What to wear for an internal interview?

I just found out about an exciting opportunity that *may* pan out for me at my workplace. The first step is an interview next week with someone who is rather high up at our company that I don't know very well, but managers who do know me well strongly recommended me for the opportunity. I don't know whether this will be a full formal job interview, or more of a conversation about what the new role would entail.

I'm a little stumped on what to wear for this meeting. The dress code at my company varies; I wear everything from jeans to dresses, and some departments tend to be VERY casual, but the department where the meeting will be held tends to have more of a business casual dress code. I think that the suit I wore last time I had a formal interview would seem a bit much.

The other hangup I have is that due to recent weight gain (sigh), all of my dress pants are fitting too poorly to wear.

Essentially, I want to present myself in a way that is professional but still very true to my style, and I want to feel comfortable and confident. I was thinking of the gray Halogen seamed skirt as the best base for an outfit, but I'm feeling somewhat stumped.

What would YOU wear in such a situation? Or is there anything you would particularly suggest for me?
Angie, I'd love it if you have time to jump in, but understand that you are super busy leading up to Fashion Week.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Hi Kari. What an exciting opportunity for you! Good luck!

I would probably wear a dress. A nice professional dress. They are forgiving of weight fluctuations and are easy to style. Add some pumps, pretty hose, and a nice bag and you're basically done. You don't need to worry about top-and-bottom proportions or diggy waistbands or anything else.

ETA: It probably helps to remember that you look sensational in dresses.

Vix

Remember when interviewing outfits used to be a no-brainer, ha?

Having just gone through something similar, I feel for you -- but based on your usual style I think you're in a good place no matter what you do!

That said, while I will often pair a solid bottom with a different-colored suit blazer AND a solid top for regular ole work, for an interview or other "appearances REALLY" matter situation I like to look as intentional as possible. For me that means a print/pattern that ties the upper and lower pieces together.

Have you tried your black suit blazer with the grey knit pencil to make sure all the proportions are right?

Assuming they work, what about your paisley top?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iFHB.....re+186.jpg

Or -- if colors work in person on you and with the skirt/blazer, and the print appeals -- something like the AT print below?

http://tinyurl.com/AT-purpleprint

Oh -- unless it's a really small informal company, I would think you will know when it's an interview vs a "discussion" -- HR probably has regulations to follow. [Let us know if you're in a small, informal company!] For a discussion I'd probably just chose one of your regular work outfits that includes a 3rd piece (cardigan or jacket).

shana

I like Vix's idea of your skirt with a different colored blazer. It doesn't seem as formal as a suit but still presents a very professional look.

bj1111

the halogen skirt seems a bit vavoom for a meeting with someone who doesn't know you as well as your co-workers/immediate report.

i would dress a half-step down in formality compared to the person who will be talking to you. or if it's a casual office, the same level of formality. it conveys your aspiration to rise higher but you're not trying to make her / him uncomfortable.

an unmatched pant or skirt suit may be a good compromise with one of your special blouses.

taylor

BEST of luck Kari ...how exciting for you!!

You have gotten some great advice here. I always like you in a dress. classy, proffesional and work appropriate.

Kari

Thank you all for chiming in with advice!

Well... after reading the suggestions, I'm very much leaning towards my favorite gray Classiques Entier sheath dress, not only because it is the most "professional" dress I own, but also because I feel confident when I wear it.

The difficulty is that the dress is sleevless, and due to the bulky collar it's sometimes hard to find sleeved separates (cardigans or jackets) that work well over it. I'll play around with items in my closet this weekend to see what works.

To Shana's suggestion, I might try the gray skirt with a black pinstriped blazer that I prefer to wear open over a solid-colored shirt - I think the lighter pinstripes might lessen the contrast of the jacket with a different colored skirt.

Vix, I actually hadn't thought of trying the paisley top with the gray skirt. Thanks for the suggestion! I don't think I will do it in this instance, as the paisley top is a knit and I'd like to feel a bit more "polished", but I will certainly try it in the future.
The company is not small, and I am meeting with someone who will coach me a bit more about what to expect next week, so that's of some help.

I really appreciate the help so far.

Oh, didn't realize it was a knit...I agree with your nixing it for this occasion.

Great news about the coaching -- sounds like you are really being groomed to do well at the interview when it happens. Good luck next week!

Kyle

I would make sure my outfit is sending the right message. Show them you realize that is not just another day or another meeting. Make sure they know that you want the job...that means dressing up. I'm in favor of a suit or a skirt and jacket or a very polished sheath and jacket. I would treat it as you would an interview.

Thanks, Vix and Kyle. After the coaching session today it sounds like this may be a bigger role shift than I had previously thought, so we'll have to see how it goes. I have my fingers crossed and am very hopeful.

I decided that I'm definitely going to go for the grey sheath dress. I'm undecided on what jacket to wear over it but have a couple possibilities - will probably end up with a black or black/pinstriped blazer. I appreciate the help!

Carole

Sounds like you are all sorted, and it sound great. Would love to see pictures when you have a chance. oh, and Good Luck!

Oh, sounds like a great chance to strrrrretch!

Sounds like a "serious" look is just what's needed and that you've got the jacket (x 2) to create what you need. And at least with the calendar officially fall, your darker colors will be right at home.

Best of luck with the interview!

Kari, well it sounds like you should err on the side of being more formal. The sheath dress plus jacket combo sounds perfect. Maybe think about what the person in the current role or one level above would wear on a typical work day. Good luck!!

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