Job interviews arrggghh

[SillyGooseyGander]

I've got a couple of job interviews lined up and have no idea what to wear. I've been self employed and fully wfh for 10 years and my home role hasn't required me to dress smartly so I'm out of the loop on what interview attire is like.

circumstances have changed and I'm now applying for office-based roles. One as admin in a school, one as an admin at a children's health centre. So not massively corporate, but still need to be smart.

I'm in a position where I'm looking at the contents of my wardrobe and wondering what on earth would be suitable for a job interview. Am I right in thinking I don't need a suit these days? I've got a couple of pairs of smartish trousers - one pinstripe, one plain black - and 2 or 3 blousey type tops, but they're possibly not smart enough. Shoe-wise, I only own trainers, open toed sandals, or doc martens. So I'm guessing none of those are appropriate.

Help! What should I be going for? I really don't want to spend much as money's too tight to mention. I had a look in some charity shops near me but the few shirts they had looked too scruffy/faded. I think vinted will take too long.

I'm a size 10, tall, pretty much straight up and down figure. Can't do heals.

Do you have any dresses? I always think they look smarter & are easier than anything else because it’s just one garment so you don’t have to co ordinate it with anything else.
As far as shoes go flats are absolutely fine but I wouldn’t go for anything that’s too much like a sandal unless it’s particularly smart. Smart ballet pumps might work (I know they’re not trendy now but I still find them useful.)
Things are definitely more casual now, I wouldn’t wear a suit for the type of roles you are interviewing for.
Good luck!

I just had an interview and wore a navy linen dress and grey blazer. Like you moving from self employment to employment. I didn’t get the job though 🤣

I still quite like a suit for interviews but its definitely not expected these days. Personally I feel wrong without at least a blazer/ jacket on but I started working at thd turn of the century when you definitely wore a suit to interview.

I would wear trousers so that I can wear ankle boots as I don't get on with shoes. So a nice bright top and maybe a jacket.

Ok so maybe a jacket after all. I might end up carrying it if this weather continues, but i guess arriving in one covers all bases and would mean the blouse underneath could be less formal.

I might have to get some ballet flats from primark.

Me too, I used to have a proper interview suit that my teen daughter would probably love due to the 90s hipster trousers. Unfortunately I didn't keep any of my old office wear.

Blouse tucked in to smart trousers with loafers. I interview people for jobs along the same lines .. as long as someone looks neat and appropriate for the job in question it is ideal. I did interview someone in a suit yesterday and it struck me as slightly overly formal (although didn’t influence the outcome)

I wouldn't worry about a jacket.
Smart trousers and a blouse - as long as it isn't too low cut or see through.
A pate of cheap ballet flats is fine.

Thanks @Trainup that's useful.

@bobby81 a dress could be a good option actually. I have a shirt dress that could be suitable and would feel more "me" than a suit.

Go to a charity shop/beg borrow or steal....maybe a shirt /blazer /skirt /trousers combination? Works for most interviews. I think black works though it is currently 100% boiling. Dresses can be smart ? Most supermarkets have a basic range of trousers for £4 or maybe under a tenner (asda used to but they may have gone up/pep & co/supermarket near you)? I would wear a knee length dress or just above in maybe a tunic or a line style ...in maybe grey or navy or straight up /straight down style dress and ballet flats, a knee length skirt & ballet flats and a 'nice' top (maybe white /smart /linen/cotton/structured but not tight shirt...) .
Charity shops /primark /cheapo shops might be good...

Ps if no blouses are smart enough could you 'tart' up a plain primark tshirt or 1 of existing blouses with jewellery ? Or wear a belt with the shirt dress and ballet flats?

M & S also do cooling tights ...think primark may also do them x

Don’t wear above the knee if your knees aren’t great. If the interviewing people are sitting down when you walk in, they really will notice your knees! Then the skirt rides up when you sit down! Don't do it. A neat midi dress is better and you don’t need a jacket or a suit. However I like a summer trouser suit.

Black pinstripe trousers, Dr Martens, a white T-shirt, and the jacket of your choice. A simple necklace is all you need to add to all. It looks clean, modern, and fresh.

Trousers and a tucked in shirt with smart flats (loafers or ballet pumps) work perfectlg for most interviews. Nest hair, subtle make up and nails (if you are wearing any). Touch wood ive got a 100 per cent success rate at interviews-I’ve never not been offered the job after an interview (I’ve not necessary been good at the job mind! I’m clearly just good at talking like I am 😂). That’s the formula that has worked for me!

good luck! Try and See it more as a chat about a job and about yourself and things you are good at/the things you have done, rather than a nerve wracking one sided conversation. Then it’s just a nice experience for 45 mins, rather than something scary.

Can’t do heals.

I’m not sure walnut sideboards make for terribly fashionable interview wear this summer, anyway …😄

Whichever of your pairs of trousers is newest or most seasonal should be fine. If you’re not sure about your tops Primark or Tu @ Sainsbury’s should have a plain shirt. I would try to get some shoes if you can. Plain loafers would be best.

I can come across as easy to talk to and friendly in informal settings, but I definitely think I'll struggle with the selling myself bit 😬 I'm going to ask chat gpt for what sort of questions they might ask and suggested answers.

And don’t wear Dc Martens! Nor a t shirt unless it’s a very high quality plain white one under a suit. Nor pinstripe trousers in the heat of the summer. Basically don’t dress like a man would. Be you.

As long as its neat, clean and not fussy then you'll be fine. No low necklines or anything potentially see through. School admin tends to be smart trousers, blouse or tunic and smart loafers or flats. Neat haircut and nails. If wearing a dress or skirt make sure it doesn't ride up to thigh length and make sure your tights don't have holes! Most recent interview I had I wore a simple cord skirt, tights, smart boots and a short sleeved jumper with a cord blazer and a simple necklace (it was winter time though!)

I would wear a below knee length and not too low cut dress and jacket for an interview and any reasonably smart shoes and bag. I only wear a suit for when I attend court as a professional witness and honestly I think that’s the only time these days it’s expected.