To ask what to wear to an interview?

[neroforte]

Hi, I’ve just got my first interview for tomorrow at 11:30am tomorrow!
I’ve never had one before so have no idea what to wear and what questions I’ll be asked!
It’s a kitchen Porter job so not too fancy, but just a bit unsure
Please someone help!

Go smart. Always.

... and good luck!

Have you got some options or just want general ideas?

Smart black or navy trousers and a nice blouse or top. Smart casual flat shoes. Always look smart no matter how relaxed the job role. No jeans or trainers.

Smart. I'd wear a suit myself but I don't know if Covid has made that overdressed. I love a good suit.

Smart. You can’t overdress for an interview, you can underdress though.

What @Godmothered said

I agree with Godmothered too. This outfit would be smart but not over the top for the role

I agree with Godmother also. Smart. Think office wear.

Thank you!! Should mention I’m only 16 in case this makes a difference haha (that’s also why it’s my first interview!)
Thanks again!

Good luck! Nope, well presented clean tidy clothes to an interview doesn’t change depending on your age :)

I don’t actually have many ‘formal’ clothes, so I was thinking of wearing :

White collared shirt
Navy cardigan
Black skirt
Vans
And silver earrings and the rings I always wear anyway

I know vans aren’t formal at all but I really don’t have any other shoes besides white doc martens with broken laces haha

All sounds fine, if black vans are all you have they will be better than the Docs (I say this very reluctantly as a DM lover!) When you’re able to it would be worth getting a pair of plain black pumps for kitchen work so you don’t ruin your vans!
I’d perhaps lose the earrings and rings if they are excessive, just keep one piercing to each ear and simple studs.

Always business wear always no matter what the job

I think having a suit - if you can - is ideal

Certainly at least smart trousers or smart at least knee length skirt or dress

If wearing a skirt/dress cover legs or ensure legs in good order (no scratches etc)

Smart shoes, don't have to be heels, if heels don't go too high, I generally go flat because then no broken heel emergency! (I have form for this!)

Given the nature of the job:

Clean hands and short tidy nails (yes I know clean hands seems obvious but I used to hire in this area too and some candidates!!)

Hair clean and tidy (again seems obvious but...) tied up if longer than shoulder length

DON'T wear the rings! Trust me not for this role. What are the earrings like? I'd go with something small and tidy - again role specific - studs or small hoops nothing too fancy

If you have time/funds (can parents help?) black ballet pumps or loafers would be slightly better than vans.

Well done for thinking to get advice on this.

Hope it goes well for you.

@neroforte Your outfit sounds fine 😊 as @Blueballinthegarden said - it would be worth picking up a little pair of black pumps whenever you can. They’re always handy to have 😊
Just make sure you look clean and well presented 😊 and switch your phone off and put it in your bag BEFORE you go in!! I’ve interviewed quite a lot of people your age and there are so many that come in dressed in jeans and hoodies and carrying their phone in their hand. The phone then gets put on the desk infront of them and beeps and buzzes through the whole interview. It’s very off putting!
Good luck with the interview 😊😊

At 16 and for a casual porter role I would just go with clean and tidy. What you have suggested sounds perfect. My DDs wore things like black jeans with a blouse for interviews for their first jobs. No need for a suit. That would be too much! Good luck!

Good luck today. My first job was similar at 15 and I loved it. Great to be treated like an adult by everyone.

Not sure about your industry but typical interview questions will be about your previous experience. Because this is your first job I'd draw on real life experiences that relate to the role and demonstrate your work ethic. You want to get across for example that you're hard working, reliable, punctual, listen to instructions and use initiative. Also have an answer for why you want this job and why they should hire you.
Definitely go with clean, smart attire and I wouldn't wear jewellery apart from simple earrings. Practice your answers out loud so they roll off the tongue easily. Be familiar with the job description and what they're specifically expecting and have a question or two for them at the end. At the end thank them for speaking with you and reaffirm why you'd be great for the job and how much you want it. Get there a few minutes early so you're not stressed and rushing, then if you can enjoy it!

Best of luck OP! Don't forget to come back and let us know how you went!

Thank you everyone :) nervous for today but sure it’ll be fine lol

@neroforte Let us know how you get on 🤞🏼🤞🏼

Good luck!

Is it an interview or trial shift - if the latter it is always fine to ask what they expect you to wear. If the former always go smart, people who make an effort are the ones who get remembered.

How did you get on?

Hi! It went really well, he told me I was ‘too young and pretty’ to do a kitchen Porter job, so he offered me a waitressing job instead and could start tomorrow if I wanted! I went for it and he said he’d call me at 1 or 2 but he didn’t
I messaged him and basically asked if there were any updates on it and that I’m still up for starting tomorrow and apologies if it’s been busy or it needs more consideration.
Should I ring in an hour or two if no reply, or should I leave it until the morning?

Don't chase it any more

Frankly sounds like you dodged a bullet!

That was an inappropriate and unprofessional comment for him to have made.

BUT I'm really glad the interview went well - think of it as practice for the next one.

Unfortunately this is life at times. Keep on applying for other jobs, keep going for interviews positive and confident and smartly dressed and you WILL get there

I don't know where you are op but here in Scotland we have a phrase

"What's for you won't go by you"

Which means that what is meant for you won't pass you by.

You will get the right job for you

Wishing you so much luck!

I agree with Graphista. He sounds like a sleaze, and a flake if he hasn't got back to you.

Unfortunately in my experience this kind of attitude is rife in catering, especially when you are a young female.

Well done though, you sound like you would be a really contentious employee and I am sure something will turn up soon.