Going to an interview from work

MoneySavingUser

Snakey wrote: »

If there isn't any discreet storage/changing space, it might have to be holiday days, but then you have the problem of whether they'll let you have time off at short notice. I assume you don't feel you can be open with them about it?

Well I had taken a full day off on one day to go to an interview and then I had to go back again the same week. I booked off the afternoon and it was ok but was thinking that if I keep having to book time off for interviews it could add up.

I can't change at work as it is open plan and everyone will see me! (see me in my suit not see me changing!)

I suppose I could change in a toilet somewhere else like a service station/supermarket....

(also this question was posed from the point of view that you can't or don't want to take the day off)

scottishgirl87

MoneySavingUser wrote: »

I suppose I could change in a toilet somewhere else like a service station/supermarket....

This is actually what I did during the week! I had an interview at 9.10am, luckily in the same city centre I work in so I booked TOIL from work. After the interview I went into the local shopping centre and changed in a toilet before running back to work.

I found my biggest issue was squeezing another outfit into my handbag as I didn't want to appear unprofessional and be carrying a load of bags with clothes in.

It wasn't ideal but it did the trick, and I got the job so hopefully won't have to do it again anytime soon!

[Deleted User]

Worst luck, my shoes died on me yesty morning, realised the sole was urm becoming detached so had to stop on route to buy another pair - ditched my sorry old bougues straight into the bin, never done that before in public! ah well it saved bag space and the stench of wet feet steedly rising lol! in the end my interviewer was err casually dressed so I needn't have worried much, I think I'm starting to agree no point getting completely dressed up, though I did just have time to pop on another colour of eye shadow as well to convince myself this was a fresh day, although I found I wasn't really in the interview mood by working first..so the jury is still out on that one :cool: though if it had have been a bad interview least I wouldn't have to face a day at work like I've done once before, that was harder

Snakey

Scottishgirl - I showed up to my last interview (first and second) with a rucksack as if I was about to go to the gym afterwards or something! For the first one, I'd had a shoe disaster and there was no way I could walk all the way from A to B and back again in the heels I ended up wearing. Trainers were definitely not an optional extra. For the second one, I thought oh well it clearly didn't bother them the first time, so...

I got the job so either they didn't notice or didn't think anything of it - or perhaps it made me look exactly like half of their existing staff when they come in in the morning and seem like I'd fit in, who knows.

Suit jackets are straightforward as you can carry them in an M&S bag which can then be folded into your handbag once you put the jacket on.

MoneySavingUser wrote: »

(also this question was posed from the point of view that you can't or don't want to take the day off)

Dude, srsly. If one sentence of my three-paragraph post was not of relevance to you, just ignore that sentence. You don't need to tell me off for failing to follow your instructions to the letter. Here, have your money back.

And yes, by the way, you can absolutely change in the loos at Tesco on your way, if there are any. I always feel a little bit of a skank when I do things like that but really, it will take 2 minutes, nobody will notice or care, and your problem is solved! (Other than where to put your bag, but I think men bringing big bags to an interview isn't so bad, somehow. You can pretend you're off to play some exciting sport or other after the interview.)

datlex

I have found the job interviews I was most successful at were the ones I wore clothes I would be comfortable wearing at work. If your potential employer can see you in your work attire they can see how you will really present yourself whilst at work. One thing that is work taking to work though is a tooth brush and paste just to ensure your breath is fresh when shaking the interviewers hand,

NewShadow

I've had a couple of interviews recently. They've been internal, during the working day, in other divisions (other floors).

It's been tricky as, while my boss is vaguely aware I'm looking for a job on promotion (so elsewhere as there's no prospects in our team), I don't want to be too blatant and make it uncomfortable until I get offered something.

As has been suggested, I'm (female) wearing black trousers with a solid colour top or shirt. Then I've got a suit jacket hung with my coat and low heels under the desk.

Quick shoe swap and grab the jacket, putting it on when I'm off section and taking it off before I get back.

As long as you don't normally wear jeans, this could work?

I have had a hair cut, and am wearing some jewellery/makeup (just a touch), but when people comment I say I just fancied a refresh for spring.

Good luck BTW

MoneySavingUser

Snakey wrote: »

Dude, srsly. If one sentence of my three-paragraph post was not of relevance to you, just ignore that sentence. You don't need to tell me off for failing to follow your instructions to the letter. Here, have your money back.

(Other than where to put your bag, but I think men bringing big bags to an interview isn't so bad, somehow. You can pretend you're off to play some exciting sport or other after the interview.)

I wasn't telling you off - sorry if it came across like that.

I'll most likely be going in the car so I can leave a bag there.

mattcanary

Snakey wrote: »

Scottishgirl - I showed up to my last interview (first and second) with a rucksack as if I was about to go to the gym afterwards or something! For the first one, I'd had a shoe disaster and there was no way I could walk all the way from A to B and back again in the heels I ended up wearing. Trainers were definitely not an optional extra. For the second one, I thought oh well it clearly didn't bother them the first time, so...

I got the job so either they didn't notice or didn't think anything of it - or perhaps it made me look exactly like half of their existing staff when they come in in the morning and seem like I'd fit in, who knows.

Suit jackets are straightforward as you can carry them in an M&S bag which can then be folded into your handbag once you put the jacket on.


Dude, srsly. If one sentence of my three-paragraph post was not of relevance to you, just ignore that sentence. You don't need to tell me off for failing to follow your instructions to the letter. Here, have your money back.

And yes, by the way, you can absolutely change in the loos at Tesco on your way, if there are any. I always feel a little bit of a skank when I do things like that but really, it will take 2 minutes, nobody will notice or care, and your problem is solved! (Other than where to put your bag, but I think men bringing big bags to an interview isn't so bad, somehow. You can pretend you're off to play some exciting sport or other after the interview.)

Wouldn't they get badly creased so yo would look like you've walked through a hedge backwards?

Why do people think that all employers would disapprove of you having a job interview somewhere else?
Surely employers nowadays are aware that a lot of people don;t stay in the same job for long? I would have thought the majority of employers wouldn't disapprove? A minority might true but surely that could be predicted in advance (ie: your employers are generally unhelpful) , but really why all the subterfuge from everyone?

duchy

mattcanary wrote: »

Wouldn't they get badly creased so yo would look like you've walked through a hedge backwards?

Why do people think that all employers would disapprove of you having a job interview somewhere else?

Not of you fold it correctly
A decent jacket doesn't come out of the carrier bag when you carry it home from the shop creased after all.

I'm sure the second question wasn't a serious one :rotfl::rotfl:

mattcanary

duchy wrote: »

Not of you fold it correctly
A decent jacket doesn't come out of the carrier bag when you carry it home from the shop creased after all.

I'm sure the second question wasn't a serious one :rotfl::rotfl:

Of course it's a serious one......