What to wear for an interview ?

Pickle49

Opinions please. I've got an interview in a weeks time. The position is for a part time manager in a retirement home. What do I wear ? I don't own a suit and whilst I am willing to buy one, I am currently working in an office environment where no-one ever wears a suit. It's smart but informal, we can and do wear jeans on occasions but not with trainers and a sweatshirt. So, I don't really want to buy a suit that I may never use or wear again...especially the way my weight goes up and down...:)
Although the position is for a managerial one, part of the job specification and essential requirements was for someone who is approachable and friendly and I sometimes feel that suits can be a little too formal.
I wonder if smart trousers, a tunic top or blouse and a nice cardigan would be sufficient. I'm talking black, navy or grey and of course with clean smart shoes, nice bag, understated jewellery etc.
I'm worried I will feel a bit uncomfortable, formal and stuffy in a suit which will impact on my behaviour....not that my behaviour is outrageous or weird, I just want to feel comfortable but confident.
Any ideas or thoughts ??

AP007

I wouldn't wear a cardigan as that's a bit casual in my opinion but I see nothing wrong with smart trousers and a blouse/shirt.

After all a suit is only that less the jacket which you may take off anyway. Be presentable and obviously not in jeans and I am sure you will be ok.

Jules2012

I think it sounds fine. Good luck.

cavework

Nice cardigan might just clinch it.. wear what you feel comfortable in .The interview is about you not the clothes you are wearing at the time.
Bet most interviewers if asked could not tell you what the people they interviewed for a job where wearing once the job was filled.
xxx

amcg100

Speaking as an experienced manager who has applied for many positions and interviewed candidates for many more, I would recommend a suit unless you can establish beforehand that the company that is interviewing you has a dress down policy. A rule of thumb is to dress appropriately for the job : eg for a job in a sports centre wear a tracksuit and for a job as a plumber wear your old overalls and have your plunger in your back pocket. If you had a relative in a care home and you asked to see the manager, what sort of attire would you expect them to be clad in ? Personally, I would expect the manager to be wearing at least shirt tie and trousers. Many companies have dispensed with the tie, requiring their managers to wear suits with open neck shirts. Best wear a suit of moderate quality with a shirt and tie ( an expensive suit will overpower ).

Good luck with your interview

AP007

amcg100 wrote: »

Best wear a suit of moderate quality with a shirt and tie ( an expensive suit will overpower ).

Good luck with your interview

The OP is a girl so a shirt and tie may be a bit butch

penelopedee_2

A smart neutral coloured dress with a formal jacket over the top is easier if your weight is not consistent. Having a curvier shape I find this looks smarter that trying to deal with shirts, trousers and then a jacket.

cavework

Ditch the suit ... your idea of dress OP is spot on , some of the other ideas here would have been most appropriate in Queen Victoria,s reign...
Quote
A rule of thumb is to dress appropriately for the job : eg for a job in a sports centre wear a tracksuit and for a job as a plumber wear your old overalls and have your plunger in your back pocket ....

PLEASE ! We live in the 21st century .. I run a cleaning company and not one candidate I have ever interviewed has turned up in overalls and a feather duster tucked into their back pocket
:beer:

AP007

cavework wrote: »

PLEASE ! We live in the 21st century .. I run a cleaning company and not one candidate I have ever interviewed has turned up in overalls and a feather duster tucked into their back pocket
:beer:

you made me laugh. Always dress up not down I say. You can never be too smart only scruffy

trailingspouse

If in doubt, go smart.
My OH started a new job, and wore a suit on the first day. Discovered that everyone else was much more casual, with some regularly wearing jeans. Only OH and the managing director were wearing a suit. That evening, he made the decision to continue wearing a suit. He got three promotions in 2 years. He then left to work elsewhere for a while, and was head-hunted 6 months later to be on the board of directors. He's bl**dy good at what he does - but the suit didn't hinder him.

Pickle49

Thanks for your input and replies everyone. I do agree that it's better to look too smart than too casual but I think there's a lot of difference to a man wearing a suit and a woman wearing a suit and tie ( I don't think so amcg100...I'm not applying to work in a woman's prison ).

I am also fully aware that the attire has to be in keeping with the job your applying for and the everyday environment in which you will be working. As one of the main prospective employee attributes wanted was a ' warm, friendly, approachable manner ' I'm not sure that a suit conveys this image. A suit is saying " look at me , I have power" whereby smart trousers and a nice topl is saying " I'm friendly, how can I help you ".

Anyway, when all is said and done, it always comes down to the shoes, you can tell everything you need to know from the state of someone's shoes.......will my furry owl slippers be ok ?