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!!!

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!!

I agree with boofster - great advice x

Go buy a basic black skirt,and nice blouse, and that hand sanitizer mentioned above. First impressions are important!

You might check your local community college. Many have clothing exchanges for professional attire.

I agree, don't skip the handshake.

Pam

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!!

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!!!

Alka Selzer flu. Will work miracles for a few hours.

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!!

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!

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!!!

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

And remember what "they" say...dress not for the job you have, but dress for the job you want to have! Good luck!!

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!!!!

Well, I ROCKED that interview! After all the clothes/cold drama, it turned out what I should have been worried about was shoe drama!!!! My feet lost weight too! My heels didn't fit anymore so I grabbed the flip flops and headed out the door. I knew there was an outlet mall about 30 miles from my interview and found an amazing pair of shoe boots!!!! Originally $175, on sale for $100 plus an additional 25% off!!!! I strutted my stuff in that office like I knew what I was doing!!! Bad part...they were dead fish hand shakers!!!! Oh well. It's over, I'm home after a 3 hour drive and ready for some me time!!!