Help! Job Interviews, what do I where?

[booge]

I've been in the same job now for 7 years and we just wear jeans to work so I've got really sloppy. I want to find a new job as I'm bored stiff so I'm going to a trade show to tout round my cv and I'm hoping for interviews this year too. I'm looking for project manager / BA type jobs.

My Mum says I need a suit...do I and if so what sort? Trousers or skirt? Please help, I'm really bad at this sort of dressing.

Oh my God, I've just seen my spelling in the thread title, that'll teach me not to review.

i was going to say, make sure you spell and grammer check your cv!

what is your budget - vauguely what is the industry.

Spell check doesn't work when you use the wrong words sadly

Budget I guess about £150 - £200 (but I'll need shoes too) I work in IT but I want to take on a role with more customer contact than currently.

ohhh! you could still get a barain in the sales. go to a upmarket department store and ask the shop assistant to help you. you will have to go to the bit of teh shop you normally avoid with brands such as 'planet' but don't buy planet i hate their sassy powerwoman demographic.

i like jigsaw for suits but do bear in mind i haven't bought a suit in years.

definely a trouser/skirt and jacket situation but i would wear a nice soft v neck jumper or cardie instead of a shirt (blouse shudder). any good?

also h& m and zara do cheapness that can look quite good if it fits.

Mmmm sounds like the right sort of thing yes. I'm mainly not sure of the nice brands anymore. I used to really like Jigsaw in my pre-children days. Is Jaeger too old lady? This looks ok but sold out in my size www.jaeger.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1570&element=8918 Not sure about the material though, polyester...

jaeger thing looks nice but you would need to try it on as it could be frumparama. jaeger is apparenly less old lady than it used to be. polyester etc is polyester mixes etc are more acceptable in a suit.

what size are you? height etc.

5'5 and a 12. I can drown in anything too long. Umm Jigsaw site is off line. I want to buy something good quality that will last so the budget is flexible. Maybe a trip John Lewis is in order.

suit definitely..agree with zara although keep an eye on the fit it can sometimes be slightly shapeless...a well fitted suit will give you confidence and give a good impression..

go to accessorise and get some new acessories as well..don't have to spend a fortune to get a nice bag, subtle necklace, gloves etc and it'll make you feel up to date..that was what I did when I ventured back into the world of work...

Good luck!

I used to post on a site with an edit button, oh how I miss that, the thread title is just too embarrassing I might just let it die. God my mother would have kittens (She's the biggest spelling freak I know).

bumps to prolong booge's embarrassment! if you do go to john lewis ask for advice.

Don't fret, it might cause more people to open your thread...I read it sleepily as "Interviews...What do I do where?"..

I thought your post might be about an unusual interview of the type where you do strange psychometric tests/go on assault courses/pretend to be a jungle animal to see if you are "the right sort of person" for that company...

Not that "what to wear" isn't interesting too .

I work in same industry would not worry too much about a suit being smart is OK now using dresses and boots or skirt and jacket etc... I wear a lot of Hobbs dresses with boots... and I still get jobs!

i agree zzmum but if you are not super confident about what defines 'smart' i think sticking to a suit is a safe option.

Thanks for the bump

You know I just might feel more confident in the dress and boots option, it's more me. I'm always afraid that suits make me look a bit air hostess. Thanks ZZMum I'll take a look at Hobbs.

The only problem with dresses is what to wear with them for warmth so many are short sleeved. I guess thats where a suit is so handy.

I am currently wearing a nice M&S black linen shift dress (cost £25). Put a shirt underneath, tights, shoes and a jacket and it's instant smart for a reasonable price. (and machine washable too)

That sounds really smart and sensible slug. Machine washable is so good when snotty kids greet you at the door.