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Original poster

What do I wear for an interview- urgent help needed please!

25 replies

marriednotdead · 13/02/2011 15:28

I've not had to have a job interview or wear 'office' clothes for the last 17 years. Consequently my wardrobe is not equipped for this in any way!

I've just had a call to offer me an interview on Tuesday for a job I really want. So I'm delighted and shitting myself in equal measures Grin

What to wear? Have twigs for legs so black? trousers seems a safe bet but with what kind of top? I can't wear heels or ballet flats so that's a whole other problem. I'm going shopping with a friend tomorrow, armed with a Next voucher from Christmas and a sense of rising panic... Confused

Any suggestions will be gratefully fallen on Smile

OP posts:
purplepidjin · 13/02/2011 15:31

Dark grey is a good all round colour. My mum bought me a grey Next suit as a graduation pressie (2003) and it's still going strong, looking smart. Then a cheap shirt from supermarket/primarni etc underneath, subtle jewellery and makeup and comfy shoes - plain black is best.

Although i have been known to wear mock croc loafers with mine Wink

Original poster
marriednotdead · 13/02/2011 15:36

Thanks Smile

Didn't think of grey, hmm.

Not sure I can get away with a standard cheapo shirt as not exactly flat chested. Would a wrap one be too informal?

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ThatVikRinA22 · 13/02/2011 15:41

if your on a job hunt id invest in a suit - doesnt have to cost a fortune - i got a great one from Next that is washable, in my former life i virtually lived in it! i got a skirt, trousers, jacket and waistcoat for about £90 i think -

i dont think you can go wrong wearing a suit for interview, a nice wrap top would be fine with a smart suit imo

cornsilk · 13/02/2011 15:47

what jacket will you wear?

Original poster
marriednotdead · 13/02/2011 16:59

I don't know! I don't wear jackets ever usually and it's a bugger to find one that fits properly over my curves.

And how would I put my coat over the top without looking like the honey monster? Confused

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cornflower123 · 13/02/2011 17:05

I think it's worth getting a suit too. Plain navy, black or grey - whatever colour you look best in. It looks better to have made an effort for the interview, even if that's not what you'd wear day to day. Then you've always got an 'interview outfit' to fall back on. One less thing to worry about on top of preparing how to get there etc. Basic wrap top underneath sounds fine. As long as you are comfortable.

Can you get away without a coat? Or just take the coat off as soon as you arrive but before you meet your interviewer? Then either carry it or ask to leave it in reception area if there is one.

Original poster
marriednotdead · 13/02/2011 17:16

Weather forecast diabolical for Tuesday so def need a coat, taking it off on arrival sounds like a good idea though Smile

I will try to get a suit then, but the top has to fit as perfectly as possible for reasons I can't explain here. If it doesn't look right, I'll have to figure out a plan B.

God I feel sick with nerves, I hate hate hate interviews Sad

My experience should get me a very long way but that's not always enough these days.

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Lulie110 · 13/02/2011 17:25

My tip for interview is to not really worry too much about trends here, but wear shoes that you are comfortable in, that you can walk confidently in (ie one less thing to think about). Then make sure they are clean and shiny.

And if you're wearing skirt/tights, take a spare pair of tights, that you can change into should you get laddered/muddy. Basically do whatever you need to make sure that from the moment you enter the building, you are cool, calm and collected!

Best of luck!

purplepidjin · 13/02/2011 17:57

Get different sizes for each. I'm fairly busty and never ever do my jacket up if I can help it! Wear a smart, clean, ironed top you are comfortable in. It doesn't have to be new if you have a good one in your wardrobe :) Wrap or plain t-shirt should be fine. Or, if you're more comfortable, how about a shift dress and jacket combination?

Northernlurker · 13/02/2011 18:05

I had an interview last week and I wore a navy suit from M&S with a very subtle stripe in it. Under the jacket I wore a stretchy wrap style top. Like you I am busty (H cup). I can do up the jacket but I don't - looks better undone.

Original poster
marriednotdead · 13/02/2011 20:05

Thanks for that advice, at least I have an idea of where to start now.

Comfortable shoes that don't look like I just stepped out of a Hotter catalogue are going to be a big issue but I'll just have to figure it out somehow or have a foot transplant.

A lovely RL friend reminded me that I am interviewing them too. She's convinced it's in the bag based on what she's seen but I'd never be presumptious. Nice of her to say so though Smile

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Original poster
marriednotdead · 13/02/2011 20:06

Did you get the job NL?

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Northernlurker · 13/02/2011 20:10

I don't know yet. I suspect not but tbh even if it's offered I'm thinking I'm not going to take it. Was more for the experience really.

cornflower123 · 13/02/2011 20:18

Your friend's right - an interview is always a 2 way conversation. Try and think through the questions they might ask you - what would you ask if you were in their shoes? I've recently been through similar, so I know how nerve-wracking it is! Best advice I had was if you do start thinking it's not going well, don't let that phase you. They're just your thoughts. Just take each question one at a time (bit like a tennis pro!). Very best of luck!

Original poster
marriednotdead · 13/02/2011 20:36

NL, that sounds like self inflicted torture!

Thanks for the good wishes. Will let you know the outcome...

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purplepidjin · 13/02/2011 20:43

MND, just realised - you should've hung onto that Hobbs card! Blush Thank you though Grin

And GOOD LUCK - remember you're due some good karma Wink

Original poster
marriednotdead · 14/02/2011 08:45

Aww, thanks!

Think Hobbs is out of my general budget for now. One day... when I'm old and the kids stop bankrupting me.

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vinvinoveritas · 14/02/2011 10:32

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vinvinoveritas · 14/02/2011 11:37

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Original poster
marriednotdead · 14/02/2011 17:08

How did you get on vin? Fingers crossed for you Smile

I didn't get a suit in the end. Black trousers, a smart stripey shirt which will be part open with a black vest underneath, and some sensible Mary Jane shoes from M&S. 5 bloody footsore hours for 3 items Shock

Got to take my coat but will whip it off on arrival to hold over my quaking hands.

Must dig out some concealer- there are picnic hampers under my eyes Hmm

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verytellytubby · 14/02/2011 17:13

Outfit sounds great. Good luck!

vinvinoveritas · 14/02/2011 18:48

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Original poster
marriednotdead · 15/02/2011 16:12

I survived the interview and it seemed to go really well. Will find out later this week, fingers crossed.

New shoes were agony by the time I got there though, blisters on both of my little toes now Sad

Do you think I could take them back?

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Original poster
marriednotdead · 19/02/2011 12:29

Got a rejection letter Sad

Can't get any feedback for a few days so not sure where I went wrong. Gutted but got to try to stay positive I guess...

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Original poster
marriednotdead · 02/03/2011 20:32

An update for anyone who cares to read.

Feedback was disappointing but as they were having a recruitment session the next day, they invited me back.

Meanwhile,I had an agency interview yesterday for a classier job so forked out on a suit, all ok and waiting for a call to the formal interview.

Have now had a call to offer me the original job Grin

Have a suit I no longer need Hmm

Am I bovvered?!

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