Need feedback on this interview outfit - YouLookFab Forum

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Need feedback on this interview outfit

talific

Hi all,

I'm new here. I just recently finished my MSc and am now looking for work, some sort of job to do with research and/or data, and my friend recommended that I come to this website for attire help. So far I've interviewed for research positions at a school board and at a hospital. I recently applied for a data/research job with the police department and I'm really hoping I get called for an interview. Anyway, the first couple interviews I wore a short sleeve blazer (see photo) with dress pants, but I recently bought a skirt, which I prefer. So this is my planned interview outfit for whatever my next interview is. Probably with a different shirt underneath - maybe a white or black button-up?

What do you guys think? Is this suitable? I know it's better to have a matching suit, but when I went looking for blazers it was slim pickings and I don't have much money right now to buy another.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cqch.....w_suit.jpg

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Welcome! I definitely like your outfit, you look great! Whether it is interview appropriate or not I'm not the right person to answer, because where I live most work environments are far more casual than the American offices. I'm sure you will get sound advice from some of the members here soon.

Anonymous

I think this looks good!

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Looks good to me too! My only worry is about the short sleeve blazer this time of year - where are you?

talific

Thank you Ingunn and Ceit! Ingunn, I am actually in Canada.. I don't know if our interviewing norms are the same as USA or different. I think they are probably pretty similar though.

talific

Hi cinnamon fern, as I just mentioned I'm in Canada, on the east coast. I had the same concern as you - when I bought the jacket originally it was in July, when I had my first interview. It is still relatively warm here, for now at least (by "warm" I mean "room temperature" - e.g., 20 degrees or.. 70 in fahrenheit?).

JuneBug

Veteran

I think this has the right mix of professionalism and a fresh vibe. You could try a longer sleeve (full) or a 3/4th, as you go into fall and try switching up your top. I don't think colorful tops (but not too bright or loud) would compromise anything.

kkards

Veteran

i think that having a jacket and skirt or pant that go together, but are not a match set is perfectly ok, especialy if you are interviewing for an entry level position. but i'm not really high on the short sleeve jacket. imo, this jacket is really seasonal, and i wouldn't wear it much longer.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Welcome from a fellow Canadian!

This looks terrific. I imagine that jacket will be too summery in a week or two, though, so I hope you get the job so you can buy yourself a jacket with longer sleeves.

Anonymous

Oh, yay, another Canadian!

Yes, I would say that also -- hopefully you get a job soon!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

If you don't have a jacket with longer sleeves, you could layer a longer sleeved top under the jacket.

I do think it will work well as long as the weather holds.

It is a blustery day here in Winterpeg.

mikky

Welcome Talific! (Another long-time lurker here.) I think your outfit looks very professional and importantly, it fits you very well. I'm not a big seasonal dresser, so I think a short sleeved blazer could plausibly worn at any time of year and perhaps the important thing is the impression that you make during the interview, rather than the specifics, so in that case I would say this is a great interview outfit. I do wonder whether a short sleeve blazer could potentially be worn over a light long-sleeved cotton/knit shirt -- would it look odd? Maybe someone else could chime in!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Welcome! I think you look great and perfectly appropriate for an interview. I agree that in the longer run you will likely want a long sleeved jacket but it's still warm enough that this one is going to be perfectly fine it seems. I don't think I'd layer it over long sleeves. No reason to fret over an emergency "need" to buy something - just focus on getting the job and feel confident that you look great!

rachylou

Veteran

That's a nice outfit. I'd wear a blouse with a higher neckline.

Niefern

The outfit is very appropiate for the task, and you have a lovely figure.

Adelfa

Veteran

Where I am (CA) a non-matching "suit" is completely acceptable. Could you "autumnize" your outfit with an overcoat?

talific

Thank you all for your kind comments! I am planning to wear a blouse with a higher neckline. In regards to the sleeve length issue, is the issue one of style or practicality? Because if the issue is simply that it will be too cool soon to wear this jacket, I have no problem throwing an overcoat on - can always take it off before I go in or something. Although I am really really tempted to get the matching BR suit jacket to go with the skirt (I have a 40% off coupon.. but that only brings it down to $150 which is still a bit much right now).

Oh, and Niefern, thank you for the compliment, you're making me blush!

T-Rex

Veteran

I think it looks great, especially the belt over the jacket.

I also wonder how the jacket would look over a long sleeved top...maybe a fitted knit in a dark color? Not for the interview, necessarily, but as an additional option in cooler weather.

Elly

Veteran

I think you look great--- very appropriate for an interview or office work, especially at the police station or school (SO is an officer, mother-in-law works for a school district, mother is a teacher). I don't think it is an issue with the weather so long as you won't be too cold inside during an interview. So long as the short blazer is appropriate for the temps inside the heated building, it won't look strange with a coat over into fall IMO.