Post # 1
Member
1338 posts
Bumble bee
I am going shopping tonight for an interview for an HR position. I have no clue what to wear. My current job is business casual and I never wear blazers. Everything I’ve read is saying that I should wear a suit, but I am intensely uncomfortable wearing blazers. I am very tall and thin and I just feel like they don’t look right on my frame.
What can I wear as an alternative that will still allow me to look polished and professional? Or should I just suck it up and wear a suit?
Post # 2
Member
247 posts
Helper bee
Suck it up and wear a suit. You don’t want to draw any attention for being under dressed. Play it safe.
Post # 3
Member
15287 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Suck it up and wear a suit. There must be something out there for you, just gotta look in the right place, or have something tailored, though there’s no time for that now. It’s always a good idea to have a suit in the closet that fits well… you never know when you’ll need it.
Post # 4
Member
3470 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: July 2012 - The Gables Inn, Santa Rosa, CA
I have the opposite problem… I’m short and petite so blazers end up looknig too big on me and I feel like a kid playing dress up. I usually wear a simple black dress with a colroed cardigan or suede jacket.
Pinterest had some cute ideas too: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/professional-interview-outfits/
Post # 5
Member
216 posts
Helper bee
Wear a suit! Especially for an HR position. I am with you 100% on hating it but it’s a necessary evil! Good luck 🙂
Post # 6
Member
2168 posts
Buzzing bee
- Wedding: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception/The Gallery
Definitely wear a suit, especially for a poisition in HR!
Ann Taylor and Banana Republic both sell nicely cut, professional suits that you’ll be able use again and again. Go in–the sales people will be able to help you.
Something like this (Ann Taylor) would look great. Fashion-forward but professional (though I’d wear a modest heel and a more business-appropriate tote bag, personally.)
Post # 7
Member
157 posts
Blushing bee
Definitely wear a suit Even if you hate it.
Post # 8
Member
9231 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
I agree with everyone who says suck it up and wear a suit BUT if you truly can’t find one that looks good on you then I’d suggest a very professional dress or pencil skirt and nice blouse. I don’t think pants without a blazer would be formal enough for an interview. The key to pulling off the non-suit interview outfit is to have everything be completely meticulous – hair in place, nails groomed, understated makeup and jewlery, everything pressed and perfectly tailored. It shows that you are detail oriented. I used to interview people and I’d rather see a perfectly tailored non-suit option to a sloppy, ill-fitted suit. Good luck on your interview!
Post # 9
Member
9519 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
If one is available to you H&M has a surprising large variety of business wear. I agree, suit is best as you only get one first impression.
Post # 10
Member
1770 posts
Buzzing bee
I would, at minimum, wear a pencil skirt and button up blouse with a business jacket.
Post # 11
Member
47430 posts
Honey Beekeeper
I was always told to dress like the job you want, not the job you have. Wear a suit. You’re going to need one if you get the job.
Post # 12
Member
444 posts
Helper bee
HoneysHoney: Invest in a suit that fits you well! You mentioned you were tall and thin. Both banana republic and j. Crew have tall length blazers and suits, so that might help you achieve a professional look you’re comfortable in. For an HR position interview, you’ll definitely want to wear a suit.
Post # 13
Member
5152 posts
Bee Keeper
HoneysHoney: Absolyteuly wear a suit No doubt about it.
Post # 14
Member
1102 posts
Bumble bee
Go to Banana and get a kick assed suit!
Post # 15
Member
7887 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
I would also go with the suit. Suits can look very good when you have a well-fitting jacket.