Interview outfit - is this any good?

[KnockMeDown]

Hi there - I know this topic has recently been done to death, but need some advice. I have an interview next Thursday - only found out today. Shopping opportunities between now and then will not be numerous, so wanted to see what you thought of this outfit? Is it any good, or do I need to but a jacket? Job is at a secondary school, as a finance assistant, term-time, 18 hours per week. Blurb says they like professional dress code. And if I do need a jacket, please could you suggest what/where, to save me some time when shopping on Saturday with 3yr old in tow.........

Had a look at BHS on line, and that looks promising. If I don't have any joy in M&S tomorrow, will go there Sunday (different town, opp. direction).

PS thank-you to everyone wishing me luck

I am sure your pencil skirt is lovely - I bet you got the only nice thing in the range!

good luck. don't forget to prepare some questions for when they ask "do you have any questions?" (other than "What do you think of my jacket?")

If you're short on time I would say BHS, M&S, Wallis, Sainsburys.

If you have more time then definitely have a look in a few charity shops. I have some amazing bargains including a beautiful black Austin Reed jacket which cost me the princely sum of £7.50!

Most importantly, I think it's best to feel smart and comfortable.

OK, bought this suit in M&S. The jacket is shown with the skirt, but isn't on the website separately yet. The jacket was £49.50, so total spend £69, and I had a £35 credit voucher to go against that, which was a reason I went to M&S first. Skirt size 12, jacket size 16!

Now I need to try it on with all my tops, and see which works best!

Thanks for all the help so far - may post some more pics of tops!

Thanks Coco but that will be tomorrow now. Too much wine and Dr Who this eve

OK, so have my suit, now would be grateful for some advice on which top. I think I know which, having looked at the pics, but confirmation would be good. Also, are the nude tights ok, or would I be better with black or charcoal?

Thanks Coco, but am surprised, as I thought that one looks a bit air stewardess, or bank worker-ish!

The shoes are great, aren't they? I bought them quite a while back, but then didn't wear them, then got pregnant, then forgot about them, so pulled out a practically new pair of shoes from my cupboard

I like the middle one. (sorry, not helpful)

Great suit!

1. Red
2. White
3. Red floral

Great choice of outfit. I agree with Miss Scatterbrain's order of preference but they all look good so go with the one you feel most comfortable/confident with. The nude tights work and I love your shoes. Good luck for the interview!

The middle one is best

Definitely the middle one, looks the most chic.

Good luck!

I think the plain red top definitely. Simple and fuss free, so ideal for an interview.

If you do go for that plain red top, you could add a simple necklace - not 'statement' or pretty-pretty.

If you are thinking of going for the blouse, test that it still looks OK when you're sitting down - ie, no buttons gape. I speak from personal experience of wearing blouses with a larger bust!

Nude tights and shoes fine.

Good luck.

Thanks all for the comments!

I think I have def decided not to go for the white shirt, so it is between the other two. Am surprised that no one preferred the red print top. The print is just irregular circles rather than floral, and it is slightly drapey at the front, which is a bit more forgiving on my tum. The plain red top is very thin, and therefore more clingy. Will try both on again.

Thanks again all, will let you know how I get on

Well, I went with the print top and went for charcoal (nearly black) sheer tights. Was pleased with how I looked, even after I saw the other candidates.

I did my best, but, unfortunately, didn't get the job .

However, got some great feedback, and am confident that reason I didn't get it was def NOT my outfit, so all you lovely S&B ladies are in the clear

In fact, the only thing against me was that I don't have any experience in a school environment. Oh, well, at least I now have a suit for the next interview...........

Sorry it didn't work out for you this time but it's all good experience. As you say, at least you have an interview suit sorted now so that will be one less thing to worry about next time.