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Help! Interview tomorrow!

MuseumGal

Veteran

I have an interview tomorrow for a position as Technical Writer at a large(ish) university in a small(ish) town smack in the heart of America (in OK). I want to look professional and competent, but not too corporate/fancy/big city. I have no time to shop (been out of town), so it has to be something I already have. Here are the options. Note I haven't done hair or makeup and I'm wearing the same brown sandals in every picture, so you'll have to use your imagination a bit.

1 - The (sort of) black suit with white blouse. If you like this, but think the black and white is too ... stark/corporate/whatever, I also have several blouses I could wear instead of white, including cobalt and purple. I had expected this to look too corporate, but I'm finding I rather like it.

2 - Column of black with teal and purple ponte blazers. The purple is too ... drapey/casual. I think the teal is a strong contender?

3 - Column of navy (yes, the top and bottom are both navy, not black) with same purple and teal blazers. I had expected one of these options to be the winner, but the looser fit of the pants seems a little too casual, plus they are linen, so also perhaps a bit on the casual side.

What say you Fabbers? Also, can I wear nice sandals (it will be like 97F/36C tomorrow), or should I wear black oxfords (only other option). Hair up?

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Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from danskogirl

purple8

Column of black with the teal blazer would be my vote.

Edit: Go with the oxfords. I work in hr consulting and some interviewers are weird about feet.

Kari

Veteran

Best wishes for your interview!

I like number 2 with the teal blazer (amazing color on you), and for an interview (even casual) I'd go with a closed toe shoe.
I really, really dig the teal on you. If you go with the black suit in #1, do you have a top in that shade (or a similar jewel tone) to wear underneath it? Even from a far-away shot, the color is amazing with your complexion.

bj1111

Veteran

First, you will wow them with your mad skillz.

I like the teal. You look so good in it. Agree with Kari on the closed toe shoe.

E

Veteran

Congrats on the interview! I hope it goes well.

I vote for the teal blazer too: it works with either of the columns in the pics, but from your commentary it sounds like black would be better. Hair up is probably the best plan, especially in the heat.

I have no idea what to do about shoes, so I'll leave that to others who have more HR connections.

(Side note: I like #1 a lot on you too. It comes off as serious yet artsy rather than corporate, imo. But the black/white combo might read too big city.)

Staysfit

Veteran

Column of black with teal! So nice, brings, makes your complexion sing, and draws ones eyes to your face. The perfect combination of colors too, I believe the black will convey a certain amount of competence and power but the teal will soften the look and make you seem trustworthy and warm. All good qualities in an employee. Good luck! A university is a great place to work, I hope you get the job!!

Aubergine

Veteran

Best of luck!!

I also vote for either black with the teal blazer or the black pants and jacket with a jewel-toned top instead of the white. And the black oxfords and hair up.

Are you planning to wear any jewelry or accessories? I can't really see well, but the small drop earrings it looks like you're wearing in some of the pictures seem like a nice way to get a little of your personality across while still being conservative and interview-appropriate.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Another vote for black with teal -- and good luck!!

Anonymous

And another of the same vote from me. Closed toe shoe too . Good luck - and remember to relax:)

kkards

Veteran

I think Any of those choices with the teal blazer, even the black and white. And unfortunately,another vote for the closed shoes.
Best of luck at the interview!

Peri

Veteran

Another vote for the column of black with teal or a teal blouse under the black suit option. Definitely closed shoes. Some of your interesting but not over the top jewelry to show your personality.

And you didn't ask...but I love your hair down. It is beautiful and I think it looks polished and pretty that way.

MuseumGal

Veteran

Teal blazer with black column and closed toed shoes is the overwhelming favorite. I will wear my hair up in a braided bun, and no jewelry except my watch and some beautiful malachite/pearl earrings which are formal and discreet, but also show a hint of my personality.

Thanks all!

ETA: All of my teal tops are far too casual for an interview ... will keep that in mind for future shopping/buying! Peri, if it were cooler, I might consider wearing my hair down, but when it's hot, I just want it off my face and neck. Also I have a bad habit of playing with it when down, so out of the way is prob best for an interview.

Truecolors

(website)

I actually like the black and white look the best. The colored sweater/jackets look wintery, whereas the black and white looks simple, "I mean business," and flattering.

I recommend a beautiful necklace -- do you own a silver & torquoise, or silver and lapis blue? -- that would bring color to your face.

Good luck! You're going to do well no matter what you wear!

Just add a DASH OF CONFIDENCE...

ATLynn

Veteran

I like the black/white and the black/teal. I'd love to see the black/white combo with the teal top. And unfortunately, I vote closed toed shoes for an interview.
Good luck!

Elle

Veteran

I vote with the majority - teal blazer with black and closed shoes. A close second would be the black suit with a colored blouse. Wear whichever makes you feel more confident. Good luck and let us know what happens.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I say black and teal, not sandals.

unfrumped

Veteran

I like either the teal jacket outfit or the black suit if you added a dash if color. Closed shoes. You will look polished and professional but not too starched , yet good to be a touch more formal for interview. And yes, these pics give you some great ideas for items to add to your work capsule-- use your great basics and add some strategic color in less casual tops. Easy- peasy.

Thistle

Veteran

I like the column of black with the teal blazer. Definitely closed toed shoes.

Knock 'em dead!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Good luck with the interview.

Debbie

Veteran

Good look! The outfit with the teal blazer looks great.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love the white top and the black and white outfit but for the interview I agree with the teal and black. Good luck!

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Sounds like everything has been sorted out (and I agree with everyone else) so I'm just chiming in to say that I love your final choice! So flattering and professional, yet not stuffy or showy... I really like how mindful you are of the environment/culture of the potential job. I hope that all goes wonderfully well. I'm sure they will love you!!

Sal

Veteran

I am also too late but I agree with your choice, that teal and black is a perfect mix of smart, professional and flattering for this position and location! Good luck with the interview.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

My favorite was the first outfit, but I see I'm in the minority. I think you can't go wrong with either one, though. And if you need a second interview outfit, you've got it covered. Good luck!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I am a spanner as I prefer #1 for the interview - others feel more casual somehow. What is the fabrication of the blazers: I would prefer non-knit option for the interview.
I also vote no sandals and wear black oxfords if this is the only other options.

Neel

Veteran

I am with Sveta! I love 1! And yes to close toed shoes of any kind (except sneaks of course :D).

Good luck!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

I see you're sorted, best of luck to you!

danskogirl

I'm with those who prefer #1 -- the black and white. Feels more appropriate for an interview. And closed-toe shoe, yes.