Interview outfit...never had a job

[Workplacenoob]

Hi guys, I'm 40 and have never been employed, I've worked for myself straight out of school.

Now I'm going to an interview at a university (not teaching) and I need an outfit. My style is pretty grungy and I don't own anything dressy so I'm panicking slightly.

I'm size 10 and 5'10". Obviously I might not get this job so want something I can wear over and over to different interviews in different settings.

Any pointers?

I have my standard black smart dress, tights and smart shoes. A blazer if I’m feeling fancy. I might not be the most stylish but it’s always acceptable. Something like this:

Congratulations! Getting an interview at all is half the battle these days, so however this one goes it's a great sign for the future.

Most places don't expect suits these days, and universities aren't generally that formal, unless it's very senior or unusually fancy as a working environment, it's generally one step up from jeans and trainers - so leather (or leather look) shoes in good condition, trousers or a skirt in a fabric other than denim, and a shirt/blouse/decent quality jumper would do the trick and be easy to find in your own wardrobe, at the shop or on Vinted.

Generally looking clean and put together often counts for more than the clothes themselves. And do get a friend to help you practice!

@Lyricallie
Thank you, I definitely need some kind of "safe" outfit, not a huge fan of getting my legs out so was thinking of trousers, or maybe a longer style of dress (no idea what's fashionable at the moment).
What are your smart shoes? That's my biggest concern atm because other than trainers and stompy boots, all I have are a pair of biker boots and these

I'd wear those boots with a pair of black trousers and smartish jumper.

Yea I have Chelsea boots for autumn/winter so similar to your boots. Then just black flats from diechmans that I barely wear except for interviews or important meetings at work. Back in the day I would have black court heels. However I’m not a fan of heels anymore!

What is the job?

I work at a university and those shoes will be fine. If you get the job, so will stompy boots, trainers or flip flops.

Those boots will be fine with a pair of smart black trousers (try Next) and a smartish top. I've interviewed several people recently. Most of the women wore a dress, most of the men wore a suit, but as long as they look fairly respectable I don't tend to notice. I would notice if someone turned up in jeans and a t short though.

Those boots are fine. I would wear a blazer with a top and trousers. The blazer is handy to wear for a smart casual look with jeans, which is my work "uniform".

I also don't do skirts or dresses much, and would wear those boots with slightly cropped black trousers or culottes and a shirt/jumper/cardigan like this. Will work really well with your height too! Could do the same with stompy boots also.

You need to look as if you have made an effort but not too smart. I nearly lost a job at a university because I wore a dress and jacket and looked ‘too smart’.

Thanks so much guys! I have a black Karen Millen coat I will wear, and have decided to go for black trousers with either a turtleneck or a blazer and top as suggested.
Can't believe I'm now obsessing over bloody black trousers but please bear with me as I live in jeans. Do you think these peg trousers could risk looking sloppy? Are the cigarette trousers better?

You're tall and slim so peg should be fine, just make sure that they and turtleneck are ironed/steamed so look smart - also you can wash the trousers inside out and on 30 to keep them deeply black for future interviews, and do a wash with Dylon black dye to refresh them in future.

I used to work at a Uni.

Smart trousers and a work blouse, with clean, smart leather boots or shoes would be fine.

Someone else suggested a jumper - I think it depends on the style. A smart fine knit may look Ok. But I think a chunky knit probably risks looking a bit casual - particularly if well worn.