I have an interview next week for a job in the library system (book acquisitions – my dream job). A gazillion people have also applied and they are interviewing for 4 days, so even though I made the first cut my chances are probably pretty remote.
So, what should I wear? Should I go with a scary Talbots trim little suit with piping and matching heels? Or, since it’s a library, would a Donnie-Darko-Drew-Barrymore-Boho-Teacher number with a dour little reading glasses necklace be more appropriate?
Please help. My fashion sense arrested in about 1972 and if not properly hectored I might show up in batik and Birkenstocks. None of us wants that.
What I’ve always been told is to dress one level above what you’d wear on the job. If it’s a jeans place, wear slacks and a dressy shirt/blouse. If it’s business casual, wear a suit.
Thanks for saying that about us, Jake, especially as I come off a shift at the reference desk where I feel like the toughest question I answered all day was “Are there any public computers that don’t need a student log on?”
Yes, there were other, tougher questions, but that one made me want to scream by the 50th time I head it. I didn’t. I smiled nicely and directed them to the public terminals.
Dress up. Maybe not a suit (is it a public library? academic? something else?) unless you have one ready to wear - but look nice, and not the birkenstock look - that comes after you get hired (well, maybe).
Lsura, I was hoping you’d happen by. It’s a public library and, this being the Pacific Northwest, a very casual place. The administrative offices (where the interview is and my job would be) are slightly more dressy, though.
I will definitely have to go out and buy something so I don’t look like the anachronism I am. I’ll try to find something blue.
Also go easy on the accessories and perfume. Wedding ring if you’re married, watch, at most a simple gold chain without an ornament and a pair of post earrings, one per ear if you have pierced ears. No other rings, no bracelets, no brooches, no big pendants or chunky chains. No hair ornaments. Simple and small purse if you’re going to carry one, otherwise a briefcase. No backpacks, tote bags or big or patterned purses.
Take in a black pen and a blue pen along with a couple extra copies of your resume.
Pop a breath mint in the car on the drive over and finish it before going inside.
I have to chime in with “dressier” than others have said - now, I’m applying for jobs in Southern libraries, of course, which might be different. But you should always wear a suit to an interview for a professional position. Always. I mean, you have a masters’ degree. You should look the part.
For a more casual environment, a pants suit is appropriate, but if I get an interview for this job at the business library where you have to interview with the trustees of the business school I will be wearing a skirt suit with closed-toe shoes and hose. Wear a nice woven or knit silk shell under your jacket, or a tailored button-down shirt (depending on how formal you wish to look). Wear no perfume. (Do wear deoderant.) Wear your hair simply and your jewelry small. Don’t take a purse. Don’t put anything in your pockets. Do carry extra copies of your resume and paper to take notes on if necessary in a nice leather folio, optimally in a classy slim briefcase or attache case. Invest in a nice one.
Especially in a job with many other applicants, image is everything. You must look as professional as possible. Possibly even more important than the level of formality of your suit, however, is fit - it must fit you and be tailored (without, of course, being too tight or anything). Along with fit, you should be mindful of your body language - nervously tapping your foot is a lot like wearing a suit that dosen’t fit you.
Nothing wrong with a pants suit, but if you’re interviewing with people you know to be on the extremely conservative end of thing, a woman might like to wear a skirt. You want to err on the site of conservative. The skirt should, of course, be knee length or a little longer.
Do not look to the cast of The Apprentice for interview clothing ideas. For females, anyway.
I fall solidly into the “suit” camp. Otto and Zsofia have great advice. My only other suggestion would be to wear a bit of make-up. Not Tammy Fae-style, obviously, but subtle make-up makes you look much more polished and professional.
If I don’t get this job, it won’t be for lack of great advice from everyone here. Thank you all. My interview is tomorrow and I’m all set:
• tight leather skirt, er… beige linen suit
• hosiery and scant make up
• small agate necklace (so I don’t look like a corpse in all that neutral)
• copies of my resume, pens and pad in a nice folder
• breath mints
• case of nerves
I look just like a Sunday School teacher, but hey, whatever works! I’ll let you know what happens. Thanks again, everyone.
[disclaimer] What I’m not taking into this interview is an MLS which, fortunately for me, this job does not require. [/clarification]
The job was advertised as an ordering and acquisitions position and, silly me, I thought that since I was the trade buyer and manager of a large bookstore for several years, it might be just the thing. Imagine my surprise when I found out at the interview that what the job really is amounts to unpacking boxes of books, filing them onto a cart and pushing that cart from one room to another. That’s it.
So, in Human Resourcese I’d have to say that it “isn’t a good fit.” Back to the drawing board.
