Suitable Dress For Interview?

[themorrigan]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place but could not find suitable Topic. I am hoping in the next few weeks to go to some job interviews. I have not done this, or worked out of the home for over 15 years so need some up to date advice. The jobs are office based administrative posts. I have lost a lot of weight recently so have an excuse to buy a whole new wardrobe but firstly need advice on what to wear for an Interview. Should I go for a smart business suit, or is this too formal these days? What about a dress with knitted jacket for a softer look. I don't want to look dated and really need some advice. I'm 45 . Thanks.

[vakayu]

I would opt for a smart suit if it was me,just to show them what they would be missing if you don't get the job and how they can expect you to dress if you do.

[sunny-dave]

A mere male (so ignore me if necessary) - but I'd buy things that I would expect to wear for work if/when I got a job, rather than "an interview suit".

My expectation (from the other side of the table) was that interviewees would be clean/tidy/presentable - perhaps just a bit smarter than they'd need to be on a daily basis if they were working for me, but nothing over the top.

[vakayu]

By the way I forgot to congratulate you on your weight loss,very commendable and shows you already mean business.

[gness]

Dave doesn't mean to turn up topless...;-) x

[EcclesCake]

I don't want to sound like a cliche but...it's not so much what you wear but how you wear it.

Both could be perfect but if you are not confident in yourself it will show. Choose whichever outfit makes you most comfortable and go with it. You can soften a business suit by wearing a simple top underneath and dress up a dress with a light summer jacket as you have suggested.

Research the business who you are applying to and make a judgement call about the style of dress they go for and then find the middle ground for what makes you comfortable between floor plate and interview room.

[themorrigan]

vakayu, thank you for the compliment! I've lost 3 stone gone from a size 14 to a 10 and feel 20 years younger. Think I may go for an office type dress with jacket but any more suggestions gratefully received. I'm lacking in self esteem and confidence at the moment, I just need to get back out and prove I've (hopefully) still got it!

[Octavius]

Its diffidult to judge, in terms of office attire I would aim for something that you would consider wearing everyday in the job. I went to an interview once (not that long ago) dressed in a snappy suit and tie, dolled up to the noines, and was sat across from 3 people in jeans and t-shirts.

[pixie373]

I agree with wear what you'd wear for the job, so you look ready. I've worn a t-shirt and jodhpurs to a job interview before. That was a racing stable, so was appropriate. Got the job at the time.
From giving interviews myself, you do imagine that person in the job. But be comfortable.

[themorrigan]

gness lol! might do if I was going for an interview as a poledancer (no I'm not) lol!

[cazzz1975]

I agree with dave, I would wear the clothes I would be wearing for work, smart trousers/blouses/skirts/tops basically office wear

[vakayu]

You sound very confident already,as I said you sound as if you are ready to take on another challenge as you have already beaten the weight one,very well done again,I thought you meant a liitle weight not three stones wow,if you can do that you are ready for anything,and that must have done wonders for your self esteem,Good luck for the future.

[baza]

you have spoken to complete strangers, so yes you have still got it, confidence and positive thinking during the interview and you have cracked it. Good luck.

[Gavmacp]

I would always dress smart. Whenever I come across someone that is casually dressed in a professional meeting/situation it is always mentioned.

[vakayu]

Hi again themorrigan I forgot to say welcome to answerbank,I hope you enjoy it,it can become addictive so watch out.

[themorrigan]

Thankyou to everyone for your replies, what a nice place this is, nice change from usual sites. x

[Tis-I-Podstick]

nothing to add regarding what to where, everyone else seems to have covered it, just wanted to say good luck at the interview

[vakayu]

You're very welcome themorrigan,hope to speak with you again sometime.

[jno]

by and large you can't really overdress (though it's bad luck about Octavius's attempt to join a grunge band), but you can damage your chances by dressing down. I don't think a suit would be out of place in office admin, even if it turns out staff there dress more casually.

[Octavius]

jno, no joke they have quite literally just phoned me and they want to see me again. I have to give a presentation on my 5 year growth plan for their business. He said at the end that I can dress casually for this interview!

I think I'd find that harder so I'll just drop the tie this time.

[jno]

ha, well, that was my argument, you can't really overdress unless the job description actually specifies looking like a troll.

Good luck!

(Does that mean if you get the job you'll vanish from AB for another five years? Always a downside.)