Interview for my dream job - need hair/clothing advice

[mabelbabel]

I am hoping to get an interview for my dream job. I am feeling pretty confident that I will be offered an interview. Not sure how the actual interview will go, though.

Me:

Mid (ahem) thirties, short-ish, size 12-ish. Tendency towards pear-shaped. Boring chin-length bob (growing out, needs styling).
I usually wear fairly casual clothes at work, eg smartish skirts with t-shirts. Flat shoes. I won't ever do heels. I suit high neck/boat necks better than v-necks. I put on make up about once a month, if that.

The job:
Academic-related support role. Mixing with v high achievers, and senior academics. Need to appear v professional, reliable, and credible.

My thoughts so far:
I need a haircut. Considering short hair. Do not want to wear a suit to interview if I can avoid it. Would rather wear a skirt/top or dress if possible. Being comfortable, and still feeling like "me", will be very important. Considering something like some ballet pumps for footwear? All my current shoes are too casual. Probably need some make up, but the more natural the better. In general I think I need to go for a polished look rather than a formal one.

Help!
Any suggestions of where to look, specific items of clothing/footwear, shops, haircuts or general suggestions. Where to buy or try make up? What about accessories? Perfume? Do people wear perfume to interview? Good idea, or bad?

Working backwards...No need for perfume! If they don't like it, it will go against you. As long as you've had a bath or shower, you'll be fine!

Definately get your haircut, but don't go for anything to radical. If you are used to a bob, stick with that, rather than go short.

Ballet pumps are perfect. I would go with a navy blue dress, and navy blie ballet pumps, with good underwear (or at least a well fitting bra) underneath.

Makeup wise, keep it natural. I bit of waterproof mascara, and a very natural shad of lipstick.

I think you know what you need. Academics tend to be scruffy (huge generalisation), but if you are going for a support role, and will be organizing things, you should look neat and in control. Personally I'd go for stud earings, rather than dangly ones, and no jingly bracelets, for example.

Bag...have you thought about your bag?

Good points. Any suggestions of where to look for a suitable dress/shoes? Definitely going for small stud earrings.

Bag... no haven't thought about that. I'm usually a rucksack carrier. What sort of bag does someone take to an interview? I have one of those cross-body Radley bags (brown). I have a couple of small handbags, of the sort that actually have to be carried on your hand (short handles). Would they just get in the way, eg for handshakes etc?

Small handbag to be carried (rucksack and cross body not suitable). Just keep it in your left hand so that you're ready for the hamdshakes. Make sure your nails are immaculate.

How about this dress with these shoes?

Or this dress?

Or this dress?

Or this dress?

Don't go for too many radical changes prior to the interview as it may make you feel uncomfortable (or it could go the other way and make you feel wonderful!)

I'd just get my hair trimmed, nails neatly manicured and neutral, stud earrings, simple jewellery or none at all, neutral minimal make-up, good underwear and tights if you are wearing a skirt/dress.

I'd go for smart trousers/skirt/dress with a nice cardi and ballet pumps sound fine. Less accessories the better, too distracting. Agree no perfume needed.

www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-category-dresses/use-workwear

Most of these will be acceptable with a smart jacket, court shoes & discrete jewellery. My sister works in a similar role so I am familiar with what she wears to work.

no perfume - smell of nothing. Same for workplace, people don't want to be trapped with smells.
no makeup if you don't normally wear it - it will only annoy you.
tidy hair so get it trimmed if needed.
clean nails, no polish if you don't normally wear it. No rattly or swinging jewellery. A watch.
clothing that doesn't gape or ride up.

not sure about ballet pumps, especially if it is a wet day as they look really silly then. No need for heels (with you there) but suggest proper shoes.

good luck!

Thank you folks. I could probably manage the houndstooth dress and I quite like the Next textured jersey dress. Looks like I should book myself in for nails, hair and eyebrows!

Fingers crossed!

Got the job!

Neat haircut
Short painted nails - taupe
Mascara, nude lipgloss and a tiny dusting of powder.
No perfume - but I did use a fragranced body lotion
Navy dress, navy ballet pumps, nude tights.
Tiny earrings, subtle necklace, tiny handbag on shoulder

(and possibly I had something interesting to say as well)

Congratulations!

Congratulations!!!
Navy is my colour too:)