What to wear to a job interview

October 20, 2006 12:56 PM

InterviewFilter -- Should I wear a skirt suit to a job interview for a para-professional position?

I know that many people have asked similar questions, but my interview situation is a little different.
I am applying for the position of library technician without an MLS. One added difficulty is that I have an advanced degree in a different field, which I would like to play down. Another is that the library is that of a famous museum. I have worked in major university libraries, where the staff were usually quite casual.

I have some formal (office-type) sweaters and skirts. I have two skirt suits, a few years out of date, and can't afford to buy a new one.

posted by bad grammar to Work & Money (3 answers total)

I've worn skirt/cardigan combinations to interviews for assistant type positions, and I think it does make you fit in more with what they expect someone interviewing for that position to look like. If you were fresh out of college and wanted to play up your maturity I'd say go with a suit, but since you actually want to downplay your advanced degree, I'd say a skirt and nice top would be fine.
posted by MsMolly at 1:22 PM on October 20, 2006

If the suit flatters and looks professional, I would wear it. Why not make a good impression?

Is the skirt a knee length straight skirt with a vent or an A-line skirt? If so, it's a classic. If the suit jacket has short sleeves, nix that idea, and pick another professional top. By out of date, what do you mean? Ally McBeal-esque?

I have a job interview on Monday, and the job is pretty much in the bag. I am going in for an interview as a formality. I could probably traipse in there in a scrub uniform, but I wouldn't. I will probably wear a nice pair of trousers, twin set or button up blouse, and closed toe shoes. Not as professional as a suit, but appropriate for the situation.

Good luck with your interview.
posted by LoriFLA at 1:30 PM on October 20, 2006

I am not a librarian, but I've done my share of library work as a patron, as a researcher, and as an assistant to the librarian.

Libraries are dusty places where people end up climbing ladders and crouching down and even sitting on stepstools. I love skirts as much as the next woman, but you might convey "I am here ready to get to work!" in a pair of dress pants.
posted by ilsa at 12:20 PM on October 21, 2006