work stuff after DD1, I think I thought I would never go back to my original size

[bratnav]

Do you think a jacket is essential?

I was wondering about suit trousers, quite a vivid stripey shirt with a co-ordinating tank top over?

[lilolilmanchester]

Hi, am not a recruitment expert but would say yes to a jacket.

[lilolilmanchester]

and grooming as important (clean and tidy hair/nails) If you wear makeup, make sure it's professional rather than glam. Sorry if stating the obvious but have seen people coming in for interviews who look like they're off clubbing afterwards and others who look like they've just come in from a day's gardening.

[CostaRicanCod]

finbar( in HR) says no to devere suit iirc

and also pay attention to the small details
no comedy watch, scruffy shoes etc
wear soemthign you dont feel awkward in
smart grey wool tailored trews, knitwear of sometiype
or a dress

[bratnav]

Oooh ooh, how about a grey herringbone pinafore dress (from Whistles) with a black shirt under, black opaque tights?

[bratnav]

I only wear minimal make up anyway, mascara and a nude lippy. Hair is one of those short bobs that can be dragged through a hedge backwards and still look smart, nails are tidy so far, will have to be nice to them for the next week

[bratnav]

I have a fab red bag, ooh, maybe red shoe shopping, yay!

[bratnav]

Shoes look very nice, but black only as far as I can see You got my size right though

[janeite]

The dress sounds fantastic. Personally I'd be tempted to go for purple shoes, or teal, as I think the whole red with business attire look could possibly be a bit too eighties.

[bratnav]

Does it matter that it is slightly (2-3 inches) above the knee?