Interview tomorrow - full suit? for real?

[Anonymous]

NP here. This was a timely thread. Thank you everyone.

I had an interview today and I did not have a suit. I also did not want to wear a full suit, so I opted for suit separates. I wore black trousers, a nice lightweight jacket in a neutral color and a black shell. Also went with close toe black pumps (not very high heels), purse and portfolio. Very discreet jewellery and subtle makeup. I was interviewed by 2 women and 2 men. Men were dressed business casual - shirts and trousers. So, no suit jackets, no ties. Women were in dresses - covered up (not spaghetti straps, no plunging necklines, no short hemlines) but a little more casual than business casual.

I think I managed to strike the right note. I was wearing trousers and jacket but in neutral colors, still it was not very stiff like a completely black suit.

[Anonymous]

I think suits are passe'.

Wear some stylish pants, a nice top, great jewelry (as an accent), and low pumps.

I hate suits.

[Anonymous]

It really expends on the position. I interviewed for a fed job in a full pant suit and it was made pretty clear to me that I was over dressed. I got the job anyway, so I guess the moral of the story is that being over dressed is better than being under dressed ?

[Anonymous]

I was pregnant last summer and ended up going on a job interview... Wore a maternity suit jacket and black dress under it that basically matched. I'm a lawyer though so wouldn't cross my mind to wear anything but a black or gray suit to interview. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It really expends on the position. I interviewed for a fed job in a full pant suit and it was made pretty clear to me that I was over dressed. I got the job anyway, so I guess the moral of the story is that being over dressed is better than being under dressed ?

You can't overdress for an interview. Unless you wear like an evening gown or a tuxedo something

[Anonymous]

I do a lot of meetings where I have to wear a suit. I like to arrive looking great.

I say wear the suit and here are my tips:
* wear a breathable short sleeve or sleeveless shell under the suit. I've worn climachill white t-shirts under my suit.
* pack a back up shell. if you end up having to walk somewhere or get hot, get thee into a starbucks or the ladies room and change your top right before your interview.
* obviously don't wear the suit jacket until the last minute.
* give yourself a lot of time. rushing will drive up your temperature. you don't want to arrive at the interview more than 5-10 mins early, but you can lurk in a/c right near and/or get into a ladies room before hand to freshen up.
* buy water bottles and stick them in the freezer the day before. drinking really cold water helps keep your temperature down.
* in my case, when it's hot, I do NOT wear necklaces or bracelets. they stick to my neck. I hate that.
* find a hair style that you like with your hair up, off your neck.

[Anonymous]

+1

I just landed a great job in communications in an office where the dress code ranges from business casual to just plain casual. I'm client facing so I tend to dress up a little more, plus it gets me in the mindset. I wore a suit to both interviews, and while I was clearly overdressed for the office, and I was clearly wearing my "interview suit", I think it was expected and appreciated.

As another PP said, it's called making an effort.

I'm not saying the suit got me the job, but it sent a message to the C-suite that I take my job seriously, and take the company seriously.

Wear the damn suit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Run, don't walk, to Macy's and buy a light weight skirt suit - with sale prices, you can get a decent one for under $200 - wear with a light shell and no jacket (but yes pantyhose) to the office. PP has it right - get there a little early to cool down - I like to have face wipes in my bag to help out.

It's just plain short sighted to risk even one negative thought in an interview because you couldn't be bothered to dress appropriately.

Good luck!

Can you suggest brands for suits at Macy's?

[Anonymous]

I used to work in the dresses department at the old Hecht's by Metro Center during college and at least once or twice a month a woman would come in returning a suit (tags still on) that looked a bit...worn. I always wondered if they only returned the suits if they didn't get the job, or if they returned them either way.

[Anonymous]

Can someone post pictures of great interview suits? I need to buy a new one!

[Anonymous]

Suit with a nice shirt under so you can take off the jacket in the interview if necessary.

[Anonymous]

I got a really great suit at a JCrew outlet, I think it was only $160, and it was really nice Italian wool

[Anonymous]

How about a tailored dress?

[Anonymous]

Only if it has a jacket along with it.

[Anonymous]

I just don't do suits. I'm quite busty and every traditional suit jacket looks ridiculous on me because of gapping, even when I wear the jacket unbuttoned. I've learned to go with soft separates like tailored cardigans or flowy jackets like you'd find in Eileen Fisher or JJill. As long as you go conservative in cut and color (black, grey or navy) you'd be surprised what you can pull off and still look professional. I make sure everything is unwrinkled, spotless and well accessorized (good shoes, bag, classic understated jewelry).