Uh....

[uisceros]

I got a call from a recruitment agency today. They're not really in my field, but I figured I'd give it a shot. So I have an interview tomorrow. Before the call ended they dropped the bomb: they want me to wear business professional clothes...

And so begins my quest of appropriate work attire. I've never really had to worry about that before. I know that sounds odd, but honestly I haven't. I work in science, we don't dress up. We wear jeans and t-shirts. Even when I interviewed I didn't have to wear a suit, just nice clothes.

So now I'm freaking out. What exactly does business professional entail? A suit, surely. I hate suits. Well, I like them on men, but not on me. What else... heels? I can't wear heels. I barely tolerate most shoes (I'm a barefoot kind of person). A matching purse? My purse is pink with pandas on it. Do I need a briefcase? I don't have a briefcase. I can do conservative hair and makeup. Unfortunately I will have to remove my awesome black/silver/white leopard nail-polish.

It's funny, really. When Personal Preference first came on, and people were taking about how unprofessional and messy Gae In was, I wanted to laugh (and cry). I am her. I'm absentminded, consistently late, and value comfort above most things. I've never had a lifestyle where I had to look super professional.

However I am not like Gae In, in that I am extremely introverted. My interactions with people can be disastrous. Depending on a variety of factors, I can either come across as extremely put together, or extremely awkward. I'm not a big talker (especially around people I don't know). This is why I'm not the best at interviews. Especially phone interviews, oh my God... Seriously, never call me on the phone. I'm the worst.

So now not only do I have to worry about clothes, but I have to worry about sounding like a normal human being. *sigh*

Comments

[seven-trees.livejournal.com]

Hope it goes well! I'm not a big people person either so I can totally get why you're scared, but I'm sure it'll be fine.

[uisceros.livejournal.com]

Thanks!
Eh, God, I'm so not a people person. I'm not a big talker, and when I do talk I never know what to say, especially at interviews. Stupid human interaction :D

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Good luck!!!!

You don't have to look anything super - just a suit will do, may be you can wear a trouser suit if you feel better in jeans? You can wear any top of your choice/ your favourite t-shirt under the jacket - this can make you feel better!

[uisceros.livejournal.com]

Thanks!!

I ended up with these dress pants that were actually KIND of jeans-like, but didn't look it. That made me feel better, since I honestly hate dressy trousers. *sigh* Dressing professional is annoying ;P

unsolicited advice powers, ACTIVATE!

[darkeyedwolf.livejournal.com]

Unless the place is really strict, you should be able to get away with a really nice pair of black flats. I'd definitely recommend a suit, though, at least for a good first impression.

This is just my experience, btw, but what you wear isn't as important as how crisp and new and smart it looks. "Business professional" is just a sneaky code for "don't look like a hobo and prove you take this opportunity seriously."

Good luck!!! ♥ ♥

Re: unsolicited advice powers, ACTIVATE!

[uisceros.livejournal.com]

Dude, I'm soooo cheap that I was like "unless I can find a suit at Marshalls, I'm making due!" Yeah, couldn't find a suit. I'm still trying to search for one though. I think it's good to have in general, despite not working in an industry where a suit is normal.

Good advice! I ended up buying mostly new things (including a purse I literally bought 15 minutes before the interview...), so hopefully it worked!

Thanks!

[uisceros.livejournal.com]

Yay for social awkwardness! We should form a club :)
I hate when people assume everyone is as outgoing as they are. Why should we be considered odd for not talking about American Idol, or golfing, or whatever?

THAT is the best part about science. Not dressing up is awesome. But yeah, it just makes the times when you have to interview all the more hard. I need more stuff too. Right now I only have one pair of nice pants. I hate nice pants...

I also prefer flats. However I did buy some heels for the interview. Small heel, since I'd fall over with anything over a three inch heel.

Thanks!

Yay, hope it goes well!
That's awesome! Going through a specific program like that will be good too, because then you'll avoid a lot of the pitfalls that happen to people employed by random individuals. Good luck with that!

[wildekeats.livejournal.com]

When I think business attire I think you can either go with suit or just go smart. If it were me, I'd opt either some smart trousers and a smart top with a blazer if you have one. Or, failing that, I always wear dresses so if you have any dresses that you could wear that are smart without being fancy/ott? Just about making something look professional and smart. If you don't have anything you must know someone who could lend you stuff? That's what I'd do!

Good luck, I really hope you get it :)

[uisceros.livejournal.com]

Good advice! I always think of business as a suit, but I do think a lot of the time a nice shirt/pants will work as well. I ended up buying some nice trousers, and buying a sort of suit vest to wear on top. I think it ended up looking okay! Definitely better than some of the people there (there was one girl who was wearing a jacket with these large gold buttons. One of the buttons was very obviously missing).

Thanks!