HELP! Do I REALLY have to wear a suit to the interview??!!

[sparklett]

Next week I'm interviewing for a museum director position. It's a small, non-profit children's museum.

Because this is an executive-level position, I *know* that technically I should wear a suit to the interview. However, I look HORRIBLE in suits. I'm only 5'2 but plus-sized, so I tend to look like a box in a suit. It's always too long, too big in the shoulders, etc. Even when tailored to fit, I never look just right. Besides, the only suit I found that might remotely look good, costs nearly $300. And this would be the only time I would wear it.

So, can I get away with wearing something different? Like linen pants and a bright-colored tailored jacket with a matching shirt? I would definitely look a bit more casual but I would look better overall.

This job means so much to me and I need to put the right foot forward.

I'd love to hear from you... to suit, or not to suit?

Thanks!!!

[rhiOrion]

Originally Posted by sparklett

Next week I'm interviewing for a museum director position. It's a small, non-profit children's museum.

Because this is an executive-level position, I *know* that technically I should wear a suit to the interview. However, I look HORRIBLE in suits. I'm only 5'2 but plus-sized, so I tend to look like a box in a suit. It's always too long, too big in the shoulders, etc. Even when tailored to fit, I never look just right. Besides, the only suit I found that might remotely look good, costs nearly $300. And this would be the only time I would wear it.

So, can I get away with wearing something different? Like linen pants and a bright-colored tailored jacket with a matching shirt? I would definitely look a bit more casual but I would look better overall.

This job means so much to me and I need to put the right foot forward.

I'd love to hear from you... to suit, or not to suit?

Thanks!!!

A lot of sources will suggest that you dress at least one level above what somebody in that position would actually wear to work. So, for instance, when my DH was applying to jobs he could have worn really nice khakis and a collared shirt with no tie- because he's in computers and honestly most of them wear jeans to work.

So what would the dress code be for your position?

I really think a suit would be best, but if you really don't look good in a suit, then I'd say you try to find some equivalent. A nice below-the-knee skirt and a button up shirt (if you aren't likely to sweat through it- i would)?

Basically, as long as it looks professional, and a step-above, then I'd say go for it.

[lerlerler]

My guess is that a jacket, shirt and navy or black pants with "suit-worthy" shoes and nice jewelry would work almost anywhere outside of Mahhattan, Chicago or Boston.

Don't do linen though... a) it's a summer fabric b) it will wrinkle!!!

and better yet, GOOD LUCK!

[JollyGG]

I've heard the advice to dress how you would if you worked there or one level up. But, have not found that to be true. I'm in research and we usually wear jeans and t-shirts. However, a suit or at least a dressed up outfit is expected. It was explained to me as showing respect for the process, the interviewer and showing how serious you are.

However, honestly women can get away without the suit as long as we are dressed well. I personally would go with a skirt over the linen pants. But I do think you can probably get by without the suit as long as you look very professional, put together, and you are dressed up somewhat.

I'd go with a skirt longer than knee length and a jacket. Make sure to add some subtle jewelry and make sure you are freshly manicured, well groomed, etc.

If you go with a pant I agree with the previous poster. I find linen to be too casual for an interview. Plus it wrinkles and is a summer fabric.

[Ola_]

I would definitely go with a suit-type jacket - I think that's what gives the outfit that formal look and that seems like it would fit the position you are interviewing for. In addition to the jacket you can do either a straight skirt, pants, or a dress depending on what you feel comfortable in and what looks good on you.

I agree that the linen pants would be too casual/summery. Could you do a skirt/pants/dress with the jacket? Since you said the jacket is a bright colour, I'd keep the rest very neutral (dark bottom and a white shirt/blouse).

Good luck with the interview!!!

[sparklett]

Thanks sooooo much for the pointers, everyone.

I guess if I had to follow the "one step up rule", then a suit would be necessary. If I got the job I would probably wear slacks and a button-down shirt on a daily basis, adding a jacket for meetings.

And I hear ya about the linen. Shucks.

This week I'll go suit shopping and see what turns up. I didn't really think about looking for a skirt- that sounds like a nice idea and might help with my issue of looking like a box.

Thanks again.

[Carita]

I have been a little creative since I am pregnant and interviewing. I have worn a really nice pair of wool dress pants paired with this sweater top and then over that either a suit jacket or a collared button down shirt worn open or today I just wore a scarf over that with my winter wool dress jacket (which doubled as a suit jacket stand in, just wasn't worn 24/7).

I think you can compete with a suit if you have very good quality pieces. So don't be afraid to mix and match things to find the right combo that works for your body type. Some stores also have very helpful sales ladies (maybe a little too helpful LOL).

[1jooj]

There are some very nice working style dresses that, IMO, look as tailored and classy as a suit. Some even pair nicely with jackets. Good luck!

[staceychev]

I think that if you look boxy in a suit, a dark colored skirt and a brighter colored jacket (like red, maybe, if that works for you) would look great. Even better if it comes in a bit at the waist. (I think I may be channeling Stacy London... too many Fridays watching "What Not To Wear"...)

