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A topic that generates much discussion!
I have a great interview suit, pants and a coordinating jacket, but it's more appropriate for summer. I have an interview coming up soon and need to figure out what to wear.
The job is at a special library, but not corporate. More like an academic or public library in vibe.
So, can I get away with wearing dress pants and anything other than a suit jacket? I'd rather not buy another jacket just for this interview. I have dressy pants.
Could a very nice sweater set do instead? Or a dressy blouse and wool vest?
I don't want to call attention to myself by not wearing the standard uniform, but I also would like to avoid buying a jacket if possible.
Thanks for your input.
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Only you know how those that work at that library dress, so it is a decision you must make. But you better be at least as formal as them. It never hurts to overdress, but people do criticize and let their bias in when people underdress.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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What makes your suit more appropriate for summer? Is it short sleeve? Maybe if you could explain this a little more, it might help us give a more detailed answer. If short sleeve is what you mean, I see no problem with wearing it in winter. If you do decide against a suit, I would go with the dressy blouse and wool vest. Finally, do you have any thrift stores nearby? You might check them for some cheap winter type/long sleeve suit jackets! I've found BRAND NEW stuff at thrift stores before, so it never hurts to look!
Check out the Talking Books Librarian blog at http://talkingbookslibrarian.blogspot.com
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Brian, you are right--it is always better to overdress. The problem is that I don't actually know how people dress at the library.
TalkingBooks--bingo. Short sleeves. It's a dark color, and the pants are suitable for winter. A short-sleeved jacket is okay? I won't look naked? (Well, not naked.)
I did see some cute pictures online of women wearing short-sleeved suit jackets with fitted long-sleeved shirts underneath, but I don't think I can't pull that off. But wearing that jacket might be one option.
You're right that I might look some more for an affordable jacket--if I go for something with a bit of color, I guess it's okay if the materials don't match?
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If you do not know, you are safer going with a my formal outfit. Also keep in mind many, many buildings can be cold in winter. You do not want to be uncomfortable and cold during in interview. Your discomfort will show.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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A few interviews I had recently at special libraries (perhaps more corporate than your interview?) my interviewers were wearing a business suit, suit pants and a nice shirt with a snappy cardigan, a sweater set and pearls, and a nice jacket over a black sweater. So that's a wide range of winter apparel, and I was just as glad to be wearing a suit in all cases--I normally prefer a skirt suit, but I have a pants suit for winter.
So, in my opinion, you might be better off buying a long-sleeved suit jacket, particularly if you live in a colder climate. If you're likely to have several interviews this winter, it wouldn't be a bad investment (also if you can hit some post-holiday sales it might not be very expensive). While wearing a long-sleeved shirt under a short-sleeved jacket can be a great look, I don't know if I would be comfortable wearing that for an interview. In the end, as everyone else has said, whatever will make you the most comfortable while still looking well dressed is the best.
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I have seen people wearing short sleeve suits in winter. But if you tend to be cold, this might not be the best option... do try a thrift store if you have one nearby, even if you hate thrift stores! :) You seriously might be surprised what you find! You could get a different colored jacket if you already have dark pants.
Check out the Talking Books Librarian blog at http://talkingbookslibrarian.blogspot.com
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I might be a little old-school here...but I don't think it matters how casual the place is - I believe you should always wear a suit to an interview. I think it shows you take the job, the interview, and yourself seriously. By going a little more casual you run the risk of them being distracted by your casual dress...you want the focus on you not your clothes. If you dress in a suit - which is fairly standard in professional interviews - you don't give them any reason to question your clothes.
I once interviewed at an academic institution where a friend of mine worked. She attended my competitors talk and the first thing she said was her skirt was too short. Ok, I replied, but how was her talk? It was ok, she said, but I couldn't get over my distraction of her short skirt. I couldn't believe someone would come to an interview dressed like that!
I know it's a pain and nice suits are expensive. Buy something that is "classic" so you can have it for a long time. Also, try Ann Taylor Loft or Banana Republic - both tend to have good sales. I once bought an interview suit at BR for $60 on sale. The skirt was originally $60 and the jacket $125...it was a nice find!
Good luck with your interview!!!:d/
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I bought a suit in December just to use for professional "occasions" if you will. I wanted tropical weight wool (I live in south Florida) but in the end I couldn't find anything suitable in wool. I ended up with a lined dark gray pant suit with conservative, classic styling. It has a good fit and finish, and does not have any distracting details. It was originally $200, but there was a sale on all suits of 50% and an additional promotion. I got it for about $65.
I deliberately chose a pant suit for comfort; if not wearing a skirt to the interview is held against me then I don't need to be working for you! I did try on a lot of suits that I rejected because they had distracting details: odd colors that made my skin tone look green, ruffles and bows, shiny fabrics, odd button placement that looked awkward or was uncomfortable when I sat down (sit down in everything that you try on). Other suits had buttons that were oversized, ornate or shiny. Some had decorative stitching on the lapel or pockets.
I've already used the suit at ALA midwinter in Denver and it served me well three days in a row. Layered up with tights and a turtleneck, it was plenty warm. In the summer I'll be able to put a sleeveless shell under it and be comfortable. I have a job interview next week in North Carolina and I plan to wear it again.
When you exit a job interview, you want the interviewer or panel of interviewers to remember you. But you don't want them to be saying, "wow was that a short skirt" or "does she ever have a lot of cleavage" or "he has really strange taste in ties." My goal is not to look girly, frilly, feminine or sexy. My goal is to look capable and focused on the work. I can wow you with my individual fashion sensibility after I get the job.
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