im trying to help her with her CV, letter, interview tips and clothes. She wants to work in an office but all her clothes are grungy and dyke-ish and i know she will not get a job if she turns up to an interview dressed like that. how do i convince her to wear a suit and is it possible to get her looking professional but still a bit 'rock'n'roll' ??!
2007-07-20 03:44:18 · 11 answers · asked by lillmissy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Suggest that the suit as a "costume" that is necessary for her to put on to get the job. It doesn't mean that the suit IS her -- it's just a "skin" to convince others to let her through the door.
I suspect that part of the reason she balks is cost and the perceived unhipness of the suit. Instead of going to a department store, she might find it more appealing to wearing a beautifully cut jacket from a vintage store (paired with vintage or new black trousers or skirt). Or, she might consider, instead of a suit, wearing a dark dress (grey, black, navy blue or dark brown) -- this can be almost as formal as a suit, and it sounds like it would be a vast improvement over her current choices.
If she likes a "menswear" look, she should consider buying a beautiful vintage MENS suit from a thrift or vintage store and having it tailored to fit her. If she spends $25 on the suit and another $50-75 for the tailoring, it will still be less expensive than buying a suit from a department store, AND it will fit her like a glove. I've seen very groovy women do this. Wear it with a lacy or other very feminine top and heels or boots, maybe add a big vintage pin or silk flower to the label. I've seen this look amazing.
Also, hit the thrift stores in the poshest neighborhood in your area -- you can find amazing suits, slacks, jackets, blouses, etc. for next to nothing. Look for designer labels and quality workmanship -- rich women will often wear something very expensive for a season or two then donate it. Your friend may be more likely to invest in office "costumes" if it doesn't break the bank.
2007-07-20 04:00:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I have this friend at work and she usually dresses up in an "i don't care, i rock" manner. When she was up for a promotion, she dressed up in a soft brown leather skirt with a nice blouse and added some accessories. She looked very lovely that day, Corporate but still retaining the "rebel" look.
I think your friend just needs something to wear to make her stand out from the crowd. Go shopping and look for clothes that will work in the office but few people use.
One more thing, if she does have one; Piercings must go.
Awww man this is what happens when you watch too much of the lifestyle network LOL!!
2007-07-21 09:30:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
She is going for a job she is unsuited for if she refuses to dress appropriately for it. No one, at least not most, wear suits all the time, but at the job you have to dress appropriately. If the office etiquette where she is applying is more relaxed then maybe she could get away with some of the individuality. Sometimes being a rebel or too free frees you from opportunity. I gotta dress up for my job, why shouldn't she? Try your best to convince her she's not selling out if that's her worry. A potential boss may look at the enforced non-conformity as the roots of future rebellion and not hire her when she may be perfect for the job. Good luck. This world is superficial.
2007-07-20 12:17:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a nice friend to be concerned, but I'm not sure if I would approach your friend by being negative about her appearance. Instead you might say something like, "Okay, let's see what we need to work on for this interview. Outfit, hair, body language, resume, okay that's good!" In other words, you can make the outfit and hair adjustments part of the whole procedure of helping her get a job. There are many online resources that you can study together to help her look more professional, and I'm sure your local library will have a lot about it too. I wish your friend success in her new career!
2007-07-21 00:36:32 · answer #4 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesn't have to be a suit she can be more casual and still look decent for a job interview she can where some khaki's with a button up shirt put a colorful tshirt under it and leave the top button undone so she doesn't feel all uncomfortable but not tennis shoes no big ol combat boots either unless she has a pair of shoes like doc martins you can dress them up or down. Good Luck with that you just might have to take her to the mall and help her pick something out that she feel comfortable in and not look to corporate.
2007-07-20 11:01:11 · answer #5 · answered by getemgirl2105 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell he it is a cold fact of life. When you are interviewing you want to conform to expectations as much as possible. There is a time and a place for expressing yourself, but an interview is not that time or place. An interview is about advertising and marketing, and yes, even if they shouldn't people rely a very great deal on first impressions. This is not the time for rock n roll.
After she is hired she can start expressing herself as long as she still looks professional. Unique jewelry, edgier haircuts, fun accessories are acceptable then.
Hope this helps
2007-07-20 12:16:11 · answer #6 · answered by LX V 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could take your friend window shopping for a few days and see what she likes to dress in. really get her into the clothes you two think she would wear, or should wear since you have a goal. maybe see a stylist and get a make-over.
but here's a thought: maybe your friend could work in a company with such a culture that she doesn't need to "change out" of her current style.
however, if she does really want to get hired, she will have to follow the rules. I'm sorry to use the word but: conform to what's expected in the "corporate" world and all that. your first answer speaks quite a truth.
also, i think you're a great friend helping her out; you are putting in quite a bit of energy and investing a lot of time and patience into this. but keep in mind that this is your friend's choice. it's her life. be her friend.
and since you are quite concerned in still keeping/accommodating her current style, perhaps you could tone things down a bit. just have a tiny accessory that will serve as a hint of what your friend's current style is. but who knows, right? the tips you are giving her, be it corporate or fashion, she might just grow into them and find a new side of herself.
best of luck to you two!
2007-07-20 11:04:28 · answer #7 · answered by ficklefeather 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she doesn't want to change the way she dresses to get a job, advise her to go either to Walmart or to Old Navy. Both employers are more concerned with the $$ Bottom $$ Line $$, so they don't give a rat's a** what you've got on!
2007-07-20 11:14:58 · answer #8 · answered by blatinofreak 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk to you and tell her if she plans on working in an office she better get used to dressing in slacks, button ups and appropriate work attire. people want to view you as a professional in order to do that you must dress professional. otherwise they wont give u a chance.
2007-07-20 11:04:55 · answer #9 · answered by spadezgurl22 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She really won't even need to wear a "suit" but she should deffinately be business casual. If she really wants the job she will do what she needs to do, if she doesn't then she really doesn't want the job.
2007-07-20 10:54:54 · answer #10 · answered by Answer Girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