Where would be the best clothes store to buy cheap job interview clothing?

VfM4meplse

FairyPrincessk wrote: »

The only reason I have engaged with this conversation thus far is because I've worked with a number of people trying to get back into work before and nasty little comments about the quality of their clothing (particularly if they've done their best to look smart) can knock their confidence.

Nothing nasty about it! It is wasteful to spend money on a suit that does you no favours when you can get something you will get long-term use from for less, with a little investment in time.

Its about time the JobCentres recognised that the vouchers needn't be restricted to Matalan when they could easily be made universal, acceptable at the discretion of the retailer.

iammumtoone

FairyPrincessk wrote: »

Given an ideal situation I'd prefer not to buy poor quality items either, but time may be an issue if an interview comes up suddenly and you've only recently become unemployed, changed size (as the OP has), don't have stable acommodation etc.

All valid points and it the OP is short of time, they will have go to a cheap shop, which is fine at least they are making the effort to obtain a suit.

LIke I said you need to plan ahead and be prepared. The interview suit I wore to my current job would no longer fit me (currents job subsidised canteen is too good ). I have in my wardrobe another good quality suit which I picked up from ebay for a bargain. I haven't had an occasion to wear it yet, but you never know when it will be needed, it is there waiting.

Shereen

Million$baby wrote: »

Male. Anyone recommend Matalan?

G (male) gets most his work trousers from Matalan simply because the store near us stocks a great range of sizes. His latest Matalan trousers, Farah brand, have been complimented several times already. Plus from my POV the trousers wash and iron really, really well. The material was good, and nothing like Primark's cheaper offerings.

Good luck with the job hunt.

Shereen

FairyPrincessk wrote: »

The only reason I have engaged with this conversation thus far is because I've worked with a number of people trying to get back into work before and nasty little comments about the quality of their clothing (particularly if they've done their best to look smart) can knock their confidence. I don't want anyone reading this thread to think that such an attitude is universal or that they should feel ashamed.

Well said, FairyPrincessk. Not every one has time to seek out a killer suit in a charity shop, and not every one has a charity shop near them that reliably stocks quality workwear.

Some of the comments in this thread are needlessly harsh and may undermine the confidence of job seekers. For goodness sake, I've worn borrowed clothes to an interview, that only fit thanks to careful use of safety pins at the waist. Still got the job. And I've interviewed and passed people who weren't wearing Italian wool suits, but who gave solid interview performances.

Turn up punctually. Be clean and tidy, including your shoes. But more importantly, be prepared and focussed on the potential new job.

bobsa1

I'm an avid charity shop shopper and dh who is a company director and has many high profile clients gets his suits from cs. He has boss suits, Italian wool ones and two that were obviously bespoke tailored for their previous owner, however it does take time and luck to find them.

I manage a number of staff and often conduct interviews. I don't expect someone to wear a suit but I do expect smart trousers and a shirt and tie and clean shoes. If someone has obviously made an effort to be.punctual, clean and tidy and most importantly positive and enthusiastic that impresses me far more than a suit

Clytemnestra

Hi - can I suggest Primark? Bought my (still growing) teenage son a suit there last year to wear to a wedding, and I thought it was really smart.

My daughter's boyfriend is an estate agent and has to wear a suit to work - he gets his there too.

Worth a look?