Post # 1
Member
404 posts
Helper bee
I haven’t interviewed in years. When I interviewed for the job I have now, I wore a dress and a sweater to both interviews – still got the job!
Now I have a second interview for a new, better job. For my first interview, I wore a black skirt suit (with a tulip skirt) and a purple button up blouse. I do NOT want to wear the same suit, because it’s rather memorable.
My options are:
1. Peach blazer with a black sheath dress
2. Black jacket (with a Peter Pan collar and silver buttons – very 2008) with a gray sheath dress
3. Purchasing a new suit – which I don’t want to do, because I’m losing weight, and I only wear suits for interviews, and my black suit is already slightly too large.
Thoughts?
Post # 3
Member
1231 posts
Bumble bee
I picked #1. I like black for interviews.
Post # 4
Member
5966 posts
Bee Keeper
Question – when you say sheath I think of a light weight fabric like silk or similar, which doesn’t sound appropriate. Am I not getting the right picture?
Pics would help. Also, what industry?
I would not purchase a 2nd suit unless you’ll need it anyway in your job. I never wear a suit to work.
I would do a smart business casual look since you don’t have another suit. Black dress pants or pencil skirt, blouse, and blazer. Accessorize, tastful makeup and hair, good shoes and purse.
Post # 5
Member
1935 posts
Buzzing bee
@fancymichelle: I vote #2. Peach, depending on your industry, might be a little bright. Wear tights (I wore ones with a cool, subtle herringbone pattern my most recent one) and nice heels. If you are in a more creative industry, throw on some simple yet interesting jewelry.
Post # 6
Member
404 posts
Helper bee
@cbgg: Sorry – it’s made out of suiting material. Definitely office appropriate!
My industry is state government/higher education.
Post # 7
Member
404 posts
Helper bee
@BlondeBee: Ohh, tights are an excellent idea! I usually wear sheer hose – very boring!
Post # 8
Member
344 posts
Helper bee
Since you work in a more conservative field, I’d go with the black and gray tbh.
Post # 9
Member
924 posts
Busy bee
Go with the peach. It’ll be memorable and set you apart. Are you meeting with the same people or higher ups?
Post # 10
Member
5966 posts
Bee Keeper
@fancymichelle: Oh! In that case I think that both options sound great. I’d choose whichever is more flattering on you. The Halo effect is a real thing – good looking people (especially women) do better in interviews.
Post # 11
Member
404 posts
Helper bee
@Jen041815: With the higher-ups. It’s not terribly conservative in the office. The woman who would supervise me was not dressed very professionally.
Post # 12
Member
531 posts
Busy bee
I am not sure what you’re interviewing for. I think the position makes a difference.
That being said, I’d probably go more conservative and avoid too much color. I voted for the grey and black getup.
Post # 13
Member
1475 posts
Bumble bee
When in doubt, be conservative. I would go with the gray and black and leave the color out until you get the job.
Post # 14
Member
1312 posts
Bumble bee
I voted for the black and grey – I’m more conservative when it comes to interview. I also wear minimal jewelry, if any, and very little makeup.
