ETA: Angie was right :-) Would you be more inclined to hire me . . .

ETA: The second interview went well I'll be going back for at least one more interview . . . !!!! With this much practice, maybe I won't need more hand holding on what to wear We'll see when I hear who I meet with. . .

Anyway, what I wanted to offer is that Angie was spot on with carrying the citron bag (Like anyone would have doubted her anyway?)

My interviewer was a lovely young(er than me) woman (who had a Coach bag sitting on a chair in her office). After we finished and were leaving her office, she commented on the great bag and nice pop of color

So, not only was it noticed, it was well received!!

Going for second interview tomorrow and I know my clothes shouldn't make a hiring difference, but . . .I got such awesome feedback and advice when I asked about dressing for the first interview!

Thank you all for your reassurance to look professional (even when it may not be necessary once working there), and your advice to have a sense of humor about being overdressed.

I took it all in, and ended up feeling just right in a black pencil skirt, silk blouse,charcoal suit jacket, and pumps. So I figure I'll keep the same formula and just switch it up a little. (I searched online and the YLF forum, and that seems to be perfectly acceptable.)

So, do either of these outfits set off red flags somehow, or basically what do they look like to your eyes.

#1: is citron okay when it's tempered by charcoal and black?

#2-3: same as each other but with different bags. Is it okay to fold the cuffs over the jacket? The shirt is a cotton snow leopard print. Too casual?

#4: use your imagination for the snow leopard shirt from #3 with everything else from #1?

Thank you all again so very much for your help along this path!

P.S. I scrunched my jacket sleeves in the first interview, and it must not have scared them
P. P.S. I was so clearly overdressed that when the interviewer came into the lobby to fetch me from the 8-10 people sitting there, he didn't skip a beat walking straight over to me - the one in the suit!
P.P.P.S. I followed up with both 'thank you' emails and 'thank you' notes for my two interviewers -- I felt like a stalker!! I wish one or the other was the norm now, but preferences are very divided

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12 years ago

pil

Veteran

Did the office have a fun atmosphere? I really like the citron blouse on you but wonder if the purse isn't a bit too much with it for a job interview. I would totally pair them for something else though. Good luck and fingers crossed!

Parsley

I vote outfit #1 but with the bag from #2.
The outfit is conservative, but with a little bit of interest from the citron top.

Anonymous

I like the citron! I think your second outfit, while lovely, is too close to the patterned blouse from last time.

Diana

What Parsley said!

Another vote for #1 with the bag from #2. No day clutch.

MsMary

I love #1! The citron blouse is lovely on you! I think either the citron or gray bag would be great.

MNsara

Yes, pil, my two interviewers actually were lots of fun! I really had a blast during the interview. In fact, I worried I had enjoyed myself too much and ***insert all sorts of random worries***

Thanks, pil, Parsley, Ceit, Diana, Zap, MaryK - overall, the grey bag wins over the citron bag and the citron blouse over the snow leopard.

But then I have only switched up the blouse and everything else is the same from the first interview. I don't know if the one woman from interview #1 will even be around during interview #2.

rachylou

Ya, citron blouse, grey bag. Awake, but conservative.

Another vote for citron top, grey bag.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

#1 all the way. Good luck!

Thanks rachey and Joy - you are both in the majority here!

But uh oh, Angie (who always gets a heavily weighted vote ;-)) opts for the citron bag!

Second interview. Make a cheerful entrance! You have already wowed them with your professional ability

Thanks, Angie, both for your choice and for your explanation

Little do they know how much neon citron I have in my closet that would probably come to work with me - if hired

Beth Ann

Love #1, with either bag. Best wishes to you!

Knock 'em dead in the citron. Is it my imagination or is that color (which would make me look like a cadaver) just lighting up your face? It's terrific on you! I think either satchel sends the right message. Good luck, and I'm glad to hear the first interview went so well. You probably have it in the bag.

And maybe, just maybe it will rain, and you'll have to wear your new, ahem, Brooks Brothers trench coat! Just sayin'.

Bumping for ETA at top. . .

rae

Congrats! Not surprised they walked right over to you!

Sarah A

Congrats! Great choice

Suz

Brilliant choice!! And congratulations! Wishing you great luck on the next round!

Great to hear!

christieanne

I think you have outfit #1 sorted for the interview (with either bag but I tend to go with the darker bag as to avoid the matchy matchy - either way you win though) and I vote for outfit #3 for your first day on the job! Best wishes to you.