Help! I have an interview at a school and...

[Clary]

I am not sure what to wear! (not sure if this should be in Style and Beauty but I really want advice from Education folk).

I have a smart suit I have been wearing to interviews (much good it has done me hah!) but I can't walk well in it and the heels it goes with (!).

This is not a problem if I am sitting down but for this job, kind of a Cover Supervisor role in a secondary school, I need to take a class. Not sure I can do that well at all in the Suit.

Would something like this dress and a cashmere cardi be OK?

If you work in a senior role in a school, would you expect me to turn up in a suit?

Yes I would personally and wear one to teach 6 classes a day most days - why can't you teach well in a suit?

I think the dress is too informal but wouldn't have a problem with a more tailored dress and jacket combo.

However, it really depends on the school, I used to teach in a school where sits were worn on training days and also in schools where trousers and a cardigan would be fine. Secondary tends to be more formal than primary as you are not having to get down to the children's level as much.

Sorry i have now seen the suit impedes walking which wouldn't be great! I have fallen down stairs on interview and it wasn't a great look.

That would be fine if worn by a teacher at my children's primary school. Some teachers dress very casually.

I can't teach in the suit because the skirt is a bit tight!

It's a cheap suit (I have no money!) so to even be a vague fit on the waist it is tight over the bum (I am too much of an hourglass for cheap tailoring!). It's OK but the lining is very tight so I can only take tiny steps. Was thinking it would not be ideal to stride around the classroom in

Maybe I wil take drastic measures and slit the lining.

good point about 2ndary being more formal than primary. I have more experience in infants where you are crawling about the floor and sitting on tiny chairs covered in paint most days.

Will have a practice in the suit and see if I have any more sensible shoes that are still smart!

Sorry but I think the dress is too informal for an interview.

If you could manage the suit with more comfortable shoes, I think that would be better tbh.

Good luck!

That dress is too casual, I would say, for a secondary school. Have you thought about a more tailored dress with a jacket as londonmackem says?

Hmm yes I think I am going to have to work on the suit.

Had overlooked the difference (undoubted) between dress in primary and in secondary.

I would turn up for work in that dress but not for interview really.

Can't buy anything else, no money.

Hence job search!

This is out of stock, but something like this seems a bargain price!

www.asos.com/Victoria-Beckham/Asos/Asos-V-Neck-Tailored-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=393818

I probably have something you can borrow clary, a couple of suits/smart dresses. Are you a size 10? Is the interview at SBen? A mumk from ds's old school works there.

size 10 yeah in my dreams! More like a 12-14 I reckon.

It's at Derby Moor. Have applied for St ben one too

sorry fluffy meant to say thanks for the offer anyway!

Have you tried Zara? You can pick up a black shift dress for £30. I think there's a sale on in Laura Ashley so you might be able to find something there and there's always a charity shop, my neighbour seems to pick up a few new items at the BHF next to Primark for some reason (there's always Primark aswell). The StBen will be better for you as it's closer to home.
I really do hope you find something though.

I agree completely about the suit. I always wear a jacket when teaching, even just a small group. I think the students notice - maybe subconsciously - and put you in a different category in your mind.

Lots of secondary schools now have very formal dress (ie jackets) for all staff anyway.

Good luck, by the way! When's the interview?

Tell me more about the job!

My top tips are: be passionate about wanting the job (even if you're not) and be enthusiastic about the attractions of that particular school. With the students be absolutely 110% in charge and confident. Don't worry about what they normally do, or what their general expectations are.

Have you been in a secondary school recently?

Have you got a black skirt or dress? What colour is the suit jacket?

You could bring the outfit together with a neckscarf...

Thanks for all thoughts ladies.

Will go with suit and practise walking.

roisin, have done a very little bit of secondary cover supervisor supply in last 2 months.

Also have been into one particular secondary school on annual basis for last 5 yrs to do newspaper day.

They want someone who wants to do PGCE and is looking for 2ndary exp. School is great because it is a sports college and also has just become a Trust school so very exciting times with some great partners to work alongside. Plus it has reputation of havign very supportive parents etc.

Finegrs crossed - int is next weds! They have sent a schedule (8 people being seen ) and I am last interviewee, not sure if that's good or bad

Suit is all black btw, to be worn with white shirt, original huh!

Might sound silly but have you tried a charity shop for another suit? We have one opposite our local John Lewis which always has nice branded suits in a range of sizes for about £5 each! Not sure of your age but my clothing motto in secondary teaching was always to 'dress defensively', ie. not in anything tight or looking at all 'provocative' and a tasteful, not too figure-hugging suit does that nicely Also shoes you can walk in easily are a must I think for lots of reasons. Good luck with interview!

I reckon cut the lining out. Linings are always made a size smaller than the skirt IME

And try other tops underneath it- red, scoop neck, you may be surprised what works.

Good luck

I reckon that the dress is fine, with a smart cardi or jacket. Bear in mind it is a Cover Supervisor role, not Head of Department.
If you had that on with a really nice bright cardi and decent shoes, I think you'd stand out from the same-old-same-olds in black suits and white shirts.

Good luck whatever you decide!

check out the suits in tesco
I teach secondary and we have to wear suits, I always buy mine from either tesco or asda as they are really cheap (generally about £25 - £35) they are always machine washable and they are really comfy and hard wearing.

I wouldgo with a suit and comfy shoes

Probably safest to wear a jacket - can you use the suit jacket, but with a dress (I think the one you linked to is a bit informal, though), to avoid the tight skirt issue?

Then pull it all together with a statement necklace/scarf?

Loving you lot with your statement necklaces and scarves

Oh I wish.

Interesting that so many say suit a must for working in secondary. I have my primary head on here too much I think.

well I work in a secondary and I would say that suits for women are the exception rather than the rule
having said that, I would think about a trouser suit or comfortable suit for an interview

dont you have a friend who could lend you a suit for an interview? perhaps i am being naive, but if a friend asked me to borrow mine, i would lend it in a pinch, ( for an interview, not for constant wear obviously)