Job interview - jacket necessary?

[22fgjiyt]

Hi all - I have a job interview next week, would usually wear a suit however have put weight on and it no longer fits 🤦🏻‍♀️

I'd rather not buy a new one as already trying to shift the weight. Is a jacket for an interview still the done thing? Or would a smart dress be enough?

Thinking this and my usual work mac, smart bag and shoes. Is this acceptable these days or should I just bite the bullet and buy a new suit?

Job is finance related, in the city.

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-taylor-ponte-short-sleeve-dress/black/p110829199?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappios&size=18&&_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

That will be absolutely fine! I've never worn a jacket to an interview as I feel so uncomfortable in them. I always go for smart dress, smart shoes/coat/bag, well groomed.

Good luck, hope it goes well 😊

I actually was given feedback once that I hadn't appeared smart enough or made enough effort as I did not have a jacket on. It was one of the hottest days the year and one of the men in the interview panel didn't even have a tie on.

Excuse or not in my case I'd never make the mistake again to not look smart enough.

I was not wearing a blouse or shirt though and just a plain top so I'm not sure it that would have been a more sufficient option.

For a finance job I would try and look as smart as possible. I don’t think you can br overdressed for an interview unless it’s a creative industry?

the dress you are posting looks fine, I would add a jacket. Not sure what a work mac is.

Try a few second hand shops? Lots of different colours would go with that dress

Like a trench coat!

Thanks all.

By some strange coincidence just had 20% off Hobbs emails so taking that as sign agreeing with everyone saying get a jacket!

I work in finance (alt investment fund) in the City, and regularly sit on interview panels, and wouldn't mind at all if someone wasn't wearing a jacket. As long as interviewee was well presented and groomed, ie hair brushed and clean nails

I'm really torn!

I think I'd probably be more comfortable without one and then would look smarter if that makes sense.

Massively over thinking but I really want this job!

Thanks again all

I had exactly the same experience but I would not want to work anywhere where the dress code was so strict despite the summer heat.

Smart dress fine with necklace.
Mac with nice scarf.

I think jackets often don't look that great over dresses and I don't get the MN obsession about "blazers".

But perhaps a full or 3/4 sleeve?

might like this at John Lewis: www.johnlewis.com/kaffe-karen-knee-length-fit-and-flare-dress-black-deep/p111095387?s_share=jlappdroid Dress with sleeves

In my industry that dress would be very very smart but even then I still think a jacket gives an edge. Ideally with shoulder pads/structure, it’s stronger visually, and it also says I really want this job.

I wouldn't do a jacket over the dress, I'd go full on suit so either one of the other.

I'm a bit fussy about mixing materials.

I would always wear a jacket for an interview, particularly for a job in finance. Try charity shops for a suit, I regularly send mine there once I've got bored of them.

I’ve always worked on the assumption that I’d dress one step smarter for a job interview or external presentation / meeting than I would for my normal job.

I’d wear that dress for an interview but would add a scarf or something if it’s as low as it looks around the neckline. I’d probably also add an unstructured jacket but that’s because I already have several that I throw on over dresses as needed (I don’t like structured jackets with dresses but that’s personal choice) but I don’t think it’s necessarily needed unless the interview room is cold.

I'd probably wear a jersey jacket with that dress in an interview eg a Whiistles one-they are relatively well cut.

(And very easy to wear-not at all like wearing a regular suit jacket)

I think Marmalade's jersey jackets looks smart and will work well with the dress. Add on a bold accessory or small scarf, you will look polished.

The jacket should be cropped, rather than the long jacket in the link you posted, which looks somewhat odd on that dress.

What about a straight skirt and blouse with a smart plain wool cardigan . I would have thought that would look smart enough . I’m not sure the dress you’ve linked , whilst nice , is interview wear

I do interviews at work and think the dress is fine without a jacket, especially if it’s a warm day. But if it’s cold then it might look a bit unfinished/you might not be comfortable.

I think there are lots of smart jackets that would look good over that dress.

I would say that dress is more interview wear than what you have described.

I think that dress is fine. Hope the interview goes well.

I agree.

I think the dress is as smart as a suit.

I think the dress looks smart and professional. I don't think it needs a jacket.