Help with interview outfit

marianne

I am going in for a second interview and don't know what to wear! To the first one I wore CM microchecks, white shirt and casual black jacket. Can I get away with wearing the same pants? I only met a couple of people there before, and this time I will be meeting everyone. The only other non-denim summer options I have are white pants and black clams (clams are out, I imagine, but what about white?). The position is tech, but the rest of people there aren't, and the place is very casual and laid-back. Thanks for any thoughts!

16 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from marianne

fathenry

Veteran

Hmm, I always feel the need to overdress for an interview so I would probably wear a skirt in this situation. Do you have a pencil skirt that you can wear? I would probably not wear the same pants again. Not because anyone would notice, but because you need to feel confident! For me, the repeat would have me too worried.

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I was also going to ask if you have a skirt or a dress that would work instead of pants. Good luck!

16 years ago

marianne

Active Member

Thank you ladies! No, don't have a suitable skirt. I've never worn skirts to interviews because I always worked in software engineering where you had to be "one of the guys", but this place could handle it. I am not that worried about the same pants, as long as it's not a blatant faux pas. And they seem kinda memorable because of the pattern...even though I might be overthinking this
The only remotely appropriate dress I have is this and I think it's too short for the occasion:
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_7138.jpg

16 years ago

Anonymous

I don't see why you couldn't wear the microchecks again styled differently, this time maybe a top or jacket with color since you went black and white last time.

16 years ago

mummy2thea

Active Member

That dress might work if you wore only a small heel with it and maybe a belt to smarten it up, failing that the same trouser would work if you change the top you wear with it.

16 years ago

marianne

Active Member

Thanks, glad to hear the same pants are OK. Just wanted to make sure I am not completely crazy.

16 years ago

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Joy - I was going to suggest brightening it up with a colour for a different look. What coloured tops do you have Marianne??

16 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I agree with Fathenry about always overdressing for interviews, shows you've made an effort. Think it would be fine to wear the same trouers but with a different top x

16 years ago

shana

Veteran

Marianne, congrats on the 2nd interview!!! I am going to cross my fingers for you. I think things are starting to pick up a bit - I had a phone call last week from a resume that I sent in about 5 months ago. Of course, now that we are settled on moving, it is pointless but my husband thinks I should go anyway just to sharpen my interview skills.

Anyway, I think it would be fine to wear the same pants. Did you interview with men? I doubt they would notice if you wore the exact same outfit although you could try to mix it up just for yourself. You look fantastic in your white pants so I think that's an option too with a jacket and button-down top. Didn't you have a dressy pair of black or navy pants? I seem to recall you having a pair of classic/nondescript black pants too.

16 years ago

Chris

Active Member

Mix it up - the white pants with black jacket but different top. Or the micro checks with different top. If you change the tops and accessories, they will have no clue.
Sell them on YOU!

16 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I ended up wearing the same microchecks with a black top and a cobalt blue cardigan. It worked, so thanks everyone for the sanity check and suggestions

I am not really sure about this job - it was an opportunity worth exploring and a good chance to practice my interview skills. I am coming to realize that I am not going to be able to handle a completely new demanding job while the kids are still so little. I might have to sit it out until the youngest is at least in pre-K. Hopefully there will be people willing to hire me at that point.

Shana, where are you moving? You don't have to answer, I was just curious. That must be tough on the kids, too.

16 years ago

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