Interview Dress Code - Help Please!

paiger8

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Hi All -

I'm hoping someone can give me a little advice. I'm applying for an "Executive Administrative Assistant" position with the city government. I was given less than a weeks notice for the interview, and clothing options are limited.

I've worked in both fashion retail management, and currently advertising and marketing for a small business. Our dress code at my current job is super casual. I'm probably the most dressed up person every day in jeans and a cardigan. So my experience interviewing in a government administrative setting is non-existant. 

I went shopping at Banana Republic yesterday and they had 1 pair of pants in my size in a long (online return.) They don't carry long/talls in store, and I don't have time to ship anything without paying for overnight shipping and even then, options are limited in tall sizes. The pants were black but they didn't have a suit jacket in the same fabric. I ended up leaving with a great raspberry colored suit jacket, and the black pants. 

Is a raspberry pink blazer, cream blouse, black slacks, and basic heels appropriate for an interview in government administration? Or is that too "loud" of color? I'm going shopping at a different mall tonight - but am not holding my breath. I feel like a full suit isn't super necessary for an administrative assistant position... but maybe city government is more formal?

Help! Anyone work in city government? I want to stand out, but not in a bad way obviously. I'm worried everyone else will show up in full suits. Online it says wear navy, grey, or black at all interviews... but isn't that outdated?

 

denice

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I think that it would be fine.  It sounds like you found something online from the 'Dress for Success' that was the 'bible' for appropriate business attire in the 80's.  If you are able to find something more muted that fits well then I would get it simply because it would make you feel more comfortable.  
 

verna davies

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I live in the UK and worked for the local government for 17 years. I interviewed a lot of potential employees and always found casual but smart acceptable.
Looking at your photo I would say that outfit is spot on and will suit an interview process really well. It is you they are interviewing not your outfit. Arrive on time, try to relax and do a little research on the job.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
 
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paiger8

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Thanks everyone! That's making me feel better. I love the jacket, but everyone I've talked to says it's too bright which is making me re-think everything. Marketing office or something, I would wear it. But government/public service isn't the most creative industry. :) I still think I'll look around - I need to grab some new shoes anyway.
 

Primula

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I probably wouldn't wear 3 colors for an interview & I wouldn't wear pants, but that's just me. I think your outfit will work for you. As Verna says, the most important thing is to be on time for the interview. Good luck!
 
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paiger8

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@AbbysMom  It's not till Friday, and it's now turned in to 2 interviews for two different places. One in the morning, and one in the afternoon - yikes!

I kind of chickened out on the pink jacket. I went to a different Banana Republic and they had navy pants in a tall to match my navy suit jacket, so full suit it is. 
 

verna davies

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You have to feel comfortable in what you wear. It helps with confidence. Good luck, let us know how you get on.
 
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paiger8

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Thanks! Now current freak out is my friend mentioning the interview may take 3-4 hours? I figured like an hour - max.


First interview is 9:40 AM and second is 1:30 PM - and they're a 25 minute drive apart. It's just an administrative position - not a huge job. Has anyone ever heard of an interview taking that long for a similar position?

I know my mom had a 4 hour interview, but that was for a senior level position.
 

sargon

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The process has as much to do with the caution level of the organization, as it does with the significance of the position.  They may have had to replace an assistant recently  and decided to be more thorough.  So, i wouldn't worry too much about the process, just on doing well. :>
 

denice

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Don't freak out about it.  This could well be incorrect grapevine stuff.  If you do find yourself in a crunch then I would politely let them know that you have an appointment and that you need to leave.  After giving them a little over 3 hours I do not think that would be at all unreasonable.
 
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paiger8

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Not sure. The first one ended up being for the City Clerk's office... so not quite what the job advertisement promised. Apparently the city just post a general job ad, and not specific to the department. I got there and it looked nothing like the information in the posting. So I'm not quite sure how I feel about that one. I'm looking for something with a lot of writing... and it seemed like the job was basically issuing permits and posting notices for the city. My degree is in English, so I hope to make use of that. I was one of 22 interviews out of 600 original applicants, so I apparently screen well. :) I felt like the interview was very cold and structured though... I didn't get a great feeling about the job. 

The second interview was for another city in the building department. Apparently they have another applicant that has done that exact same job for another city so he has a good chance of getting that job. I feel like the second interview went really well though. The job has great benefits, though I'd have to make the max salary on their posting (they posted a range) to consider switching.

I'm just kind of blah about the whole thing though. I love my current job (most of the time) but it's for a small business so I'm already maxed out on salary and there's no opportunity for advancement. I honestly have no idea what I want to do. 
 

verna davies

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Well done. They both sound as if they went well. Wait to see if they are offered and then decide. As long as you are employed, you can afford to wait for the right one. Keep us in the loop
 
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paiger8

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Update:

They called today and offered me the job! I have not officially accepted yet, but I told them I'd let them know by tomorrow. 

Unfortunately, it's exactly the same salary as I make now, but I'd have much better benefits. I currently don't have health insurance through my employer, and I'd have super inexpensive AWESOME insurance, plus free dental and eye insurance, plus $4K in an HSA monthly (which I could deduct all my premiums from, plus contacts, chiropractor, and other cost.) 

Is is an extra 25 minutes of drive time daily so I'm taking that into consideration. And a less flexible work schedule, which is sucky.

Any advice? Salary is what I'm most bummed about, but I'd have yearly raises (as of right now I'm maxed out on salary at current employer.) I'd also have opportunity to go elsewhere within the city government when positions open up, so opportunity to network and advance. 

I'm leaning towards taking it but still on the fence. 
 

1CatOverTheLine

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In post 17 you said, "I love my current job (most of the time)...."  Enjoying what you do with one-third to one-half of your time is important emotionally.  Knowing what you know about the prospective situation, do your foresee being able to say, "I love my current job (most of the time)," about the position you've been offered?  That's the one question I'd ask myself.

.
 
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