Job interview: help!!

[ephemeralfairy]

I have an interview next week, the first one for nearly five years. It's for a part time job to fit around studying for a masters. The job is in a library/archive so not an office role; in fact I would be spending a lot of time going up and down ladders to re-shelve items, hunting for files in dusty cupboards, carrying heavy boxes etc etc. I've spent the last few years in a similar job and before that had a job that provided uniform so I have lost all perspective when it comes to work-wear.

I obviously want to look smart at interview...what the heck do I wear?? I do have smart clothes but they are all rather flamboyant and probably not suitable. Lots of leopard-print, leather and bright colours...! Do I actually need a suit or would a smart dress or skirt/blouse be ok? Jacket/cardigan??

I am also on a very tight budget, I wouldn't want to be spending much over £25. Help! Where do I go? I don't know if I'll have time to go into the city centre so might have to rely on local shops which are Primark, Tesco and New Look and an M&S Outlet shop. Any suggestions/handy links??

Oh just FYI I am early 30s, size 12/14, quite tall.

Please and thank you xx

I would say yes to a suit (trouser suit) though others may disagree. Try to spend the most you can on a jacket, although I got mine mainly from matalan, Dorothy Perkins and Evans (I am plus sized). I also got some in charity shops. The trousers you should be able to get from any clothes shop including supermarkets that sell clothes. I got some from matalan, Evans, George at Asda and Dotty Ps. If you can afford M&S then go for it. I couldn't. I have had to build up some suits as I gain and lose weight.

Good luck for the interview.

I would get a pair of smart black trousers and a blazer type jacket - more versatile than a suit and useful for the work you would be doing rather than a dress or skirt suit that wouldn't be a lot of use in that job. New Look have a good selection - or try Dotty P's for tall trousers.

How about a blouse and skirt under a contrasting jacket?

I work in a similar sector and have always worn a decent dress and cardigan to interviews, with heels. Last job I got I wore dress and smart black cardigan to both interviews. Everything clean and new and not faded, it still looks smart. With £25 I would probably go for a smart dress.

I know some people think there is essentially a uniform for an interview, but I'm more of the mind that you wear something respectable, smart and presentable and that you walk comfortably and confidently in - but that doesn't automatically have to be a suit.

Personally I think a good £25 dress will look better than a cheap £25 suit.

So something like this or this or, for £30, www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-203543/workwear-dresses-1969998/black-wrap-crepe-dress-3172780?bi=1&ps=200, especially if you have a belt and/or cardigan to go with it.

Thanks, some great suggestions and thanks for the good luck deathray! Tethers I LOVE that outfit, that is totally my style!

I think I'd feel more comfortable in a dress, with either a jacket or cardigan depending on what I can find. I tend not to wear high heels because of my height but I have lots of smart flats/block heeled courts.

Looks like tesco might be a good bet. I will trawl the charity shops tomorrow too. Thanks all!