what to wear to a job orientation?

I applied for a summer job teaching elementary school students various fun activities (my classes are knitting, sewing, and drumming) at a local charter school. I haven't met my future employers in person yet, and have a group orientation (during which they do the hiring; I'm bringing my id cards and filling out paperwork) on Wednesday. The school has a dresscode: basic school uniform stuff, closed toed shoes, etc. and a statement on their website about how the way we dress is a presentation of ourselves, and we should present ourselves well. Most of the other people at the orientation will be elementary school teachers.

I certainly would rather be overdressed than too casual, and closed toed shoes are a must. The high is 82 on Wednesday, though there will also be strong winds of up to 45 mph, and I need to bring a layer in case the school uses a lot of AC. For now I'm thinking brown flats, a skirt, a blouse, and either a casual blazer or a cardigan just in case. Any advice?

14 years ago

Mochaccino

Active Member

What are the rules exactly? You might want to consider the age of your boss too, since I've found that the older employers might think you're completely out of touch, for not "realizing" that not wearing hose, wearing dress shorts, bearing your shoulders, failing to cover every centimeter of the knee area etc. is inappropriate.This is especially true in somewhat "uptight" and typically female oriented professions like teaching. Not that teachers are uptight but some of your bosses might be. Personally I think those rules have not been true for decades, but what's appropriate at work is whatever your boss thinks is appropriate, unfortunately. I remember hearing one women in her 60's say that a women was "immature" and "unprofessional" for showing up for an interview in high heel (in my opinion work appropriate) sandals, dressy walk shorts, a cardigan, and no stockings.

I tend to cover up and dress somewhat business casual so I have lots of ideas for you if you know what you're looking for

Kate

Veteran

oh, good point mochaccino. The boss is 29 or 30, and this is the only pic of her I can find that doesn't give away her identity or the school's: http://media.linkedin.com/mpr/.....6f40ef.jpg - she uses a larger version of the same picture on the school's website. So clearly she's young and trendy enough to rock zebra stripes, which means I'm not too concerned about dressing really conservatively.

Your outfit idea sounds perfectly appropriate to me . If you're planning to buy a new outfit, I have an idea (god knows I use every new job, special occasion, or interview as an excuse to buy a new outfit :). I own more drapey, modern cardigans than anyone should, so I was very inspired when I saw this: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=719666
I know, I know, you're probably thinking that the vest is way to long and voluminous, and you are right. Luckily BR sells a more fitted and flattering version that is also in a navy stripe: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=766856
The first outfit includes a textured shirt that's almost like a superfine gingham in appearance. A light blue short sleeve or roll-tab shirt in a subtle geometric pattern would be perfect, and believe it or not, striped drapey vests are widely available right now. I can't imagine why. A super skinny navy or black dress pant would be perfect with this, if you look good in them. Personally I would wear this with my dark rinse trouser jeans, but my job definitely allows denim.

JuliaInGermany

Kate, I think your idea sounds very nice and appropriate. I would go for the cardigan instead of a blazer. I would consider a nice colour and/or a funky necklace. You don't want to look too conservative especially since you would be teaching very creative classes.

Louise

I think a blazer/ jacket would look smarter for your 1st time at the school, perhaps add a floaty scarf to give it a creative edge x

thanks for the advice!

Mochacchino, I'm not planning on buying anything new, and honestly I don't think the drapey vest is my style. But it sounds like you've put together quite the look - maybe we can see you wearing it sometime soon?

Pregnantmom, good point about having some creative flair... I might be posting some options later today for feedback.

Louise, I love the scarf idea but I think it will be too hot (right now the high is supposed to be 84) for people to think I'm sane if I wear a scarf - no matter how light and floaty it may be.

Ele

(website)

Ahhh, I love that stripy vest! I'd belt it with a brown leather belt and pair it with a skirt, maybe some nice brogues...

Anyway, I think your outfit plan sounds perfect, Kate. I think I'm leaning toward the blazer, but it really depends on the fit/style of it. As long as you can "creative" it up with some accessories, I think it will be perfect.

Susan

I agree that your planned outfit sounds really appropriate for a job orientation. Look smart but be comfortable. Good luck!

Kristine

I think it sounds just right. Keep it polished but not fussy. A casual blazer or a nice cardigan should be perfect.

Rosie

Is there any chance you might meet kids or have to interact with them? I ask because sometimes wearing a skirt can make that difficult, depending on the age of the kids. Just a thought. If not, then your outfit plan sounds great.

Thanks for all of your considerations. After some deliberation I chose the cardigan because it was easier to scrunch into my purse, and of course I ended up not needing it at all. At least I was prepared!

I just got back from the job orientation, and apparently I did a good job choosing my outfit! When talking about what to wear this summer, my new boss picked me out as an example of how to dress both casually and professionally!

Here's what I wore:

http://i299.photobucket.com/al.....CN2573.jpg

Ideally the shirt would not be as long, but it looked awful tucked in, and so I just let it go and hoped nobody would care too much.

You look great! How cool that she chose you as an example! I hope your orientation went well!

Congrats, Kate! This is great!

Woohoo you obviously chose well what a compliment from the boss x

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