What to wear to meet with a temp agency rep?

Mander

So tomorrow I am going to meet with a temp agency representative that I met at a networking thing last week. As I understand it, it is not an interview per se, just a discussion of my skills and what I am looking for. There might be some testing and that sort of thing.

Question is, do you think I need to wear a suit, or will a nice business casual outfit be sufficient? I was thinking a burgundy jersey pencil skirt with a drapey cardigan, tights, and possibly ankle boots. I do have a pants suit but it is old and doesn't really fit properly, so I think I would be more comfortable in something else.

11 years ago

Urgent

11 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

Refugee

Veteran

I would wear a suit if you have one. It demonstrates your skill of knowing how to dress for an interview.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I think that Refugee is right--the more formal option will score you points. It will show that you care a lot about this interview and take it seriously. However, if the suit is really ill fitting, then the business casual will probably be better. A very ill-fitting suit is going to send the message that you don't care about your appearance. So I guess in my opinion, it depends on not just the type of clothes you're wearing but whether they fit well. Can you post pictures?

11 years ago

Emily

Veteran

I vote well-fit business casual over an ill fitting suit. Your outfit sounds good, but I think I would go with a tailored vs drapey topper, especially if the skirt is a knit.

11 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

My impression is that structured pieces convey authority, strength of mind, assertiveness, professionalism, etc. Drapey/arty pieces are lovely, but may not convey traits valued in an office setting.

For interviews, I go as polished, crisp and as buttoned-up as possible...topped off with a smile.

I LOVED temping. I got some of my best jobs through temping. Good luck to you.

11 years ago

carter

Veteran

I'd wear a notch above whatever I would be expected to wear in the job I want. Tailored and good fit is still preferable to a bad fit.

11 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Well, I had another look at my suit, and the trousers are way too short for YLF standards! It is probably fairly dated as well, I think it was a hand-me-down from my mother.

I'll look at my other options as well. Perhaps a sheath dress plus a blazer of some description?

11 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Do you have any jackets, that fit really well, that you could wear with the jersey skirt?

ETA What about your houndstooth one?

11 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

I'd vote the suit first, but if it doesn't fit right, then the skirt. Do you have a blazer that would work?

11 years ago

Refugee

Veteran

A sheath dress with a blazer sounds like you're on the right track.

11 years ago

Catnip

Veteran

What were you wearing when you met with the temp agency rep last week? She obviously liked you enough to suggest another interview, so she must have approved of what you were wearing.

An ill-fitting business suit doesn't sound like a good choice to me. The alternative you have described sounds much better IMHO.

11 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Last week I had on a black knit dress, funky ankle boots, and my houndstooth jacket. I might go with a grey dress and a black and white tweedy blazer. I was angling for the cardigan because it's quite cold today but I might have to think of another way to layer.

Thanks for all your input!

11 years ago

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