What to wear when going for volunteer interview

zesaw

I'm looking to do voluntary work and am wondering what to wear.

In three weeks I have a meeting with a teacher at school about being a volunteer classroom assistant for 1 or 2 days a week. This is more of an informal chat really, about what I can do for them and they for me.

Should I go smart casual, suit?


Any ideas would be greatly appreciated

SarEl

Smart, casual, no jeans. Go for something that is practical (not all smart casual may be) and even if it is the hottest day of the year, avoid "dressing down" (and by that I mean necklines, skirt lengths etc., if female!) It may be informal but they are going to consdier whether your look is appropriate as a role model for pupils, not just whether you are.

minimoneysaver

Many teachers wear black trousers, reasonably high waist - so when you bend over you don't reveal all! Go with that and a shirt. No need for a full suit. Ballet pumps are most comfortable to. Good luck.

zesaw

Hi

Thanks for the replies.

Sorry, I forgot to mention I'm a guy.

SarEl

zesaw wrote: »

Hi

Thanks for the replies.

Sorry, I forgot to mention I'm a guy.

In that case definitely no short skirts unless you really have the legs to carry it off

David_Brent

I would wear a shirt and tie, fair enough it may just be a informal chat...but you are always best to be smart and show willing through how you dress to interviews. If you just dress smart casual just trousers and a shirt..then they may think you are too laid back and not really bothered about the job. I always think its better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.

alice757

Hello, I'm a newbie...I'm a bit stuck and just after some advice/opinions please

I've applied to volunteer at the Citizens Advice Bureau and I have a 'a short interview to discuss the Bureau work, the training, and to answer any queries may have' tomorrow morning. I'm really stuck on what to wear - I've recently graduated so most of my clothes are too casual. I do have some interview clothes but I think these err on the side of being much too formal.

From what I gather from the website the dress code is informal and I don't want to turn up either under or over dressed. My main problem is that I don't have trousers, only jeans, otherwise I'd just wear trousers and a smart top. A friend who has done similar volunteer work said to go for smart jeans, smart top and shoes.

I've narrowed it down to two choices:

Smart black jeans (but jeans nonetheless), smart top, brogue heels (small heel - my only footwear that isn't either massive heels or shabby trainers)
or a formal (businessy) dress with the brogue heels...I would go for this but I don't want to seem (or feel) too out of place if I'm pretty overdressed. Even the dress with flat shoes would be a bit less formal but I don't have the money to get anything at the moment.

I've not had an interview in a good few years and I've never volunteered before so I'm not quite sure what to expect...Any tips will be much appreciated!

Annisele

For an interview (of any kind, even for volunteer work) I'd say that too smart is always better than too casual. I'd go with the dress and the heels rather than the jeans.

inmypocketnottheirs

Definately no jeans. Far better to be too smart.

HellsGranny

For the teaching assistant, something smart but casual, I don't know what agegroup this is for, but I would suggest if you wear a tie, make it a clip-on (safety), in case a child grabs it. Trousers and shirt loose enough for ease of bending, and good footwear (amazing what heavy stuff lands on feet in classrooms!).

For the CAB volunteer, smart but not business, NOT jeans or jogging bottoms, but a smart, dark pair of trousers or skirt and blouse. Layers are a good idea, then you can adjust as the temperature demands. Not too much jewellery.

-BA-

Annisele wrote: »

For an interview (of any kind, even for volunteer work) I'd say that too smart is always better than too casual. I'd go with the dress and the heels rather than the jeans.

Hehe you can alwas tell those who haven't read the thread thoroughly (OP = male). You won't go far wrong with a shirt, tie and smart trousers. A suit would be a little OTT but if you are hoping to develop a career out of it then show them you can make the effort. First impressions and all that...