[GuildJenn]

It means it's not the right suit, not that a suit isn't right. You may or may not want to invest in a new suit right now or experiment but this slideshow is IMO pretty good for showing how you want a tailored jacket, possibly cropped, and probably a pencil skirt with it:

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion...our-shape-0310

[Ellien C]

I think you've been given really good advice here. I work in a "business" dress environment so I wear a suit pretty much every day, therefore my perspective is skewed. But I do think a suit is important and if you don't look good in one, you haven't found the right suit. My sorta-snarky advice is "How bad do you want the job?" I give the same advice to guys who want to know if they *have* to cut their hair or shave their beards. How bad do you want the job? Obviously this doesn't apply in all cases but if you REALLY want the job, then do everything you can to get it.

Having said all that, I will tell you that at the formal place where I work now - I wore jeans and a flannel shirt to my third interview. TBH, they called me on a Friday morning and asked if I could come in that day. I'd already interviewed with 6 people (3 people x 2 visits) and I was like - well only if there's a job at the end of this. I can't keep leaving my current job early. But at that point I was like - jeez - they can take me or leave me!

[JollyGG]

Are you going to be lunching with donors, attending fundraisers, giving tours to potential donors, etc. if you get this position? Investing in some really quality business attire may be a good idea.

Are you going to be applying to other jobs of a similar caliber? Then you probably will wear it again. Plus need it occasionally to wear on the job.

[sparklett]

Okay, I got a suit. What happens if there's a second interview??

Aw crud, you guys are killing me!

Okay, okay, you win! I bought a suit today. I'm sick with the flu so I bought it online (yeah, I know, might be a dumb move) and it should be here in a couple of days. If it looks horrid, I will still have a few days to hit the stores and get something else.

And now a second question:
The day of the interview is the first day of my vacation (we're vacationing in the area where the job is located). The person I spoke to said that second interviews will occur while I'm on vacation. This works out great because if they want me for a second interview, I'll still be in the area.

So on the off-chance that I get second interview, WHAT DO I WEAR, considering that I'm wearing my one-and-only suit to the first interview???

[rhiOrion]

Is the suit pretty mellow? Like, black or grey or tan? If so, then I think you could just wear it again, maybe with a different shirt.

[JollyGG]

Switch up the shirt under the jacket (maybe a different color), different accessories, perhaps add a scarf or something and wear the same suit for a second interview.

I'd go more neutral and conservative on the first interview with a white/cream shirt under the jacket and pretty subtle accessories. For the second I'd show my style just a little more with maybe a pop of color with a bright shirt and a scarf and a bit bolder jewelry (though, of course, not too bold)

Since you bought it online can you link us to a picture of the suit? Then we might have more suggestions on how to change the look for a second interveiw.

[JollyGG]

Originally Posted by sparklett

Okay, okay, you win! I bought a suit today. I'm sick with the flu so I bought it online (yeah, I know, might be a dumb move) and it should be here in a couple of days. If it looks horrid, I will still have a few days to hit the stores and get something else.

Do you have somewhere you can take it to get it tailored? Even if it fits and looks okay tailoring will give your look that extra polish.

[GuildJenn]

I totally get the flu and the crunch time and the question of how far to go for an interview and all that. And hopefully the online shopping will work out 'cause it often does! And I really really hope you get the job!

Gently, though, if you want to apply for high-level jobs that involve highly visual people (curators, etc.) and are high-visibility positions you may want to invest the time to really go and try on a bunch of suits in front of a 3-way mirror and find one that really works for you. Trust me as a geeky type I know it can suck. But it really does make a difference.

[Ellien C]

I'll pile on, too. Good clothes will make you feel like a million bucks! When you put them on, you should say WOW! I can take on the world. If they make you feel awkward or self-conscious, you haven't got the right clothes. I understand that if you don't wear those kind of clothes, they might make you feel like someone you aren't, BUT - they should still make you feel fantastic. A good someone you aren't! I hope that makes sense.

At some point in my working career, I determined that I had "enough" suits/good clothes and I was only going to buy REALLY GREAT clothes that made me feel FANTASTIC! At 8.5 months pregnant and with spring sprung, I really miss my nice spring suits!

[Ola_]

To the second interview I'd probably wear the suit bottom (pants/skirt, whatever you bought) with a dress shirt in a complementary colour and no jacket. You can add a scarf or something if you'd like too. Same dressy shoes as first interview so it doesn't look too casual. You'll kinda have to go with the vibe you get in the first interview though.

[sparklett]

All of you should band together and start an on-line consulting business for moms looking for jobs.

This just gets better and better. So in my flu-induced stupor, I didn't pay for the correct shipping and it looks like my suit won't be here until AFTER the interview.

I am going to take your advice. Thursday I'm going to hit a very high-end mall and I'm not leaving until I find something that pops. And then I'm taking it to a local tailor to have it fitted, since there is absolutely no way this thing is ever going to fit through my shoulders.

And then I'm going to look for something that would work for a second interview- maybe the pants from interview #1 with a different jacket.

I'll let y'all know how it goes.

And thank you so very much for all of your help! I really appreciate it.