WIBU to wear jeans, Converse and a blazer to an "interview"?

[StaceeJaxx]

Been on the dole for 3 months now since DH was made redundant. About 6 weeks ago they changed things around and I now have an "advisor" I see every 2 weeks when signing on. She is supposed to do everything she can to improve my chances of getting a job. (And she's surprisingly, very nice). She arranged for me to go on a CV course a month ago where they re-jigged my CV to make it more up to date and professional. They were supposed to email me the finished CV 2 weeks ago, and haven't but that's another thread.

Anyway she signed me up to get some work experience (which is pretty much like workfare - working for a certain period of time but still receiving JSA) because I've been a SAHM for the past 11 years. I was put on the list and told I'd get a call when something became available. At the time I asked work clothes, because I don't own anything remotely work friendly. I wear jeans and leggings all the time and TBH look a right scruff most of the time too. I can't afford to buy new work clothes (can't even afford a shite pair of jeans from Primark for £6)! She said we could sort something out when I get a placement.

I got a phonecall from the Jobcentre today about a work placement. I have to go to an interview first and then they'll let me know if I am successful. The interview is tomorrow at 10am. I have nothing appropriate to wear. The smartest thing I have is dark blue jeans, with a dark vest top and a black blazer on top. Would that be appropriate? Would Converse look best with the jeans (Converse are white) or would black boots be better? Boots are very scuffed an old but might be better than white trainers?

Usually I would expect people to turn up smart for a job like that, BUT I do think that if you apologised as soon as you get there and explain the situation and say that you'd never expect to dress so casually of you got the placement and your job seeker lady has promised to help you with regards clothes then that would be OK (after all I assume these placements are for people in exactly the same situation financially as OP?).

And I've worked in big smart firms so have some idea what I'm talking about.

Good luck love

btw, why are you surprised that the job advisor was nice ? Civil servants are not all dragons, you know

x post

If the dress trousers look really tight at the top you might be better with a longer top if you have one. They are definately a better idea than jeans.

One tip is if you can't do the top button check that the zip doesn't come down when you sit down and things begin to bulge (note I am overweight so I speak from practical experience here). Safety pins can be your friend.

That sounds fine to me. Nice handbag, polished nails, big smile, best of luck!

Black trousers (and safety pin if nec ) black blazer.......perfect! Any top with those will be fine.
Polish the boots and you're good to go!

The black trouser option sounds better.

Try it on and post a pic.! NOSEY

The dress is definitely a better option.

I too think you need to sort yourself out with an outfit you can wear for interviews and for work too. You need a few items that go together so that you have week's worth of outfits. Speak to your advisor and ask her advice. A shiny CV is only part of the equation in getting a job, the impression you create is just as important.

Good luck!

Black wide leg trousers and blazer sounds fine.

I mean they've not given you much notice have they! God, I have loads of clothes but would struggle to put together an interview outfit in less than a day.

Dress for success are brilliant but they don't have many locations in the UK. You can get a referral from the job centre. They kitted me out with a whole wardrobe of businesswear. Good stuff too. TM Lewin, Autograph and some designer stuff.

Is it obvious the trousers don't fasten? Will they stay up without the top button being done? Do the trousers look like they fit or do you have muffin top going on?

Provided the trousers fit/look ok both outfit options sound ok. Which outfit do you feel more comfortable and confident in? Because that will count for a lot too.

I have just done a quick search online and it is possible the job centre may have access to discretionary grants for things like work clothing. Why don't you ask?

No fashion advice but just wanted to say good luck OP! Hope things pick up for you and your family soon

The trousers and jacket option sounds great! If htey are too tight, do the old early pregnancy trick of hairband through the hole and looped over the button. (assuming your top will cover the join at all times!)

If you can ask at the job centre tomorrow after the interview if there's any grants or if you can get a referral to dress for success that would be worth a go - if you get the job you'll need to look smart every day!

I agree with others here, very bad idea to wear trainers or jeans to an interview. Wear the boots, and try to borrow trousers or a skirt from someone you know.

BTW - off on a tangent rather, but having read the 'dress for success' website, I thought it would be really good to try to arrange a "suit drive" in our office after Christmas (encouraging some of the female execs to have a spring clean of their wardrobes), but as the majority of people in positions where they have to wear a suit daily are male, does anyone know of a similar charity that kits out men? I could see us getting more menswear than woman's...

Good luck for tomorrow!

Thank you.

You can buy a white shirt, black trousers and black ballet pumps in primark for under £15. If you are looking for a job surely you should have interview clothes?

CaptainKirksNipples Not if you're a size 20 you can't.

OH FGS can no one find some clothes and post them?

oh its tomorrow.

BOo

Good luck!

Good luck with your interview!

I think the black trousers and blazer sound fine. I'm glad you found them - someone I trained with was sanctioned for going to an interview in jeans last week, and she had nothing else to wear. She'd been promised work clothes too... make sure you remind your advisor to sort some out for you!

All the best :)

Good luck OP.

Can't add anything but want to wish you well x

Good luck