Please help me choose an outfit for a job interview - YouLookFab Forum

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Please help me choose an outfit for a job interview

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I've applied for a job at a college in Oslo (a position in teacher education) and I'm going to an interview next Monday. I'm pretty excited about this, and trying to figure out what to wear! Norway is way more casual than most of Europe and the US, and I don't want to be overdressed. I still want to look polished and pulled together. What to wear?

I've got a few ideas, and would appreciate any help with picking the elements that make a suitable outfit for me in this situation. Here are some ideas:

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Dressing

39 replies

Latest reply was from Ingunn

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I am in love with 6!

Professional, classic, feels fresh, with a lot of character.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

#6 and #7 are my favorites for the college job - man, you're way better dressed than all of my profs smooshed together!

Adelfa

Veteran

Here in California, in my field, we are very casual. However a jacket is still a good look for an interview. My favorites are #1 and #6, followed by #4 and #5. Love all your looks.

jayne

Veteran

I would go for 3. I really love all these outfits, but from my experience (both as interviewer and interviewee), that would be the most often used level of dressiness. And I have interviewed in a suit here and felt totally silly when seeing what the interviewer had on! They won't dress up for you.. -,). I love 7 and 8 for date night!

Try and figure out what level of outfit the people who work there might wear

Susie

Veteran

Since I work in Human Resources I do have a lot of experience with interviewing. However, I am in the US so my preferences may be different.

Unless you are interviewing in a very creative field, it's better to err on the more formal/professional side. I would like to see #1 with a slighly dressier belt and shoes. I really like #6; it is perfect as is. You look professional yet approachable. I also like #7 but would prefer to see a slightly longer skirt.

Again, it's better to be slightly overdressed than under dressed, at least for the first interview. Then you can take your cue from the interviewers and adapt your look accordingly for a second interview.

Good luck!

Sarah A

Veteran

I like 1, 7 then 6. But think Janye is probably spot on... Although I have felt perfectly comfortable interviewing in suit when the lady conducting the interview was in yoga pants and a white T shirt. Part of it has to do with what makes you feel the best. Sounds like you dont want to feel out of sync, if that would affect your confidence. trying to find out the norm for the school would be good, then dressing just a shade above it is what i would recommend.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love them all, but for this perhaps 1, 6, or 7. However, if that feels too dressy for Oslo, how about 3 with the addition of a jacket? You look fantastic, Ingunn! I really like the belts and that crisp white shirt.

Good luck in this application. And by the way, my husband has written a book on helping teachers to become more reflective about their teaching: http://www.amazon.ca/Teachers-.....159460942X

kellygirl

Veteran

I don't really have a feel for interview wear but I must say that you look polished and professional in all of these!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Interesting! A lot of wise and reasonable advice, thank you ladies. #6 seems to take the lead, and I agree that it is very appropriate, and I feel very confident in it. However, since Jayne is one of the locals, I highly appreciate her advice. How about putting the black or the grey blazer on top of the sweater in #3? Would that be an acceptable option? I also like #1 a lot myself. I think the shoes and belt is dressy enough, but of course I can swap the booties with black heeled boots (as in #7). I do have a black belt, too, so I'm covered there.

I think we've narrowed it down to #1 with dressier accessories, #3 as is or with a blazer, or #6, haven't we?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Suz and Kellygirl, we double posted! Thank you for chiming in. I will definitely check out your husband's book, Suz!

Inge

(website)

All looks are beautiful, Ingunn, and I hear what Jayne is saying about the more casual environment, but personally I would still aim for a little dressier. My favourites for the interview are outfits 1 and 6. And you say you feel very confident in 6? That is definitely a factor that will help you during the interview.

Let us know what you decide and good luck on Monday!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I've always found it's better to over dress for an interview as opposed to under dress. Going with that, I really like #6. It's crisp, confident and stylish looking.

These are all fab outfits BTW!

rachylou

Veteran

I liked #1 & 5, coming from a California 24x7 "dressy casual" perspective. Although the red may be a little bright. I'm slightly on the fence about #6 because it seems slightly little girl to me... but then in the U.S. we have this thing about giving the boys a run for their money. I quite like #6 nonetheless.

But I say *yea* to the point about the jacket. #3 with jacket.

ClaraT

Veteran

#1, hands down.

You have great legs, but the best outfit for an interview is one that will be almost un-noticeable. The entire focus should be on you/your responses.

#1 is formal but not stuffy, suggesting competence (but you still look approachable). The others outfits are terrific, but I find #1 the most interview appropriate.

Mona

Veteran

#1 and #7 are my favourite. They are polished, professional and fun. Good luck for the interview.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

#1 then #7 imo.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

#1 takes the lead! How about wearing #1 or #3 with jacket for first interview, and save #6 for the second round of I get one? I forgot to mention that I'm going to give a mock lecture (15 minutes), too. Maybe trousers are best for that?

Anonymous

I like 1 too -- I think that would be great for a lecture.

Anonymous

I vote #1, although you have plenty of lovely choices here. I just think # 1 is hitting all of the high notes, the colors are rich together, it is suit like but not really.... I just like it, a lot.

moira

Veteran

Chiming in late, but I like #6. It does not look overdressed and I think that it shows respect for the job and the interviewer to look really polished. I think that fits the bill.

Krista

Veteran

Ingunn, my votes are 5, 6 or 7. I like 1 as well. I find the Canadian education system can also be casual, so I think any of these looks will work!

Good luck - I'm sure you will be fantastic!

carolbee

Veteran

Love all of these, ah, the power of a well edited wardrobe. Have no idea about dressing in Norway (will have to find out if we go there next year). How about another idea - the black jumper, skirt and boots, grey jacket and a scarf?

Jjsloane

Veteran

I vote 6 or 7.

Laurie

Veteran

I just want to say that I love your style -- I meant to chime in on your last WIW.

I'm in sales so #7 is my very favorite, as I could see that in the conference room presenting a big proposal! I understand others' comments about being a little more conservative for the job you are going for.

You can't go wrong! Love it all. Best of luck.

Makrame

Veteran

1 and 6 are my favorites for an interview. These are the types of looks I would expect from someone coming in for a faculty position interview with a job talk or a teaching presentation (US expectations, of course). My personal preference for this type of setting is to wear a skirt that is knee-length, not any shorter, or fairly conservative-looking pants, which is why 1 and 6 look best to me.

Good luck!

JuneBug

Veteran

I vote for #6, perfect blend of sophisticated as in worldly wise, and impeccable- you have an eye for detail! And red always speaks confidence. All the best for the interview!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote #1! KILLER deluxe.

Congrats and good luck with the interview

DonnaF

Veteran

Another vote for #1 -- as long as you feel you will feel comfy in it, including the booties, to give a lecture.

Thistle

Veteran

I vote for #1. Looks very good, suit like but not, and very put together. Good luck!

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