Interview suit

louisvillebride21 · July 2010

Sorry to be a PW today.

I just got off the phone, setting up an interview. I'm only up against 2 other peope, so I really want to bring my A game. I have a nice suit, but the pants are a little tight. The jacket fits perfectly though. There's a bit of a pinstripe running through the materail (you can actually feel it, not just a color). Could I get by with buying new plain black pants and paring it with the jacket? Or should I buy a new suit. Money's super tight, so I'm trying to get by with as little as I can right now. I do have to by a new button up because the girls got a little big

andyandhillary · July 2010

can you post a pic? I would wear the complete suit you already have. You are not supposed to mix and match pieces, in general so buying another pair of pants would not be the best idea.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great!

akhensley81 · July 2010

Are the pants tight like "wow those pants don't look good on her" tight? Or are they "my ass looks awesome in these tight pants" tight?

Because if it's the 2nd... I'd say go for it. But if it's the 1st... look at buying new digs.

Plain black pants would probably be fine with a slightly pinstriped jacket... what about a straight knee-length skirt?

L-Bride · July 2010

Sparkles. Lots of sparkles.

Jk, just buy a new pair of black pants and wear the jacket shopping to make sure it's a good match. You can mix and match a pinstripe jacket with a solid pair of pants.

GL.

Adding: Fyi, I mix and match my suits for work. In my opinion always avoid wearing tight work pants. It always looks super unprofessional to me.

louisvillebride21 · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-suit?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6f33fa1e-1a25-49fa-a612-644f8bc1b722Post:712c5e57-853c-4e73-bd86-3dc712d1aa91">Re: Interview suit</a>:
[QUOTE]Are the pants tight like "wow those pants don't look good on her" tight? Or are they "my ass looks awesome in these tight pants" tight? Because if it's the 2nd... I'd say go for it. But if it's the 1st... look at buying new digs. Plain black pants would probably be fine with a slightly pinstriped jacket... what about a straight knee-length skirt?
Posted by akhensley81[/QUOTE]
A skirt is good too. Just still worried about the pinstripe. And it's, in my opinion, the first. :(

SarahRuthG · July 2010

L-Bride you totally made me LOL. My BFF/MOH and I ALWAYS answer all fashion questions with "Sparkles, lots and lots of sparkles"

I would think a mismatched suit would stand out more then a pair of snug pants. But then again we are all girls here and we notice things like this more the men. Do you know if a man is interviewing you or a woman? When i interviewed with a woman many years ago literally her first words after nice to meet you were "I love that suit!" and it was a matched pinstripe suit.... so.... This is a tough one I have to say. For the record I got that job and was there for 5 years before I moved on

louisvillebride21 · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-suit?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6f33fa1e-1a25-49fa-a612-644f8bc1b722Post:008b3031-6f1d-4343-beb5-f79b7e0e324a">Re: Interview suit</a>:
[QUOTE]Sparkles. Lots of sparkles. Jk, just buy a new pair of black pants and wear the jacket shopping to make sure it's a good match. You can mix and match a pinstripe jacket with a solid pair of pants. GL. Adding: Fyi, I mix and match my suits for work. In my opinion always avoid wearing tight work pants. It always looks super unprofessional to me.
Posted by L-Bride[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I'm not wearing these pants. That's NOT the first impression I want to give off. I wore them at my old job, but I already had the job and didnt' feel quite as bad about it. I'm either goign to just buy new bottoms or bite the bullet and try to find an inexpensive suit.

louisvillebride21 · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-suit?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6f33fa1e-1a25-49fa-a612-644f8bc1b722Post:0c1b1c63-a1bf-4416-9670-146c6fee13dc">Re: Interview suit</a>:
[QUOTE]L-Bride you totally made me LOL. My BFF/MOH and I ALWAYS answer all fashion questions with "Sparkles, lots and lots of sparkles" I would think a mismatched suit would stand out more then a pair of snug pants. But then again we are all girls here and we notice things like this more the men. Do you know if a man is interviewing you or a woman? When i interviewed with a woman many years ago literally her first words after nice to meet you were "I love that suit!" and it was a matched pinstripe suit.... so.... This is a tough one I have to say. For the record I got that job and was there for 5 years before I moved on =)
Posted by SarahRuthG[/QUOTE]
It IS with a man. Is it sad taht that was my first thought. Oh, he won't notice! But my recruiter said he's super detail oriented. So maybe he would notice. But I do know I don't want him noticing my tight ass, that's not a good impresion.

arv266 · July 2010

If you really want to bring on your A game, I would have to vote for the new suit, but if you can't do that I would agree with the PP and suggest a black skirt. I have worked for recruiters and I can tell you first hand, you get one shot to impress the interviewer, and they will be looking at the entire package. You want to look polished from head to toe. I remember a candidate that was passed because of his scuffed shoes. Make sure that whatever you wear, that you feel super good in; you don't want to walk into the interview feeling like things dont fit, or feel good.
GOOD LUCK

squirrly · July 2010

LVB, head toward Indy. The outlet mall there has a Banana Republic that almost always has nice suits on sale.

louisvillebride21 · July 2010

How much on sale? And that's a great suggestion. It's what, an hour away?

SarahRuthG · July 2010

Ok, new suit it is!

When i wore suits I always got the best deals at places like Burlington Coat Factory or Dress Barn.... and Kolhs but only when I had a good coupon.

Good luck on the shopping AND the interview!

louisvillebride21 · July 2010

Oh, and do you know the name of the outlet mall? I'm only finding the one near Cincy.

andyandhillary · July 2010

Yay for the new suit! Now I'm wondering if we have a BR outlet here...

