mezanne1401 190 Posted January 1, 2013 I found out 2 weeks ago that I got a job interview on the 2nd. I knew I would need a new outfit because of the weight loss and my mom suggested I wait until today in case I lost more weight. Good idea! I went to the mall today and found nothing. I'm down to a size 20 from 24 and thought I would have an easier search. I found more in my old size than my new size! I figure I will wear the nicest outfit I have and just explain that I lost weight and I'm really not a hobo! On top of that, I have a flipping cold. The first thing you do in an interview is shake hands. I am proud of my not girly hand shake as that is one of my peeves. Now I have to politely decline the hand shake and explain that I am sick. I may be their first interview with a line of excuses. Well, sorry for the drawn out post. Hopefully it isn't hard to follow and makes some sense. I'm a little swooshy headed!!! Happy New Year, Sleevers and pre-Sleevers!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boofster 159 Posted January 1, 2013 Good luck! And first of all congratulations are in order on that weight loss!! What about Avenue, Dress Barn Woman, Catherine's etc.? Also, Marshall's and TJ Maxx....Are any of those stand-alone stores near you? They're probably having great sales now too. Just a thought... I know I am just giving my unsolicited opinion, but as someone who worked in HR, I would probably not mention weight loss or having a cold (unless the cold is really evident). Just my 2 cents. Keep it uber professional. Also, I would douse my hand in sanitizer up until the very last minute and go for that handshake!! I agree a strong handshake totally shows confidence - I hate the half-dead fish handshake too. You will rock it!! 4 Threetimesacharm, does not matter, BigBootyQT and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrabbit81 89 Posted January 1, 2013 I agree with boofster - great advice x Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dar1983 751 Posted January 1, 2013 Go buy a basic black skirt,and nice blouse, and that hand sanitizer mentioned above. First impressions are important! 1 Gina1010 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
O.T.R. sleever 3,386 Posted January 1, 2013 You might check your local community college. Many have clothing exchanges for professional attire. 1 susanfaye reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2013sleevegirl 126 Posted January 1, 2013 I agree, don't skip the handshake. Pam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SleeveNZ 219 Posted January 1, 2013 Also work in HR. Try a bit harder to find clothes that fit and don't skip handshake!! Both in my opinion would be considered unprofessional. Good luck!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mezanne1401 190 Posted January 1, 2013 I have none of those stores close! I have my go to slacks in black and some hand me downs that I bought for my mom with the tags still on. Since I bought the shirts, I know it is my style because I won't let my mom wear the old dated clothes she likes. I think I'm okay there. The explanation of my wardrobe was a last resort thought if I looked like a bag lady! The cold, however, is a bit evident. I will load up on the Vitamin C and pray that it isn't so bad tomorrow. The hand shake thing bothers me the most. Eye contact and a hand shake makes the best first impression. If I can keep the snot rags at bay tomorrow, I will do the hand sanitizer thing and keep my mouth shut. If it is glaringly obvious, then I'll play it by ear. I don't want to offer my hand and then they realize I am sick and be offended. Maybe they will appreciate my honesty?!?!? Thanks for the advice!!! I've never had a job interview with so many variables before!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
O.T.R. sleever 3,386 Posted January 1, 2013 Alka Selzer flu. Will work miracles for a few hours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Threetimesacharm 1,400 Posted January 1, 2013 Please take all of the advice offered here. Do NOT say that you are sick, and most definitely shake everyone's hand. So what if you are sick, they might be too but you should never state the obvious. Pin your blouse in the back if it is too big and put a belt around your blazer. You need to remain professional at all times to secure this position. Take it from those of us with alot of expereince being interviewed or the interviewer........................Good Luck!! 2 dar1983 and BigBootyQT reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eat That Frog 53 Posted January 1, 2013 As a supervisor I agree, don't offer any excuses about your wardrobe and don't skip the handshake unless your cold is in the most blaring obvious stags. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mezanne1401 190 Posted January 2, 2013 Thank you all for such amazing advice!!! I have never been a clothes hoarder, but I found a pair of slacks that fit and look pretty good! Now if I can walk in heels, I'll be good!!! Love the idea of pinning the blouse though!!!! Knock on wood, the cold is better even now! I've been cooking nonstop since my last post and I haven't been sneezing or coughing, so maybe I'm on the tail end of the cold! I will walk in confidently, make eye contact, shake their hands with a firm grip and land this dadgum job!!!! Thanks again for such great advice!!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me!!! 2 Frza and firebelle10 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firebelle10 80 Posted January 2, 2013 Thank you all for such amazing advice!!! I have never been a clothes hoarder' date=' but I found a pair of slacks that fit and look pretty good! Now if I can walk in heels, I'll be good!!! Love the idea of pinning the blouse though!!!! Knock on wood, the cold is better even now! I've been cooking nonstop since my last post and I haven't been sneezing or coughing, so maybe I'm on the tail end of the cold! I will walk in confidently, make eye contact, shake their hands with a firm grip and land this dadgum job!!!! Thanks again for such great advice!!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me!!![/quote'] You got this!!! I always say "dress for success" even if it means you rock a favorite pair of shoes or necklace or ring. I have a pair of boots called my "ass- kickin boots". They are my power boots! I wear them whenever I have important business. Makes me feel über confident. Skip the excuses and focus on your positive traits. You will be amazing! Get in there and strut your stuff 1 Boofster reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boofster 159 Posted January 2, 2013 And remember what "they" say...dress not for the job you have, but dress for the job you want to have! Good luck!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mezanne1401 190 Posted January 2, 2013 And remember what "they" say...dress not for the job you have' date=' but dress for the job you want to have! Good luck!![/quote'] It's a good thing "they" say that 'cause I work at home in my jammies!!!! That might be frowned upon!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
