Job interview clothing.... Advice?

brians_daughter

Hi all, I'm certinally not new to interviews etc but could do with thoughts please?

I've got 3 interviews coming up, all for jobs I really Want. None of my old suits fit -altering them isn't an option, too small

I can't afford to go and buy a full new suit, and with my shape the cheap ones like asda, primark, tesco etc just do not fit and they look, well, cheap.

They are all customer visiting roles so appearance is vital, do you think I am better placed to pend my limited budget on a good quality, well fitting jacket and wear with a smart dress I already have or is a suit a must?

ktothema

I always say go for what you feel comfortable in, within reason of course! I've tried the whole proper suit and blouse thing, but tend to get better feedback and jobs when I wear something very smart but not a blouse and jacket. I look awful in them and feel it. It comes across in interviews. A lot of customer interaction is confidence so if you're going to feel confident enough in a suit jacket and smart dress then I'd say that's just fine. You're not taking about trackie bottoms and a hoodie here!

LadyMissA

I would say a smart pair of tailored trousers or skirt with a blouse, top would be fine. You would look the same if you took your suit jacket off anyway.

Are you on JSA or the WP?

brians_daughter

On what sorry? I assume not if I don't know what tht is!
I'm currently working pt after just finishing Uni

LadyMissA

brians_daughter wrote: »

On what sorry? I assume not if I don't know what tht is!
I'm currently working pt after just finishing Uni

JSA is job seekers allowance and WP is the work programme. If you were on either I hear they can help with clothing funds.

Ok, if you are working what do you wear to work?

Elvisia

Always buy clothes you can re-wear, so I think probably a decent jacket from the sales is your best bet, you can wear a dress as long as it's not too casual and doesn't look odd under a jacket. Just don't wear anything with spaghetti straps! I wouldn't worry too much about the whole "suit" thing and concentrate on something that looks smart and you feel confident in. Having something comfortable is always really important, I have sat in interviews and felt awful as all I can think about is being too hot but unable to take my jacket off or I'll unleash the bingo wings.

heretolearn_2

Women get a bit more flexibility than men, luckily. Lots of different combinations still come under 'smart business'. If not a suit then a smart shirt with work trousers/skirt looks ok without a jacket in summer. Or a jacket over a work type dress would be ok. Even shirt/trousers/skirt plus a smart work style cardigan can look good, just avoid slipping into what I would call 'NHS receptionist granny' styles (no offence to anyone meant, but you know that sort of not really quite smart enough low grade clerical look).

Also decent shoes, they don't need to be leather or expensive, but clean and shiny and formal. Interviewed today and one lady turned up looking lovely from the knees up but she was wearing flip-flops! Big fail....

LadyMissA

heretolearn wrote: »

Interviewed today and one lady turned up looking lovely from the knees up but she was wearing flip-flops! Big fail....

Ah see I have always said wear shoes at all times and its not good having bare legs either - lots of people here do not agree & have told me before it's too formal.

dizzyrascal

You only have the first few minutes to make an impression so, as already suggested, be comfortable but smart. (can see why flip-flops would be an instant fail, they would really stand out)
Have you thought of looking in some of the posher (or better organised) charity shops? They often put good clothing combinations together in order to sell more items.
You can get lovely shoes and handbags too. Sometimes you can really make a plain outfit look fab with good accessories

LadyMissA

Oh yes
PS: good luck with the interviews by the way, whatever you end up wearing.

Pupnik

I think a smart jacket with a smart dress (no shorter than knee length) and closed toe shoes would be absolutely fine. So long as it is clean, not crumpled, suits you and is flattering it should be okay. If you do want a suit I suggest M&S, I got one last year full price for £50 which I thought was great value they had other more expensive ones but the £50 was fine, better quality than the cheap ones you usually get in supermarkets. Otherwise you could get a plain jacket and wear with a skirt/ dress, then buy the trousers once you have more money - I say 'plain' so you don't have to worry about it matching.

Good luck