interview tomorrow - need ideas

julijuli

Hi all,

I have an unexpected interview tomorrow - in Portland. This means I'll need to be in the car for a few hours and then pop out fresh and ready to speak with people for 2 - 3 hours. It's also going to be hot, around 92-93 degrees. I don't have a ton of time to go shopping so am trying to figure out what to wear. Here are what I think are my options:

- black wrap dress (3/4 sleeves) with wedge sandals
- black pencil skirt with a a red sleeveless silk top and slingback pumps
- black pencil skirt with a bright pink silk ruffle top

Do you think any of these will hold up? I don't think a denim skirt is appropriate and I really think pants will be too hot. I'm sure the office will be air conditioned as my car will be but I'm thinking the dress is the best way to go.

What do you think?

16 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from julijuli

Rosie

Veteran

What kind of position is the interview for? What kind of company?

Congratulations!!! Interviews are a great thing.

16 years ago

julijuli

Active Member

Oops - didn't leave that info. It's for a software development company, I'm interviewing for a Project Management position.

16 years ago

Chris

Active Member

Is the wrap dress a jersey material or a woven? The non-woven items seem made for long car/air trips so I'd go with dress. Plus, less fussy than two peice option and appropriate for software. Good Luck!

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

This is a tough call for me. On one hand, I can't stand clingy pencil skirts in the heat. OTOH, I can't stand having anything longer than a short sleeve either. I guess it depends which one is more comfortable for you.

I'm inclined to nix the sandals though. I would err on the side of formal and those are just not interview material IMO. The slingback pumps sound like the better option. I'm also hesitant about the ruffley pink top. Maybe it's just me but I don't feel comfortable being overly girly at interviews. Maybe that's just a personal thing though. I think either the dress or the red shirt and pencil skirt would work best.

16 years ago

Laura

Active Member

Congratulations on the interview!

Would it be possible to look up a nearby Starbucks/store/place with restroom where you could stop to change and freshen up? Not sure if you feel comfortable doing that but it could relieve the pressure of maintaining a fresh look after driving for hours...

16 years ago

julijuli

Active Member

Laura, I'm definitely going to stop somewhere and freshen up right before the interview. I may even just bring the dress on a hangar and change right before. I know for sure I'll probably have to update my makeup a bit! Very good suggestion - thanks!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay! Good luck, Julie!

Go with the dress, bring it along and change just before you get there. If your feet look fab, heeled sandals get my thumbs up.

16 years ago

julijuli

Active Member

Just got a pedi a few days ago so I think it will be fine! Keep your fingers crossed!

16 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Throwing a spanner into the works.. I think you need a jacket. Short-sleeve would be fine. I would toss it on the very last minute, when you walk into the AC offices.

I'm just thinking that in the past 5 years or so this industry, esp on the west coast, I have noticed it has gotten more and more formal, and also the competition is so tough these days. And this isn't a developer position (you could get away less formal).

Do you have a jacket that would work??

16 years ago

julijuli

Active Member

Shiny - good suggestion. I do have a black jacket that I will bring along just in case. It's long sleeved, so it all depends on how hot or cool it is in the office. Since it's a long interview I don't want to be sweltering (and/or sweating) the whole time!

16 years ago

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