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What to wear for a job interview?

24 replies

CoconutJamSpongeAndPinkCustard · 18/02/2023 07:47

I have my first interview in 20 years.
I had planned on wearing a coloured knee length skirt and a top but when I spoke to a friend she suggested that the bright skirt would be better replaced with black trousers and that I needed a blazer.

I don't really know what to wear now.
Any thoughts please?

OP posts:
GoodVibesHere · 18/02/2023 07:50

I would go with the colourful skirt and top. Black trousers are v boring and it's not a funeral.

A blazer is always good for an interview, it smartens up an outfit. If you don't have one already you could look in charity shops as they often have them. Especially of you're not going to wear it very often (although I find them useful in the spring instead of a coat).

LubaLuca · 18/02/2023 07:51

A lot depends on the job you're interviewing for. I think black trousers and a blazer is a bit outdated, but it does depend on the industry and role to some extent.

itswednesdayy · 18/02/2023 07:51

I would go smart for an interview, you relax your style once you’ve got the job if smart attire isn’t required

CoconutJamSpongeAndPinkCustard · 18/02/2023 07:53

Thank you.
I meant to say, I can't seem to find a blazer that goes with the skirt. They all seem to come down too long and make me look really big.

OP posts:
CoconutJamSpongeAndPinkCustard · 18/02/2023 07:54

Job is for the local borough council

OP posts:
itswednesdayy · 18/02/2023 07:56

What does the skirt look like exactly - colour, length, fit?

itswednesdayy · 18/02/2023 07:57

Just seen it’s knee length!

NewChange · 18/02/2023 07:59

You don’t need to be super smart for borough council unless high corporate. Clean and tidy is all that’s expected.

BevMarsh · 18/02/2023 08:03

I'd go with black, navy or grey trousers. A cream or white plain top and a colourful blazer.

CoconutJamSpongeAndPinkCustard · 18/02/2023 08:14

Ok. So I've got a black blazer and a navy blazer and black trousers as well as the skirt which is knee length and blocks of colour, high waisted and knee length (semi formal)
I have a black or a white blouse.

I'd prefer not to buy anything else really but could go for a charity shop rummage as suggested above if needed.

OP posts:
yoshiblue · 18/02/2023 08:17

I would go for a white blouse and black trousers. Up to you if you wear the blazer, but that would be too formal for me.

CoffeeTeaCoffee · 18/02/2023 08:18

Blazer, white top and black trousers.

JennyDarlingRIP · 18/02/2023 08:20

I work for the MOJ our building is next door to the civic council offices, you never see people in full suits in either department, some men if you go into London to petty france, but rarely women it's a very dated look. I have quite a senior role, I don't wear suits unless I have to be in court even then it's a dress with a blazer. I also recruit for the civil service and hardly any recruits wear blazers.
If the skirt is smartish (not a floaty casual number) and you're wearing a blouse with it anyway that's more than fine.

JennyDarlingRIP · 18/02/2023 08:21

All this white top black trousers, surely you just look like waiting staff in a café?

redspottedmug · 18/02/2023 08:31

Skirt and top sound fine, trousers and blouse sound fine. Tidy and presentable. No jacket required.

MissMarplesbag · 18/02/2023 08:55

Try the white top, colour lful skirt with the blazer and see how it looks. I see a lot of people mix and match clothes with blazers to make it more smarter. I wore a black & white checked jacket, white blouse and black trousers for my interview. My interviewer wore a white blouse, black blazer with dark wide fit jeans!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 18/02/2023 08:58

Skirt, white blouse and whichever blazer looks best.

CoconutJamSpongeAndPinkCustard · 18/02/2023 09:28

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 18/02/2023 08:58

Skirt, white blouse and whichever blazer looks best.

Neither of the blazers look right with the skirt. It's high on the waste and A line so they come down too far. I think it needs something cropped.

OP posts:
CoconutJamSpongeAndPinkCustard · 18/02/2023 09:29

Waist

OP posts:
alloutofcareunits · 18/02/2023 09:36

I regularly interview people. In the role I interview for jeans are perfectly acceptable, however, I expect people to look smart at interview as it shows they have made an effort and are genuinely interested in getting the job. The skirt and blouse sound fine, I wouldn't expect you to wear a suit or blazer. When interviewing I usually wear a dress. I interviewed someone recently who turned up in faded jeans, a huge bobbly jumper and a parker which they kept on. The lack of effort reflected their answers and they didn't get the job. Anyone saying that's judgemental would be right, however, in an interview that's what I'm doing, judging suitability for the job.

CoconutJamSpongeAndPinkCustard · 18/02/2023 15:59

Thank you for all of your replies. I'm still a bit unsure. It seems like different people have different expectations and while I would never turn up looking scruffy, I don't want to look 'wrong' either.

It's a different industry to my current one so I have nothing to go on.

OP posts:
SaltyGod · 18/02/2023 16:13

Do you have a picture of the skirt? Blocks of colour and A line does make me think it's perhaps a little bright.

Of those options (without seeing the skirt) I'd do trousers and top, (or if you had a dress), blazer and dress.

I always notice smartly dressed interviewees, it indicates that they care and made an effort. Those interviewing in t-shirts, hoodies etc are also noticed, particularly in client facing roles. It shows a lack of understanding about our business and the role. We'd expert a shirt for men and a smart top or blouse for women.

Confusedteacher · 18/02/2023 16:17

West something you feel comfortable
in. Advice I had once was wear something that stands out a little (nothing crazy!) Just so that when they are discussing candidates they might say “I liked the one in the yellow scarf” etc.

I think your skirt and top combo sound fine. Or if the blazer goes with the trousers you could wear that with a brightly coloured top?

Alvinne · 18/02/2023 16:55

I wouldn't get too hung up on the blazer if it adds nothing to the outfit.
Trouser suits and badly fitting blazers can look a little dated or cheap sometimes to be honest.

I think the key thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident. As long as what you wear isn't scruffy and is workwear appropriate it will be acceptable, I interview people often at work and there is a wide range of clothes, the only things that ever stick out are messy or very very casual

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