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Original poster

Job interview outfit for Head of Marketing role

29 replies

Styleinspo · 14/03/2023 20:16

Please can you let me know what I should wear to a job interview for a Head of Marketing position?

I've not been interviewed for over 5 years, but earlier this month I had a job interview for a marketing manager position that I didn't get.

I wore my trusty black suit (Boden) with cream blouse and black flat pointy loafers.

What had seemed classic, now seemed really stale and lame. I felt I looked really out of touch - like I was a business woman from the 1980s. I didn't get the job because I'm sure I gave the impression I didn't fit in.

I've applied for a Head of Marketing role which I'm really excited about. It would be an absolutely wonderful position. I really want to get my look right for the interview.

I ordered a green/slate midi skirt, black body and black jacket to see if that was more modern. But felt I looked like a witch 😂

I'm 42, 5'8 and size 12/15 - can you recommend me some outfits to try?

OP posts:
Original poster
Styleinspo · 14/03/2023 20:20

It was this skirt, but combined with a jacket it felt too flappy and not really smart enough

Job interview outfit for Head of Marketing role
OP posts:
LillyLeaf · 14/03/2023 20:21

I think it might help if we knew what industry this was for?

TheFlis12345 · 14/03/2023 20:23

Yes need to know sector. Pharma or finance would be very different from a beauty or fashion brand.

Twoshoesnewshoes · 14/03/2023 20:28

My DH runs a marketing agency. At least, I think that’s what it is…

I would suggest -
wide leg trousers, maybe in tan or grey, a shirt or similar top, chunky loafers, perhaps in a colour or metallic, but also make sure you feel comfortable!

Twoshoesnewshoes · 14/03/2023 20:29

Not a white cotton shirt, - maybe a slightly oversized silky one with a french tuck, or a more masculine striped one

Original poster
Styleinspo · 14/03/2023 20:31

Thanks all, the interview is for a charity.

Other roles I'm going for are in education, publishing and charities.

I think my big question was should I wear a jacket? I always have done in the past but it does kind of limit outfit options

OP posts:
doadeer · 14/03/2023 20:33

I work as head of marketing but I'm in tech which is super casual.

I'd wear a cool dress, trainers and a biker jacket but is charity and education a bit more formal?

Uniquo have good work trousers, can't go wrong with cigarette style with brogues or trainers and a shirt.

doadeer · 14/03/2023 20:34

I like the skirt but I would wear with a tshirt

careermumofone · 14/03/2023 20:35

I’d probably wear a blazer of some kind but not as part of a suit - maybe wide leg trousers, a white shirt and blazer, or a midi dress/skirt with a blazer. I often look at the Whistles/Me + Em websites to get inspiration for work outsfits…

KILM · 14/03/2023 20:37

I think the skirt is too dark - I would go for a more jewel colour, or a good rust colour. Just something that looks grown up but still creative? Black top and colourful lower half works well for this, or other way round. Keeps it smart but modern.

NancyJoan · 14/03/2023 20:39

I am a Director of M at an independent school. I would possibly wear wide leg trousers and a silky shirt, or a midi dress and ankle boots. Jackets don’t work for me.

Tangelo · 14/03/2023 20:39

Re jackets: I think a blazer can give some structure, and I love a trouser suit with an oversized jacket (but in a colour, not black). But I don’t think it’s mandatory and I think @Twoshoesnewshoes suggestion of wide trousers + shirt is great and would look perfect with a sharp wool coat for instance, which you might already own and can remove for the meeting.

I think the most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident, is well made and fits properly. Black trousers, a navy silky shirt, black pointed flats could look chic or totally uninspired depending on the fit and the fabrics.

BluebellBlueballs · 14/03/2023 20:45

I have been interviewing lately.

I have two skirt suits but they're not overly formal

One's a chunky tweed jacket with flippy skirt
The other is a green jacket with pencil skirt

I know office attire has casualised lately but I still like to wear a jacket to an interview myself

Either with a skirt and top ( not shirt) or midi dress

Don't give a monkeys if it's in vogue or not

If I feel polished I get in the zone

Best of luck!

TheOGCCL · 14/03/2023 22:29

I think just something more vibrant.
I’d say tailored trousers of some kind, with a stylish blouse, tucked in. A blazer potentially but not essential. Potentially some pattern in the blouse but nothing too fussy. Just none of it black.

atthebottomofthehill · 14/03/2023 22:36

Wear something you feel comfortable in.

Your outfit will not determine whether you get the job or not!

But how confident and comfortable you appear will absolutely have a bearing.

Wear a jacket if you like jackets and don't if you don't. Blazers make me look like i'm dressing up as my mother for example.

MajesticWhine · 14/03/2023 22:36

I would definitely wear a jacket for an interview (disclaimer I don't work in marketing). I think a splash of colour can be good.
I'm sure you were just unlucky before and it wasn't your outfit!

HareintheBluebells · 14/03/2023 22:47

I recently wore a colourful
dress and contrasting light-coloured blazer to an interview. It felt about right- smart but not old fashioned. Struggled with shoes though- I wore heels which felt a bit 2003. Flats would have looked more modern but I didn’t have anything suitable.

DarlingCoffee · 15/03/2023 05:57

Depending on your budget have a look at The Fold for inspiration.

Rina66 · 15/03/2023 06:55

I think a silky v neck t shirt under a jacket would be a good option, I always struggle with shirts and jackets, collar inside, collar outside, it just looks like too much is going on on the neckline. What colours do you wear?

If you want to wear a shirt, wear that alone, with a trench or double faced coat over the top which can be removed once you arrive.

Helpmymenopausalfanny · 15/03/2023 06:59

I would stick with your black suit and just wear a striped t shirt underneath with a French tuck, to update it and give it a modern twist. And then switch up the footwear to something funky - chunky vans type trainers. Good luck with the interview. x

Gufo · 15/03/2023 07:00

Similar role/sector and for my last (face to face) interview, I wore a midi dress and chunky loafers.

Ndd135632 · 15/03/2023 07:05

I work in marketing and haven’t worn a jacket since about 1998!!! Don’t even own one anymore. A smart dress, tights and boots or wide legged trousers and a shirt would do it for me.

Original poster
Styleinspo · 15/03/2023 07:24

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

@doadeer would you really wear a biker jacket and trainers to an interview?

Thanks for the recommendations of where to look- will check out the fold, whistles and me&m.

I think being home based for so long has done me absolutely no favours.

I like to wear a jacket generally I think, but then I get stuck in black, which ends up feeling dowdy.

I like the ideas of silk shirt and wide leg trousers.

OP posts:
doadeer · 15/03/2023 07:41

@Styleinspo

Yes that's what everyone wears in my industry. Tech is very casual. In the office in London people wear jogging bottoms so a dress is a step up!

I would wear clean, nice trainers, not ones I use for the park!

MintTeaAndChocolate · 15/03/2023 08:10

I'd be more concerned about what you say in the interview than what you are wearing op.
Your suit sounds fine.
I'm a charity leader. Looking to recruit similar.
Honestly, I'm more concerned that you have thought about what it will be like working for us re: our set up/size/ projects/ tone of voice etc...
I'd also like to be impressed by the ideas and energy that you'll bring.