An interview on a budget, will I look OK?

[Flossam]

I am going to wear a knee length black skirt. I brought a white short sleeve top today in Next (not on the site - anywhwere!) which rouches up at the side and is a crossover style top. It has a black floral design print. Seemed to flatter my boobs and figure better than a blouse or shirt did. I have a black drop down necklace and matching earrings which I would never have brought myself but will do nicely. I am going to wear boots. I have no nice shoes. The interview 'Isn't that formal'. I do have a suit. But it is Lilac, and it is January. The two do not go well IMO. Should also add I am travelling down on the train to arrive approx an hour beforehand with one 14 month old in tow to drop off with friend. What do you reckon?

Sounds fine. If you have a nice dark jacket that goes with the top and skirt, I would wear that too. Take a spare top in case the 14 month old manages to spill anything on you! I wouldn't wear the necklace.

Sounds fine to me

Ah, thought I'd wear my cardigan on the train and then slip on the top at the last possible moment. No dark jacket though. Why no to the necklace out of interest?

Probably the same reason as SS! Okay, can see why not. Might keep my 'normal' one on. You know, the 24 carrot 8 inch gold chain.

• lots of "sounds fine"

I think necklace is a bit too informal in the workplace, whereas subtle earrings are OK, as they make you look a bit more dressy. My main experience is in the ultra conservative legal field though so maybe I'm a bit harsh!

I'm only a nurse. Can't wear any jewelary at work (well I keep my rings on) so time away from work is an excuse to pile it on! Only I usually go and forget. Not today though, have full earrings necklace bracelet combo.

Thats OK SS! I didn't expect you to reply. The necklace will be carefully considered. Thanks for everyone being helpful and not trying to convince me to go and buy a suit which I know I would normally do .

Flossam, is it a nursing interview? In which case I would go easy on the jewelry, as you never know one of the panel might be an infection control freak and mark you down. You want your clothes to fade effectively into the background in an interview, so that your personality and skills shine through The only other thing I would say is that you need to feel in the right mood in your clothes (I have a suit just for interviews and presentations, and it gets me in the "highly performing professional" mode, almost like dressing up IYSWIM). Finally make sure you shine your shoes - I have sat in an interview with a nurse colleague who wanted to fail a candidate simply because his shoes apparently weren't clean! (I should add that everyone else disagreed on this front!)

Nooka, did my shoes last week (haven't worn them since I should add).

I appreciate what you are saying RE infection control, and I seeing as so many people are anti I probably won't wear the necklace, but surely even the most staunchest Infection control nurse can appreciate there is a world of difference wearing a pair of earrings and a necklace to an interview and turning up to work in the same things!!

Well I would agree with you there, and it does depend on what sort of job you are going for - the interview I was referring to was for an infection control nurse! I hope that your interview goes really well - I do think that what matters is that you feel confident and good in what you wear, it's just that some people are suprisingly conservative when it comes to clothes.

Well I survived! Not sure I didn't have too much 'chest' on show, but hey ho. Thanks for the advice. {whispers} I did wear the necklace though . Just 'went' too well.

Glad it went well! Now you'll know for another time, and you won't need to check it out again (assuming that this is just the first stage?) I hope you are successful