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

[Morphene]

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 I think you're way overthinking this. You want to be comfortable in the interview so if you're not comfortable in make up - don't wear it.

However you do need to look like you're taking the interview seriously so will need to look relatively smart. Personally I wouldn't go for a Tunic/leggings combo as I don't think that looks smart.

I would keep it simple - black shoes, black trousers/skirt (knee length)/dress and a plain blouse (any colour). Finish with a neutral coloured cardigan or jacket - either black to match your trousers/skirt/dress or a straightforward grey or cream for a cardigan.

Unfortunately first appearances do count so I go for plain and straightforward to make it look like I'm taking an interview seriously but am wearing something otherwise unremarkable in the hope that the interviewers will then be focused on what I'm saying. Shouldn't happen this way but it does.

"Personally I wouldn't go for a Tunic/leggings combo as I don't think that looks smart."

I agree. It is far too casual. Interviewees where I work are sometimes interviewed in one of the smaller offices off the main office at work. I can assure you that if you wore a tunic and leggings you would get commented on. One girl turned up in a smart trouser suit, and then wore flip-flops with it. Her shoes were talked about - and she didn't get the job. Although I doubt it was because of her choice of shoes, but it certainly created the wrong impression.

Oh I am the very definition of 'over thinking it'.

Although some of the comments have made me think that it genuinely isn't totally straight forward, and was worth at least thinking a little about.

I will definitely go with black trousers and a top jacket combo. One thing that's occurred to me is that my preference for longer tops is down to not looking as frumpy, but it will actually not make a difference when sat behind a desk. So I can wear a more conventional looking top and jacket than I think I can.

So not a suit but as people have suggested trousers, top blazer/jacket, should be fine.

Thanks all for not being too judgemental of my clothing based ineptitude.

Hi OP, just a thought but if you already own a top that looks good and makes you feel comfortable, but the neckline won't work with a conventional blazer/jacket, maybe try sprucing it up with a nice scarf rather than a necklace? Something colourful will also stick in the interviewees minds also. Best of luck with the interview!!

Are necklaces not good then? Or just scarfs are better?

Thanks for all the well wishes...still an age to go before it happens...

I think scarves depend on how booby you are. I'm quite busty and a scarf only serves to accentuate that.

I'd go with the top you adore (because it always makes me feel good to wear an old friend at a stressful time) your smart trousers and a jacket. If it's an internal role (always a bit challenging) then they know how you usually present and so I'd wear something similar but just a little smarter to show you recognise that interviews are a formal event and that you plan to step up in the new role. Personally I usually get a hair cut a few days before interviews, but that's mostly as I've a tendency to let the time between haircuts slip so can easily veer towards shaggyness. Universities are strange worlds, much more affected by internal politics than most, and while they will have HR telling them how to do everything by the book I expect that the panel already pretty much know if they are going to give you the role or not. So your ordinary self can't be that much of a problem if you have an interview :)

Necklace is fine too; wear whatever you are most comfortable with that also looks smart. You've got this!!

I went for a job interview as a lawyer (my first one in ten years out of law!) in a bright blue dress with navy blazer, and flat navy loafers. I looked smart and got the job.

Black and suits are not always the answer. Office-wear these days is more like a smart shift dress with cardigan or blazer and flat shoes.

I wore a black shift dress and a blazer for my interview at a university. Currently in my 4th day of the job! Good luck!

mist rocking some 38 E bad boys here....

nooka I think your last post really hits the spot. I tend to wear hair in a ponytail/plait that's half way down my back, so a haircut is unlikely to be noticeable. I might take an inch off in the approved MN haircut method, just to tidy it up, but I don't get split ends or anything so it won't really make much odds. I will definitely go one notch smarter than the last time I was on the other side of the table interviewing candidates with the people who might be on the panel - although on that day I was a) less smart than the men on the panel, b) more smart than any of the other women on the panel....MUST STOP THINKING ABOUT THIS!

Right - I have a plan. Many thanks to all who contributed!

I agree you are a. overthinking this and b. presenting yourself as some inept idiot with no clue about anything.

Is that really how you think of yourself because you're in danger of coming across like that in the interview if you're not careful. "Oh look at silly old bumbling me in all the wrong clothes I'm such a klutz" is probably not what you want to portray I'd guess!

As an aside there is no need for a jacket. Really. Trust me

don't worry, I can be very incisive and coherent in areas that don't include clothes....I think everyone's allowed some strengths and weaknesses!

Even if they were to actually ask me in the interview what I think about dress codes for men and women, I would almost certainly be able to say something sensible....

Of course everyone is allowed strength and weaknesses - I just didn't like to think about you selling yourself short!!

And good luck by the way

I do have a bit of a tendency to present myself as less clue-full than I actually am...I will practice suppressing that instinct for the next few weeks in preparation! Thanks for the advice!

In the end I got a jacket that was lightweight and went over the hips...I'm not sure I have ever actually fallen in love with a clothing item before, but I just know this jacket will be my new best friend!

Did the interview today and got the job - hooray!

Thanks for all the advice on here!

Woohoo-well done. The magic jacket did the trick!

Brilliant! Well done and congratulations!

Well done @Morphene

I prefer a soft dress and jacket for an interview, my industry is similar and we often wear jeans day to day, or once in management I ended up in what my DH called teacher wear. My last interview was for a quite senior national role and I wore a grey shortish dress, short sleeves light fabric, bold floral pattern, not tight or too tailored, a longer line blazer (h and m) black tights and biker boots. I got the job. If I'd gone full suit I would've been more formal than the panel interviewing me. The only time any of us really wear a suit is for court.

Amazing!!! Just read your update congratulations!!!

I dont think it’s as difficult as you’re makng out, unless you have esteem/confidence issues. Why don’t you book a personal shopper/stylist appointment (john lewis, debenhams, wherever you shop - even a large Topshop) so you can try different outfit combinations and get a second opinion from someone. You don’t have to buy anything expensive or everything they reccommend, but you’ll be able to figure out what you’re comfortable in and go from there.

Personally I’d wear smart trousers and a matching blazer with ankle boots, or a smart dress if it’s hot, but that’s how I dress anyway. You just need to look clean and professional really, ie not wear something that would detract

Ignore me, just saw your latest update.

Congratulations!

The other candidates were all wearing suits so I was in the end glad that I followed advice on here and put a jacket on!