At 53, I have my first job interview in 25 years...?

Question

I have a job interview tomorrow, something that I have not done in a long time because I had my own business. It's with an a/c and heat company here in Florida and the job is for office help. I'm not sure how to dress- their business is in a commercial warehouse- seems pretty casual. I don't want to over dress, or under dress. Casual pants and shirt? Nice black jeans and casual shirt? Should I only respond to questions and not volunteer other info? Any feedback will be appreciated-

Answer 1

I'd wear a button shirt, black pants (not jeans) and a low pair of heels. You are a woman after all and there's nothing wrong with looking attractive regardless of the job. Do a little something with your hair and makeup. Make sure your hair doesn't need a touch upor anything. You will want to be in a good mood, pleasant and smiling. Be prepared to answer what you can bring to the company: working in your own business provided you with customer service experience, you are able to deal with all types of customer service issues, such as ; be able to tell them about the computer skills you have; are you familiar with Quick Books, can you prepare invoices, can you maintain schedules, etc. Think about all the things you did in your own business and how you can use those skills in this job. Of course, they should relate to the position you are applying for. Just be prepared. Be pleasant and confident, but don't start to babble. Listen carefully to what is said to you and be prepared to volunteer your experience or answer their questions. either way. Don't say you can do things that you can't. Good luck.

Answer 2

As A business Manger, my suggestion would be go with the casual pants and shirt. Business Casual seems to be what most offices are doing now and that would be the appropriate dress along with a nice, neatly pressed shirt. Be friendly, answer questions, and offer small conversation. Do not over explain any situation you may have been in previously , if asked, Do not be afraid to ask questions yourself. Learn about the company, do your homework and you should do fine. When I finish interviews, I always sit for a moment and think... Would I invite this person to my home... I want employees that work well together and are positive. Good Luck !

Answer 3

I think you should dress up. Regardless of the environment or expected work dress code at a potential place of employment, you show that you respect them and their time and money by dressing up for an interview. I think you should wear a suit and a tie and stand out from others that walk in. You can make it more casual by wearing a pastel color shirt rather than white and a tie that's not the regulation colors. But be sure to shine your shoes and pay attention to your fingernails and hands. Groom yourself well too.

When you go for the interview, you want to know as much as they do if they are the right fit. If you know you can do the job, project that confidence and relax at the interview. For running your own business, you had to have developed a lot of skills, so its time you show those off. Don't volunteer info, listen carefully to the questions, answer each one directly, not in form of a story, and then add on anything else you feel may make them think that you're a good fit.

Save your jokes or stories for after the interview if there is time, but be sure not to be stiff. Smile every now and then and listen carefully - in other words, emulate all the characteristics that people look for in office help.

Lots of luck for your job interview.

Answer 4

Dress in what is termed 'business casual'. Go for conservative.

This could be casual slacks (not jeans of any color) and a nice shirt. I'm not sure whether you are male or female - for male, probably a collared shirt - like a polo, but not a long-sleeved dress shirt & tie. For female, a nice blouse, not frilly, or a nice sweater.

As far as the interview itself, think of it as a formal conversation. Answer the questions asked, and be prepared with questions that you have about the company, the position, co-workers, company atmosphere, etc. Avoid answering questions about salary requirements and benefits - leave that open with an answer like 'salary is negotiable'.

And lastly, relax, take a deep breath, smile and let the interviewer take the lead.

Answer 5

An interview is an interview...period. Doesn't matter if it's at a meat packing plant, dress well! A summer pantsuit should be perfect. Remember, there are two sides to this meeting, and you need to represent a woman who is taking inventory of a potential employer.

As to questions, a standard "yes" or "no" will not win friends, you need to elaborate. If you like something, tell them why, and how you enjoyed doing it when you ran your own business. (Example: Yes, I enjoying meeting new people very much, it was the best part of running my company, the interaction with people. *Or* Well, I'm more used to supervising myself, so I would have to say yes, I work best under little to no supervision.)

I would suggest you stop short of being too familiar or personal about yourself. Although from the sound of your post, I don't think that's something you do offhandedly.

Primarily, be yourself. Don't let nerves get in the way of proving you're the best choice. You bring capability, experience and - a rare thing!- maturity to the table. Good luck! (Although, I don't think you need it.)

Answer 6

Always over dress to an interview. Even for a job that allows casual dress. You will appear like you take this interview seriously. And you cannot go home and change if you show up and are under dressed.

You don't want to sit there and give short answers to their questions. You are giving a sales pitch. You are selling your services, and they are the buyer. It is your job to explain to them why they should hire you.

Answer 7

I suggest slacks and a tie, and dress shoes. It sounds like normal dress will be a golf shirt, but you show up in a golf shirt for an interview, they might get the impression that's your idea of dressing for success, and miss that you are trying to emulate their dress code.

Respond to their questions, but one of the keys to a successful interview is asking questions of your own, as it shows an interest in the business and that you are already picturing yourself in the job. (note: about the BUSINESS, not "what's the pay rate and pay period, everyone asks that.) You could ask around and learn how long they've been in business, how long in this location, and know the basics going in.

Answer 8

You always want to look nice on a job interview. i would go with casual pants and shirt. Everyone likes a person who is well dressed and takes care of themselves. Good luck on your interview hope you get the job.

Answer 9

In an interview, over-dressing is always preferrable to under-dressing. My belief is, you dress professionally for the interview, regardless of the dress code on the job. Wear the nicest clothes you have, and be prepared to make a good first impression!

Most of all, relax and be yourself! Don't be a chatter box, but feel free to talk about yourself if the interviewer prompts you. I wouldn't volunteer information that isn't pertinent to the job or your skills, but be friendly and open.

Good luck! :)

Answer 10

dress to impress i dont think there is a such thing as overdressing for a job interview. Present yourself as professionally as possible. Make sure you have a resume It doesn't matter how long it is just have one. And yes volunteer info Sell yourself the best you can dont fear looking stupid just try to be as professional and cordial as you can. it also helps to know a little about the Co. before hand so like right now you could go to their website granted they have one and find out how the business started or their customer base anything to give you the upper hand.
hope this helps