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AIBU?

WIBU to wear jeans, Converse and a blazer to an "interview"?

98 replies

StaceeJaxx · 22/11/2012 17:27

Been on the dole for 3 months now since DH was made redundant. About 6 weeks ago they changed things around and I now have an "advisor" I see every 2 weeks when signing on. She is supposed to do everything she can to improve my chances of getting a job. (And she's surprisingly, very nice). She arranged for me to go on a CV course a month ago where they re-jigged my CV to make it more up to date and professional. They were supposed to email me the finished CV 2 weeks ago, and haven't Hmm but that's another thread.

Anyway she signed me up to get some work experience (which is pretty much like workfare - working for a certain period of time but still receiving JSA) because I've been a SAHM for the past 11 years. I was put on the list and told I'd get a call when something became available. At the time I asked work clothes, because I don't own anything remotely work friendly. I wear jeans and leggings all the time and TBH look a right scruff most of the time too. I can't afford to buy new work clothes (can't even afford a shite pair of jeans from Primark for £6)! She said we could sort something out when I get a placement.

I got a phonecall from the Jobcentre today about a work placement. I have to go to an interview first and then they'll let me know if I am successful. The interview is tomorrow at 10am. I have nothing appropriate to wear. The smartest thing I have is dark blue jeans, with a dark vest top and a black blazer on top. Would that be appropriate? Would Converse look best with the jeans (Converse are white) or would black boots be better? Boots are very scuffed an old but might be better than white trainers?

OP posts:
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MrsTerryPratchett · 22/11/2012 17:28

What is the interview for? I mean, what kind of job?

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StaceeJaxx · 22/11/2012 17:29

Oh sorry, should have said. It's admin and reception.

OP posts:
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scentednappyhag · 22/11/2012 17:30

Do you have a friend you could borrow some trousers from? Jeans seem a bit informal for an interview.

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starlightlover · 22/11/2012 17:31

No converse are such a bad idea.

The people in reception are usually the first people you see so need to create a good impression.

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twentyten · 22/11/2012 17:32

Slap some polish on the boots.Could you try charity shops?You can get a lot for £6. Decent bag and neat nails/hair.Good luck.

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ISingSoprano · 22/11/2012 17:32

Sorry but jeans and converse are really not appropriate for a reception job. What else do you have?

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JamieandtheMagicTorch · 22/11/2012 17:33

I would play save and try and borrow some trousers if you can. Jeans might be OK for some placements (nursery, for instance), but jeans might be noticed.

Boots not Converse if you have to wear the jeans

Or have you got a dress/leggings combo you can wear?

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ShatnersBassoon · 22/11/2012 17:34

I would get to a charity shop and do without something else this week to make the right impression. Nobody would think you were serious about wanting the job if you wore such a casual outfit, and spending £5-£10 on an appropriate outfit might make the difference between being considered and being written off as soon as you walk through the door. Choose something that will go with the black boots you already have.

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flossy101 · 22/11/2012 17:34

Is there any way you could borrow something from friend/family member at short notice??

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JamieandtheMagicTorch · 22/11/2012 17:34

play safe

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StuntGirl · 22/11/2012 17:34

Sorry I wouldn't hire someone in that outfit, unless they massively aced the interview. For the position it looks far too casual and informal (unless its quite an informal company?)

Is there no chance of seeing if your friends have a shirt and a skirt or pair of smart trousers you can borrow?

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Mollydoggerson · 22/11/2012 17:35

Admin/reception - front of house - your look alone will dictate whether or not you get the placement. If you want it, coukld you try to beg, steal or borrow a dark suit and white blouse?

How about St. V de P.

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YDdraigGoch · 22/11/2012 17:36

Charity shops are a great idea. Otherwise beg, borrow or steal something, but do not wear jeans and converse.

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NinaHeart · 22/11/2012 17:36

There's an organisation called (I think) Dress for Success who help women who need smart clothes for jobs after being out of work. Don't know if it is applicable to you?

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Mollydoggerson · 22/11/2012 17:37

Do you have a dress?

What would you wear to a wedding/funeral if you were going?

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twentyten · 22/11/2012 17:37

do some research on the company.what do they do?

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Bearandcub · 22/11/2012 17:38

Where are you? What size?

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MrsTerryPratchett · 22/11/2012 17:38

No if it is reception job, appearances are very important. Borrow from friends.

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Wheresmypopcorn · 22/11/2012 17:41

Not converse.

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Weissdorn · 22/11/2012 17:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StuntGirl · 22/11/2012 17:43

As good an idea as it is I doubt the OP has the time to check charity shops given the interview is 10am tomorrow.

What else is in your wardrobe Stacee? Do you have a smart/dressy top to pair with the blazer, jeans and boots? That would be better than a vest top and converse.

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Elegantlywasted · 22/11/2012 17:44

Buff up the boots and see if you can borrow a pair of more formal trousers, good luck for the interview.

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redskyatnight · 22/11/2012 17:44

I think you need to get everything out your wardrobe and see what you can do with it. Or try to beg something from a friend.

And after the interview, get to charity shop/other cheap clothing place and buy yourself something suitable - you are going to need something for future interviews/any job you get.

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ShatnersBassoon · 22/11/2012 17:46

Oh yes, unless there's a charity shop en route to the interview.

Someone else makes a good point up thread about what you would wear should you have to go to a wedding or funeral. You must have something smarter than jeans, even if it's a little tight/big/old.

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MarianForrester · 22/11/2012 17:47

Do you have a partner? Does he/she have a shirt you could wear tucked into the jeans? Polish up boots; they'll look better.

And ensure perfect grooming, of course Grin

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