Good luck and keep us updated! Remember that awesome question someone suggested awhile ago. When they ask if you have any questions ask them something along the lines of "Is there anything that makes you think I would not be perfect for this job?"

louisvillebride21 · July 2010

Thanks guys! Still waiting to hear back from Squirrly to see if it's in my price range! I really really really want and need this job!

akhensley81 · July 2010

LVB I agree with the PP who said to wear the jacket in to the store with you to try things on. If you have time, maybe bring along a friend who will give you an honest opinion? I really like the skirt idea, if you're comfortable in a skirt.

Do you have any discount designer brand stores in your area that you could shop? Here in MI, we have TJ Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory that usually have AWESOME prices on name brand clothes.

Also, I'm not ashamed to admit that I shop for work clothes at Goodwill. You'd be surprised what you'd find and that place is DEFINITELY budget-friendly.

louisvillebride21 · July 2010

That's true, I do think we have a burlington.

AmoroAgain · July 2010

I was going to suggest going to The Limited. They always have mix and match suits for decent prices. Should have a sale about now as well.

AmoroAgain · July 2010

Sale page for BR http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=26495

L-Bride · July 2010

NY& Co. has good suits too.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown · July 2010

I have a gray blazer I pair with a black skirt and black blouse at times. To me, it's the same as wearing a sport coat and khakis/dress pants vs. wearing an *actual* suit. Which is perfectly fine!

AmoroAgain · July 2010

Yep, I agree with Mery. You don't have to wear a toal suit, unless, say, you're interviewing for a law firm.

AmoroAgain · July 2010

The Limited IS having a sale! http://www.thelimited.com/category/apparel/suiting

AmoroAgain · July 2010

Ooh ooh ooh!! COUPONS!! http://f.chtah.com/i/5/1385098083/20100707_5coupons.html?u1=cc-pcpo-1242-406825-00-00-0000-071310

akhensley81 · July 2010

While I agree that an all-out suit isn't necessary... it makes an awesome impression. I usually encourage my job candidates to slightly overdress for a job interview. You have - what - maybe an hour of their time to make an impression? And unfortunately, a lot of that is the first glimpse they get of you!

AmoroAgain · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-suit?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6f33fa1e-1a25-49fa-a612-644f8bc1b722Post:13d43742-cfd9-44f2-a74b-195cbcd27112">Re: Interview suit</a>:
[QUOTE]While I agree that an all-out suit isn't necessary ... it makes an awesome impression. I usually encourage my job candidates to slightly overdress for a job interview. You have - what - maybe an hour of their time to make an impression? And unfortunately, a lot of that is the first glimpse they get of you!
Posted by akhensley81[/QUOTE]
What do you think of wearing red to an interview? I always want to, but, I'm not sure it sends the right message. Red suit or maybe just red shoes?

andyandhillary · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-suit?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6f33fa1e-1a25-49fa-a612-644f8bc1b722Post:13d43742-cfd9-44f2-a74b-195cbcd27112">Re: Interview suit</a>:
[QUOTE]While I agree that an all-out suit isn't necessary ... it makes an awesome impression. I usually encourage my job candidates to slightly overdress for a job interview. You have - what - maybe an hour of their time to make an impression? And unfortunately, a lot of that is the first glimpse they get of you!
Posted by akhensley81[/QUOTE]

I agree with this. Eventhough a sport coat and pants looks great every other day your interview is <strong>not </strong>like every other day. It never hurts to make the best impression possible. I had one applicant that technially was dressed appropriate in a skirt and cardigan but compared to what everyone else wears it was C game.

Amoro, I've yet to see a woman wear red to an interview but I don't think I would like it. A shirt would be too loud but shoes or jewelry would be too "trendy" and less serious to the eye. Men get away with it in ties but that's about it.

louisvillebride21 · July 2010

Omg, Amoro, that coupon rocks! I can definity use that 50% off of an outfit!!!!

TurtlesAllTheWayDown · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-suit?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6f33fa1e-1a25-49fa-a612-644f8bc1b722Post:13d43742-cfd9-44f2-a74b-195cbcd27112">Re: Interview suit</a>:
[QUOTE]While I agree that an all-out suit isn't necessary ... it makes an awesome impression. I usually encourage my job candidates to slightly overdress for a job interview. You have - what - maybe an hour of their time to make an impression? And unfortunately, a lot of that is the first glimpse they get of you!
Posted by akhensley81[/QUOTE]

I agree with this, but I suppose it also depends on the culture of the work environment in your area. In SoCal, VERY few people wear suits to work everyday (maybe lawyers and agents - that's it). My office lets us get away with everything except shorts and flip flops. I wear khakis at least once a week and can wear jeans if I want. Some people take it too far, but no one cares. Wearing any kind of jacket or suit here would be way overdressed - fine for an interview, I guess (where, like you said, it pays to be overdressed), but no one would wear it to work. When I interviewed here I wore a dress, jacket and wedge heels and was super overdressed, considering my boss usually wears silkscreened t-shirts, jeans and chucks.

akhensley81 · July 2010

mery- Good point about regional work environment culture! It's very corporate in my area, so a suit is always a good way to go. I even know of companies (not just law firms) that require a suit for every day work. Ick.

Amoro- I think red is a good "splash" of color. Like a necklace... or a belt... an accessory of some kind. I think (depending on the company you're interviewing with / culture) if you walk in completely covered in red that might be a little "too" loud.

My personal job interview power outfit is a white pantsuit with a black sheer tank top underneath and black heels. (All courtesy of NY&Co.) FI calls me "Career Barbie" when I wear it. LOL!

Interview suit

Re: Interview suit

Choose Another Board

Search Boards