Interview Monday! Is smart ever too smart?

[EllenRose]

I have worked from home for years so my work clothing is casual at best . I have taken voluntary redundancy and applied for a job I genuinely didnt think I had a chance of getting - genuinely blown away and it is great but they have asked me to see them on Monday. Now then, I have one day to hit the shops - what to get? I suspect that they are likely to be slightly more smart / casual at their office and I don't want to spend out on an outfit I can't use if I get the job but also don't want to appear 'casual dress, casual attitude ' . Is a suit always best for impressions - long time since I have had to do one, or do smart trousers etc. do the job? Help panic setting in!

I'd go for smart trousers, black simple top and smart jacket. Maybe a scarf or understated jewellery and impeccable hair and makeup. The top half more important than the bottom half if you'll be sat behind a desk for the interview.

Be careful about what you wear on your feet. One woman came for an interview in the summer (she had to walk through the office). She was fairly smartly dressed, but wore the most awful, scruffy flip-flops on her feet. That was the only thing we noticed about her. It is rather telling that I don't remember any of the other interviewees, just the one who stood out with her awful footwear. She didn't get the job.

Argh, poor woman. I imagine she meant to change in smart high heels and forgot.

Oh no, definitely don't want people remembering me for the wrong thing!
Thank you, I did think trousers and jacket might be more useful going forward.

I work in an office with six other women and we all wear black trousers this time of the year with smart pastal shade blouses or tops.

The interview panel will be more interested in what you say/your personality - so as long as you look smart, you should be OK

Good luck!