Yet another interview related WWYD-UPDATE - FOUND ONE!

[florida-again]

So, I went shopping for a suit today to wear for my interview.

Problem is, because I'm very very petite, I couldn't find a single suit jacket to fit, even in the smallest size in the petite department. Everything just swamped me and made me look like I was a kid wearing my mum's clothes.

So what do you think is better.....

Going to the interview in an ill-fitting suit jacket, or going jacketless (smart shirt, trousers, pumps) but looking much tidier?????


(btw, buying a jacket and altering it or looking for a better jacket isn't an option, I'm out of time now and shopped in the biggest mall in the area today)

 

[Miss Kelly]

I think going without a jacket would be more appropriate than dressing like a child. IMHO. Good Luck!

 

[florida-again]

Thank you, congrats on your forthcoming graduation too!

Any other opinions on the jacket/no jacket thing? I'm just not sure so as many opinions as possible would be much appreciated

 

[ilovepcot]

Would a suit in the preteen department not work? My daughter (an adult) has to buy some things that are usually in the department where 12 year old girls (or there about) routinely shop. Just a thought.

Oh, and since you mention you have an "ill fitting" jacket, you could still come off very professional looking by merely carrying it draped over your arm, especially if you're also carrying a nice looking breifcase of professional looking bag in that hand.

 

[florida-again]

Would a suit in the preteen department not work? My daughter (an adult) has to buy some things that are usually in the department where 12 year old girls (or there about) routinely shop. Just a thought.

No, unfortunately although I'm petite, I'm also still have curves so pre-teen stuff isn't shaped right. I really need a fitted jacket. It's hard to picture but I'm shaped just like any other 21 yo, just shrunk down. So unfortunately kids clothes aren't shaped right.

ETA: I'm not suggesting there's no jacket in the world to fit me, but I just ran out of shopping time and everything I tried on was HUGE. So the only jacket I have is this one that looks too big.

 

[ilovepcot]

Say no more....I understand!

 

[florida-again]

Say no more....I understand!

Exactly!
So what do you think then ilovepcot....too big jacket or no jacket?

 

[lucyanna girl]

Do you have a dressy dress that would work?

 

[florida-again]

Do you have a dressy dress that would work?

Unfortunately not. The outfit I have (shirt, trousers etc) is really smart and it looks quite good, but I don't know how 'important' wearing a jacket is to make a good impression in an interview.

 

[ilovepcot]

If a very professional look is usually required in this particular setting, I'd definitely carry the jacket along, BUT.... don't wear it if the fit isn't flattering. Instead, using your very best posture, drape the jacket over your LEFT arm, carry a nicely made professional looking bag or briefcase in the LEFT hand (right must be reserved for hand shaking) and march into the interview looking the interviewer IN THE EYE and you can come off very polished and professional. Very best of luck to you! Must update us all on what transpires.

 

[Chuck S]

It really depends on the outfit. A really good looking blouse and pants would probably be OK. Maybe wear a very stylish belt, that way it wouldn't draw attention to the "missing" jacket.

 

[florida-again]

If a very professional look is usually required in this particular setting, I'd definitely carry the jacked along, BUT.... don't wear it if the fit isn't flattering. Instead, using your very best posture, drape the jacket over your LEFT arm, carry a nicely made professional looking bag or briefcase in the LEFT hand (right must be reserved for hand shaking) and march into the interview looking the interviewer IN THE EYE and you can come off very polished and professional. Very best of luck to you! Must update us all on what transpires.

I like the idea about carrying the jacket definitely! I just hope they don't wonder why I won't but it on Just tried the shirt and pants on and it looks really good. But however good it looks won't stop them from wondering where my jacket is.

 

[ilovepcot]

You can actually come off very confident by carrying the jacket as opposed to wearing it. It's your manner and how YOU feel about yourself that speaks volumes. Haven't you seen people all dressed in suits and it's clearly written on their faces that they're uncomfortable and feel like a fish out of water? They definitely don't come across as confident! Believe me, being well groomed, wearing clothing "appropriate" to the interview and being well prepared is more important than being seen *in* the jacket.


Just curious, if you DO get hired for this position, will you be expected to wear business suits on a regular basis?

 

[florida-again]

Just curious, if you DO get hired for this position, will you be expected to wear business suits on a regular basis?

Well I'll certainly need to wear business-wear, not sure about needing a jacket specifically. I've been working in investment banking for a few years and I've always managed without one. Yet at the same time I'm always suitably dressed and sometimes one of the most formally dressed in the office.

I think I will go out for one last look tomorrow. I want this job so badly, I don't want to mess it up on a technicality like that.

I only found out for definite about this interview yesterday so it's all a bit crazy now!

 

[punkin]

Carry the jacket.

If it doesn't fit, it would make you look messy and if you don't have it at all, you will not look serious. If this is at an investment bank, you need to look very professional and very (pardon the expression) ballsy. If you carry the jacket, you will look confident and that is really all investment banks are looking for (besides an increadibly good head for figures and advanced statistics). Good luck.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Can you find a businessy dress?

Also--if you will be in a business environment where business casual is not an option--I certainly would invest in having a jacket altered for future use.

 

[florida-again]

I found a jacket! Yay!!!!!
So that's one less thing to worry about. However, I'm so nervous right now I could puke

I can't believe it, I don't get nervous about anything! But an interview for what could be my career....it just seems HUGE

 

[ilovepcot]

Will be thinking good thoughts for you. And remember....look 'em in the eye!!!

 

[Miss Kelly]

Thank you, congrats on your forthcoming graduation too!

Thanks!

 

[Disney Doll]

I was going to suggest a sweater twinset...something simple like a round neck sweater with a simple cardigan over it...kind of a jacket effect but might be easier to find in your fit.

Good luck!