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What does one wear to an interview these days?

51 replies

bratnav · 10/09/2008 11:22

I have a biggie next week (marketing). Is it a suit, dress, trousers/skirt and a blouse????

Help please!

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RubyRioja · 10/09/2008 11:24

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bratnav · 10/09/2008 13:17

30 (14-16 size)
Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator (£25k)
consumer (for a press/pr agency)
Bristol

Thanks RR, I remember all your great advice when I asked about marketing before

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RubyRioja · 10/09/2008 14:40

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RubyRioja · 10/09/2008 14:41

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bratnav · 10/09/2008 15:48

great advice, you have put down exactly the kind of thing that I was thinking of, wasn't sure if a suit was still a pre-requisite.

Strong colour-what a great idea, would never have thought of that when compiling an interview outfit, I always stick to black/grey/white etc.

Would a biscuit jacket, brown flared trousers and a turquoise strappy top under work? I have amazing tan Mary-Janes which work with the trousers?

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CostaRicanCod · 10/09/2008 15:49

ooh no

MascaraOHara · 10/09/2008 16:16

OOOh I've just mentioned interview attire on my "I got an interview thread" outlines what I'm planing on wearing lol.. i.e. nice grey wool suit, wide leg non-power-dressing style

bratnav · 10/09/2008 16:28

Cod-any suggestions please?

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macherie · 10/09/2008 16:41

I heard a top recruitment consultant on the radio yesterday talking about this.

He said that 99% of women interviwees wear black suit, white shirt with large collar turned back, severe hair. This look is to be avoided at all costs apparently.

He advised to get your colours done, or at least have an honest friend help you choose. Go for a dark jacket but not black, top underneath in a colour that flatters you. Discreet jewellery. Really good shoes and bag, the best you have. You need to be smart and tasteful but not flashy.

This guy said that he'd been on so many interview panels, where other interviewers had totally discounted candidates who hadn't bothered about their appearance, scuffed shoes, etc.

Hope you get the job

bratnav · 10/09/2008 16:42

Wow, thanks macherie, that's useful info

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bratnav · 10/09/2008 16:44

Why why why did I get rid of so much work stuff after DD1, I think I thought I would never go back to my original size

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bratnav · 10/09/2008 16:46

Do you think a jacket is essential?

I was wondering about suit trousers, quite a vivid stripey shirt with a co-ordinating tank top over?

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lilolilmanchester · 10/09/2008 16:59

Hi, am not a recruitment expert but would say yes to a jacket.

lilolilmanchester · 10/09/2008 17:02

and grooming as important (clean and tidy hair/nails) If you wear makeup, make sure it's professional rather than glam. Sorry if stating the obvious but have seen people coming in for interviews who look like they're off clubbing afterwards and others who look like they've just come in from a day's gardening.

CostaRicanCod · 10/09/2008 18:22

finbar( in HR) says no to devere suit iirc

and also pay attention to the small details
no comedy watch, scruffy shoes etc
wear soemthign you dont feel awkward in
smart grey wool tailored trews, knitwear of sometiype
or a dress

bratnav · 10/09/2008 19:31

Oooh ooh, how about a grey herringbone pinafore dress (from Whistles) with a black shirt under, black opaque tights?

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RubyRioja · 10/09/2008 19:33

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bratnav · 10/09/2008 19:33

I only wear minimal make up anyway, mascara and a nude lippy. Hair is one of those short bobs that can be dragged through a hedge backwards and still look smart, nails are tidy so far, will have to be nice to them for the next week

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RubyRioja · 10/09/2008 19:38

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bratnav · 10/09/2008 19:40

I have a fab red bag, ooh, maybe red shoe shopping, yay!

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bratnav · 10/09/2008 19:43

Shoes look very nice, but black only as far as I can see You got my size right though

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RubyRioja · 10/09/2008 19:47

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janeite · 10/09/2008 19:51

The dress sounds fantastic. Personally I'd be tempted to go for purple shoes, or teal, as I think the whole red with business attire look could possibly be a bit too eighties.

bratnav · 10/09/2008 20:01

Does it matter that it is slightly (2-3 inches) above the knee?

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RubyRioja · 10/09/2008 20:01

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