Help please!

[riverrunsthroughit]

OK, name changed as this will out me in rl. I am in desperate need of your advice ladies.

OK, I have an interview on Monday and don't know what to wear. I haven't had a chance, and nor will I tomorrow, to go shopping. So, I have to wear what I have. So, what's best/most appropriate?

The job is a p/t Exam Assistant at a local secondary school.

My options are:

1: grey linen trousers, white vest top, bright pink cardi. I would wear this with black ballet pumps and either a scarf (I have a nice lime green with pink spots which goes nicely or a necklace - please advise which is best)

Or

2: a dress. This doesn't look too great in the picture but looks better on. But I am a size 14, 5'4 and it skims my knees. Would I need to wear tights? I only have black ballet pumps (and a navy suede bag ). Oh, and I don't have a suitable jacket so would just have to wear that alone. (But it will be warm...)

Help!

Oh, pressed 'Post' too soon. Thanks for any guidance / advice!

Please, anyone?

I think the dress would be better than linen trousers. Nude sheer tights, black shoes.

I think i would wear the trousers but do you have a a black cardigan that you could wear with the vest rather than it being a bright cardigan?

I interview a lot but for primary school and would be happy with either outfit. Tbh I would only register clothes if they were very off the scale, wear what you are comfortable in.
Ps good luck .

I interview a lot at secondary, and think secondary generally 'smarter' than primary. I just think the trousers won't stay looking smart, even if they start off as such.

Well thats probably true remus if they are the kind that crease loads. I hate that personally on myself. I feel messy after a day of wearing them. I am a primary teacher and it is true that secondary they do dress smarter. I have a friend and she wouldnt get away with the clothes i wear to school!!

I have those linen trousers and think they look too casual for work. Maybe they look smarter on you but I'd go for the dress.

Will you wear your black ballet pumps with the trousers? And is your white t shirt a long loose one or liable to ride up?

With the dress, yes to tights, and its a nice dress.

More worrying is you think you don't have a chance! What nonsense, they are interviewing you, so on the strength of your cv they already like you. Now its their chance to sell you the job:) its a two way thing, you know. Smile, be professional, prepare and enjoy the chance to talk about how fabulous you are:)

The dress is lovely, wear that. Trousers likely to be creased and not so smart.
Now you know what you'll be wearing you can focus on what you'll say at interview.
I interview a lot and agree with Lavender that they wouldn't have chosen to see you unless they liked your application. Good luck, you're half way there already

I like both outfits but would choose whatever makes you feel more like 'you' and more at ease with yourself.

Best of Luck, let us know how you get on.

Thanks all

So you think the dress? With nude tights. Yes, I'd have to wear ballet pumps - and take my blue suede bag (not sure it goes but can't justify buying something for maybe one use). I think I was worried that I would need a jacket for the dress. But I do like it, I think. New purchase so haven't worn it yet, so have had no feedback in rl.

Lavender - I don't think I am not in with a shot, but everyone who I have asked advice from and told what I was thinking of wearing all suggested I need a jacket. And I can't afford one.

meg - the trousers are the smartest thing in my wardrobe

I don't think anybody would give the blue bag a second thought, tbh.

Thanks again all.

Ooo, Cromwell. OK, now I have my wardrobe sorted, can to have some interview tips? I have only had 2 in my life and the last one was over 10 years ago!

I can do the job standing on my head (guessing it will mostly be other mums applying who are also 'over qualified'). I am pretty confident with being able to use comparative examples when asked about any situation that may arise.

What else do I need to know? Do I need to know about the school, do you think? What do people ask when confronted with the "do you have any questions?" question? (Think maybe I should have done another thread for this ).

Thanks Remus. You see, as long as people don't notice it, I am happy . The only other choice was my cross body one...

Sorry River! Fwiw I love the trousers and am living in mine outside of work, also wear them with a little bright pi nk cardi and a vest top - just in my job we normally wear suits so its a bit like interview level of smartness
Btw Lots of my colleagues wear dresses without jackets especially this weather and it is fine.

Oh no. Sorry to revisit this. Crisis. My DH doesn't like the dress, and I would need him to zip me in (long zip at the back). I also don't have any nude tights. I thought I had some in the back of my drawer.

I think I will have to go with the trousers and cardi combination and keep fingers crossed that they are still relatively pressed by the time I get there. I will only have had them on for 20 mins before the interview.

I have just read this thread and I like the trousers better anyway.

Thanks donnie. There's not much I can do about it so it's silly to worry. I think I need to start concentrating on what I can talk about!

Also your hairstyle etc can make a big difference in looking informal/formal. I have my hair tied back if I am aiming for the formal look

Hope it goes well

I don't think trousers are a good idea for an interview. And definitely wear tights and not bare legs. But as long as you look smart and tidy it will be fine.

I think trousers are absolutely fine for an interview! Why on earth not Vivienne?

It won't matter if you're in trousers or a dress, if they think you're the best person for the job, you'll get it.
Tips: don't feel pressured to answer the question immediately, take a few seconds to think about it before answering.
It sounds like you're pretty well prepared with your examples, you know why you want the job and what you can bring to it. Good questions to ask at the end are: What is a typical day like? What sort of induction will there be? Will there be any opportunities to develop, have training etc? These might not be appropriate so ignore if not relevant. It's probably a good idea to ask about the school, what are the challenges, how have things changed over the last few years? Are changes to exams over the next few years likely to affect the role? Sometimes I think what you ask is less important than being able to show that you are engaged with the job and have thought about it.
Finally, Go back through the job description so you're familiar with the role. Good luck, you'll be great.
Apols for lack of S&B content and the lengthy reply

Thanks Green and Cromwell .

OK, off to put dc to bed and then to revise.

Thanks to everyone for your views and guidance. I LOVE Mumsnet!