Get a job interview, engage in retail therapy

Because, of course, the most important part of a job interview is what you wear, right?

Although it's kinda tempting to buy a new suit (which is of course actually a terrible idea, because buying suits is traumatic and expensive, and buying a suit only for an interview is a sign to the universe that it should not give me the job; although I'd kind of love a light gray one), I'm thinking my navy suit will do. But the blouse I usually wear under the navy suit is getting a wee bit drab and faded. So, enter the suitors from which I (hopefully) shall select:

 

And this shirt, the image of which the retailer will not let you copy (and let's ignore the way the model looks stoned out of her gourd, shall we?). According to the description, the background to the green floral one above is navy, and I think the background of the first one (most multi-colored) is closer to navy than the picture looks. So we'll see how these turn out.

(Unless, of course, I decide to wear my black suit. In which case I will need a whole different pool of blouses to choose from, and new black pumps to boot. And don't even get me started on the bag - the only reason I'm not stressing about that right now is because I haven't committed to blue/black suit yet.)

(This is, of course, all a diversion from actually preparing for the interview. I have totally forgotten how to do an interview, especially since my last interviews were with judges, and most judges just want to shoot the breeze and see what you're like. I have no idea what substantive questions I'm likely to get asked or how to answer them. But look, I can pick really cool tops to go with my suit! That'll get me hired, right?)


 

Comments

[Butterflyfish1]

Did you see the comment thread on my blog about prepping interview questions? Since I also usually interview with judges, it was super helpful for my firm interview. Many of the questions came from an attorney who was a former clerk.

Here's the link http://butterflyfish1.blogspot.com/2012/07/interview-questions.html

[meg]

I think that first one (on the darker background) looks a wee bit wackadoodle. But the other three are gorgeous. Then again, don't listen to me.

Most of all: Congratulations on the job interview! Rock 'em, sock 'em, lawyer!

[New Kid on the Hallway]

meg - thanks! my hope with the wackadoodle one is that it's going to be almost entirely covered by a navy jacket anyway. And one of its many colors matches the shoes I'd wear. :-) But yes, it might be a bit too crazy! But since I was ordering from them anyway, thought I'd give it a shot (the pattern I *really* liked was, of course, out of stock in my size).

butterflyfish - thank you!!! I was totally thinking of that thread and planning to go back and find it - but now I have the direct link! so helpful!

[What Now?]

Wow, that model really does look stoned, doesn't she?

Congratulations on the interview! Would this be for a job a year from now, after your current placement (whatever the appropriate term is) is finished? Best of luck to you!!

[AAL]

Good luck with the interview!!

I like Shirt 4 the best. But personally, I'd opt for something less girly. This may be because I'm so petite that I avoid patterns like the plague, though! (I like girly shoes and elegant jewelry, and of course, hats.)

[oliviacw]

I'd be inclined to go with #4, the linked one. The pintucks and bow make it a little retro-80s lady lawyer, which depending on who you are interviewing with might well be the way to go. Otherwise, I'd choose #3. The first two are cute, but the larger prints seem a little too casual for a job interview.

[New Kid on the Hallway]

Ooh, you're right, I'll have to watch the girly factor. I am *not* petite, and I like patterns under suits because I often find solid colored stuff too high-contrast. I also hate hate HATE button down shirts with the heat of a thousand suns, but also dislike plain scoop necks (on me), so was going for these based on neckline interest. But I will have to gauge the frilliness once they arrive (especially since I've found out more about the interview...).

[phd me]

Yay for an interview - and yay for an interview boost. I firmly believe in new clothes as support for personal awesomeness! For what it's worth, I love #1 and #3, but I'm a sucker for punchy patterns; I want something pretty but not dull under my jacket (or cardigan, as is my usual cover of choice).

[susan]

Hurray for an interview! and friends with good fashion advice. I like all but #1, too. And love "wackadoodle" as a word.

[Janice]

My vote goes for #3. Retail therapy is a good preparation as long as it's not the ONLY preparation!

[New Kid on the Hallway]

Thanks, all! I love the feedback. oliviacw, your point about casual is well-taken... I was just so excited not to be interviewing with a judge for a change (where really, dark suit & white/cream top is de rigeur) that I have leaned a little too far away from appropriately formal interview stuff.

Interesting, too, that #1 seems divisive!

I continue to ponder. I think a trip to the mall (actual IN-PERSON shopping) is in order this weekend. (along with prepping interview questions!)