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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to resent the bear trap of choosing what to wear for an interview?

99 replies

Morphene · 17/04/2018 17:15

My first interview in 9 years...I have no clue what to wear and I really resent that I have to give this head space when I feel it would be so much more straight forward for a bloke....

So AIBU? or alternatively what the hell do people wear to interviews in universities these days?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Calvinlookingforhobbs · 17/04/2018 17:18

I’d dress smartly. Cleaner, admin support or lecturer I would turn up in smart business dress. Just as a man would.

Whatshallidonowpeople · 17/04/2018 17:21

A suit. Unless the job is in Tesco or casual then skirt/ trousers And a blouse/shirt

thesandwich · 17/04/2018 17:21

Dress smartly in clothes that make you feel good.

GemmaB78 · 17/04/2018 17:23

I have a grey shift dress and black jacket combination that I have worn to every interview since 2011 - it's my version of a suit. So I give it the same headspace a man would! The only thing that I might shake up are the shoes.

BarbarianMum · 17/04/2018 17:23

I disagree that it is harder for a woman than a man. Choice is casual, smart casual or suit for both sexes.

lottiegarbanzo · 17/04/2018 17:24

Job interview? Or for entry as a student?

Either way, smart but not necessarily a suit, I think.

GemmaB78 · 17/04/2018 17:24

Oh, and I do work in a uni (professional services). Now I'm in post, I get away with jeans and converse, but for the interview I felt that the suit was appropriate.

OliviaStabler · 17/04/2018 17:25

Always dress smartly for an interview.

PatchworkElmer · 17/04/2018 17:25

Like Gemma, I have a ‘go to’ outfit- black shift dress and blazer in my case.

hammeringinmyhead · 17/04/2018 17:27

If I had an interview tomorrow I'd wear black ankle grazer trousers, a black blazer, a plain top in a brighter colour and some brogues. I tend to go slightly androgynous.

geekaMaxima · 17/04/2018 17:28

For universities, it very much depends on the role (and to some extent, the department).

e.g.:
Central admin/professional roles like HR = standard smart office wear or suit if you prefer
Academic role = varies from pretty casual (anything but jeans) to formal suits (check out staff photos online and go up a notch in formality for an interview!)

Original poster
Morphene · 17/04/2018 17:29

thesandwich I think those are mutually contradictory for me.

I don't own any clothes I think of as smart, even if I did I wouldn't actually look smart wearing them...

And they would definitely make me feel uncomfortable.

I'm going for an internal role....I feel like people are going to notice I'm wearing odd clothes and be annoying about it....I don't think I can 'win' either way.

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Original poster
Morphene · 17/04/2018 17:30

I'm an academic but the role is faculty level...probably outing myself to the panel as clueless on what to wear now

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BarbarianMum · 17/04/2018 17:31

Plain black trousers, blouse, smartish shoes?

Original poster
Morphene · 17/04/2018 17:33

Plain black trousers I can do...I can probably manage to polish my ankle boots...

its blouses that don't like me (or me them for that matter). And then some sort of jacket - but I'm bound to get over heated and have to take that off. So the 'top' has to work on its own.

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DontTouchTheMoustache · 17/04/2018 17:33

I dont see how it is a bear trap or easier for a man? Pencil skirt, blouse and smart shoes. Always better to be slightly too smart than not smart enough.

Twickerhun · 17/04/2018 17:33

Where what you normally would but take it up a notch in smartness?

GemmaB78 · 17/04/2018 17:33

My husband is an academic and wears smart trousers & shirt for interviews. I think as an academic you can get away with something less formal. One step up from your usual?

Original poster
Morphene · 17/04/2018 17:33

and I'm nervous...already...and its still weeks away. Darn it.

OP posts:
thesandwich · 17/04/2018 17:35

How do people in those roles dress? Is your issue idealogical rather than practical? Would you consider seeing a personal shopper at somewhere like John Lewis? Would you like to have something you looked smart in?

Original poster
Morphene · 17/04/2018 17:36

Men can always default to suit.

I have never seen any of the women in this department wearing a suit. Literally never seen it. So women wearing a suit would mean a level of smart or possibly even 'ambitious' that would draw negative attention.

But wearing something less than a suit seems impossible also....

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Original poster
Morphene · 17/04/2018 17:38

Current occupants of similar roles wear a range of stuff up to 'suit', they wear suits to be on interview panels, but they are men.

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Original poster
Morphene · 17/04/2018 17:40

I think my issue is genuinely wondering how I should pitch my dress...then being furious I'm even thinking that way....then feeling extra annoyed because actually how you present yourself IS important in these roles...then sadly wondering if I should have applied in the first place if I'm so clueless about such things.

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QueenDoris · 17/04/2018 17:41

Sparkly spandex catsuit should be suitable for most job interviews

suckonthatmaureen · 17/04/2018 17:41

I always wear the same thing to interviews.

Black trousers, white or cream blouse/shirt and a jacket/blazer. Easily adjusted to suit the environment.

If you don't like shirts can you wear black trousers and find a smart short sleeve top or blouse to go with it? Plenty of super lightweight jackets in the shops at the minute too.