Eek - face to face interview - 5ft3in, 14 stone, massive norks....any tips?

[anon666]

I've got an interview - great news - but to my horror after a year of lockdown, eating sourdough bread etc, I'm heavier than ever.

It's a formal, professional position high up in an organisation, so power dressing is needed.

However, I'm short and dumpy, and don't tend to look good in suits or anything formal really. I have disproportionately enormous boobs which teeter on the brink of beach postcard no matter what I do with them, but apart from that I'm fairly cylindrical in shape. 😂

I'm old enough to be relaxed and happy with myself as I am. However, formal interview clothes are a bit of a nemesis, as I tend to go colour and interesting in work clothes day to day.

I'm torn between going for long linen trousers with a smart expensive T shirt type top, or dress with smart cardigan.

I really can't carry off a jacket, I always look like a child wearing parents clothes.

Any advice?

@Sunshinegirl82

Agree

I wore the patterned one in the end. It had a bit more room/stretch in it to sit down, and I didn't want to risk feeling uncomfortable in the interview chair.

And I looked fine. Nice make up, well groomed etc

The interview itself was a waste of time. Little eye contact from the panel, no enthusiasm. I am convinced I must have been way down the list of candidates.

What a shame, what a, waste of time, effort and money. 😔

Oh @anon666 I’m sorry the interview was rubbish. It’s so infuriating doing all the prep when it’s clear there’s no real chance of getting the job — it’s just so bloody rude.

But honestly, don’t think of it as a waste of time effort and money. You’ve now got two great interview outfits you can pull out at a moments’ notice so are ready to pounce on all opportunities. Sending you lots of good luck.

There's an Austrian brand Ischiko which is boring as hell for colour (everything is black, grey or navy) but which is very well cut and great for basic trousers and jackets, and generally flattering for professional wear. I am just suggesting it, because if you are successful wishing you the job it might provide you with reliable flattering basics from which you could branch out. If you don't like the price at Liberty, the shapes evolve so it's always worth looking at E-bay and other resellers. Add a cheaper brightly coloured acccessory I like a coral bag/shoes personally and you hit the high price professional note with some personality.

@anon666

I wore the patterned one in the end. It had a bit more room/stretch in it to sit down, and I didn't want to risk feeling uncomfortable in the interview chair.

And I looked fine. Nice make up, well groomed etc

The interview itself was a waste of time. Little eye contact from the panel, no enthusiasm. I am convinced I must have been way down the list of candidates.

What a shame, what a, waste of time, effort and money. 😔

I’m sorry to hear that @anon666 It’s crap when you’ve done so much prep for an interview and that happens. Don’t despair just yet - they might just be really shit interviewers (though if that is the case, you might not want to work for them) On a positive note, you now have two great outfits (and have done some great prep) for your next interview. There will be a next interview. Onwards and upwards. 👍🏻🤞🏻👍🏻

Ah so sorry to hear about the interview - very annoying. Hope the next one is better.

On the positive side you have two gorgeous dresses that you look fab in.

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I'm chuffed that I've now got smart clothes for any future interviews. I don't want to work for them particularly so that's not a disaster if I don't get it. 😞