What to wear to an interview?

[Mum2J&M]

I know there are a lot of men at this forum, so it'll be difficult to give advice to a female. But what on earth should I wear to my interview tomorrow? It's for a company who needs photographers to do team and head shots for local school sports teams. I'm used to wearing suits because I used to work in law firms prior to 2003 and always had to dress up. I assume this is overkill for this job. :lol: So what on earth should I wear?

Are khaki pants and a decent polo shirt acceptable? Should it be dressier stuff? I have so few nice clothes since I've been a stay at home mom and have gained a few extra pounds since the kids were born. :rolleyes: I don't have the money or time to buy anything new. Any suggestions? (And going naked or scantily clothed is not an option, so please don't go there).

I've got the portfolio, resume and IDs ready, but am completely spacing it on the duds.

Thanks for your help.

[crn3371]

Regardless of the type of job I think that appearance and first impressions are very important. I'd err on the side of dressing up as opposed to dressing down. I'd try and go a little more dressy than khakis and a polo shirt. Good luck with the interview.

[Mum2J&M]

I had a similar interview before and I think I was over-dressed for it. So I don't want to go overboard either. I know a polo is a bit casual, but can you make any other suggestions? I'm really limited here. I may have a nice dress shirt and a pair of black pants? Would that work? Heals? I think that's too much as it's just at someone's house.

[dseered]

I may come across as some kind of sexist but in my job I have to wear a suit, shirt and tie, fair enough but the ladies who also have to wear 'business attire' often look very casual and no comments are made - so, as an example, trouser suit with vest top type thing rather than formal blouse under the jacket ?

I think you should dress well, shoes aswell are very important !

Hey, good luck with the interview !

[mtnphtgrphr]

My opinion is that I would rather see you in a suit dressed for the interview.... rather than under dressed. Almost regardless of the job....

[Mum2J&M]

Oh my God. I am so screwed! I don't have a suit that fits!! I better get upstairs to the closet and see how I'm going to handle this.

[mtnphtgrphr]

Skirt & blouse?

[LW Dail]

Typically they say to dress for the position - then there is the school that says a suit.

I agree with err on the side of caution - a nice suit, low heels, modest blouse. Subtle hair and makeup. No perfume.

You are interviewing for a job, so present yourself in absolutely the best light possible. They know you've thought about every aspect of your time in front of them. You're presenting your best photos, your best attitude, you'd better look your absolute best!

Good luck, and knock 'em dead!

[Mum2J&M]

Thanks guys. I just ran out to Target a couple of hours ago and bought $100 worth of stuff. Thank goodness they are having a sale! I hate, hate, hate clothes shopping. So a skirt and blouse it is, but I'm not sold on the heals idea. I'll likely wind up taking some of it back as I can only wear two things out of the six things I bought.

[steved110]

So how'd it go, Mum?

[Mum2J&M]

Thanks for asking! Not sure yet. They have a lot more people to inverview. They asked if I'd like to go this week to check out how it all works and I said definitely. That way I can get an idea of what the job entails first-hand. The people were very nice. Apparently, I was supposed to dress casual! Go figure. At least I didn't wear the heals, or a suit! I'll keep you posted. ;)

[AngryCorgi]

Should have gone with the thong bikini business attire. :D

[Mum2J&M]

Trust me, it would not have worked in my favor!

[midnight_rider]

No matter what you have on under it wear your gear. And the portfolio will speak volumes. I believe that people should be hired for the work that they are capable of producing not how they look.

[midnight_rider]

oh I almost forgot the most important thing confidence.

[Mum2J&M]

oh I almost forgot the most important thing confidence.

Yes, I totally agree with that. Wish I had a bit more of it. I was thinking about that on the way there.