First Interview

I recently had a first interview with an in-house recruiter for a very well-respected academic institution in town. As I was only going to meet with the recruiter and take some tests, I wanted to wear something as non-descript as possible, while still looking pulled together.

Top: Adrienne Vittadini (last season via Ideeli)

Slacks: The Limited (old)

Shoes: Nine West (old)

Earrings: Costume Pearl studs from my grandmother

Why non-descript? Because you want the interviewer to remember your skills and your conversation. I have some designer clothes, shoes and bags; but I don't want to call ANY attention to any of that during my first impression. Especially in an academic environment, you want to come across as smart and polished, but not flashy or ostentatious.

The costume pearl studs are a pair that my grandmother gave me a few years before she passed. I am convinced that they bring me luck. They are the only piece of jewelry I wear other than my wedding ring. I slip my diamond engagement ring off right before I leave my house and put it back on after the interview.

Other than a knit top and slacks, I wear a sensible pair of black shoes. In this case, I wore a very old pair of Nine West Mary Janes with a 2 inch stacked heel.

Did it work? YES! I was asked to come back for a second interview a few days later!