What would you wear to an interview

[KungFuPanda]

at a nursery (plants, not people)? It’s an administrative position in the office. The day-to-day attire is outdoorsy/casual/practical but that won’t work as a first impression. Definitely no fussy designer duds like my current gig. Heels seem silly in this context. I’m thinking dress slacks, a feminine oxford that has shape but isn’t tight anywhere, and ballet flats. Does this say “I’m professional, but not too prissy to walk the grounds if necessary?”  I could go with a skirt and heels (my gardening boots are always in the car) but It feels like too much.  Any other ideas? There is a garden-themed tunic/dress at the shop in earth tones that’s probably perfect with boots but I don’t think I’m that brave. 
 

I eased into work with part time and I can definitely go full time. I don’t know what my odds are of landing this, but I find plants a LOT more interesting than designer clothing. My resume is eclectic and I really want to work outside of education for a while. 

[klmama]

I think that sounds fine.

[Carol in Cal.]

I think that sounds Ok but maybe a little on the prissy side.

Do you have a pair of short, flat heeled boots?  I think I would wear a nice but kind of plain top, black jeans, and booties.  No fussy jewelry, but maybe a pair of stud/post earrings, my Fitbit, and wedding ring.  I would want to give a capable but energetic vibe and I think black jeans rather than slacks would tip the scale in that direction.

[KSera]

1 hour ago, Carol in Cal. said:

my Fitbit

That’s a good idea I wouldn’t have thought of. 

[LucyStoner]

I would not wear heels.  

Pants or a skirt and flats.  

[Harriet Vane]

I like your dressy pants with button-down and ballet flats. Do you have something to add some color? A scarf or an arty/silky vest or a statement necklace?

[marbel]

When I was seeing a career consultant, she said no denim in any color for any sort of office job.  I think the outfit in the OP sounds fine for an office job interview.

Hope it goes well!

 

Edited September 14, 2021 by marbel

[KungFuPanda]

I’d love to roll in with a woodland-colored tunic, dark leggings, and brown ankle boots, but I’ll play it safe.  I’ll have my Fitbit on as a watch. Most of the time. I may throw on a necklace. It’ll be 90 degrees so I’m going to skip the scarf. 
 

If for some reason they want me to hike the grounds, my gardening/hiking boots are always in the van. That should tell them I’m serious. 🤣 Right now I’m at work and a little high of a decent amount of commission I just made with a 10 minute phone call, but I’d still rather be in plant world. I can do both for a while. I’m still burning pent up pandemic energy. 

[Pam in CT]

4 hours ago, KungFuPanda said:

I’d love to roll in with a woodland-colored tunic, dark leggings, and brown ankle boots, but I’ll play it safe.  I’ll have my Fitbit on as a watch. Most of the time. I may throw on a necklace. It’ll be 90 degrees so I’m going to skip the scarf. 
 

If for some reason they want me to hike the grounds, my gardening/hiking boots are always in the van. That should tell them I’m serious. 🤣 Right now I’m at work and a little high of a decent amount of commission I just made with a 10 minute phone call, but I’d still rather be in plant world. I can do both for a while. I’m still burning pent up pandemic energy. 

so, wait, you're saying you're heading away from Black Tie on Top, Jeans Below? 

Just when I'd learned a new thing, dagnabbit

 

Good luck moving towards plant world, that truly sounds delightful.

[HS Mom in NC]

I'd be sorely tempted to wear new black with white polka dot garden sloggers with the outfit you list in the original post. There will be a tour of the grounds after all and my garden sloggers are my favorite shoes.
https://www.amazon.com/Sloggers-Waterproof-Comfort-Midsummer-5102BK09/dp/B00AYEO3CI/ref=sr_1_2?crid=18NNIW67GZZPG&dchild=1&keywords=garden%2Bsloggers%2Bfor%2Bwomen%2Bwaterproof&qid=1631678036&sprefix=garden%2Bsolggers%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-2&th=1

[katilac]

On 9/14/2021 at 4:53 PM, KungFuPanda said:

I’d love to roll in with a woodland-colored tunic, dark leggings, and brown ankle boots, 

I actually think this sounds perfect. 

[KungFuPanda]

12 hours ago, katilac said:

I actually think this sounds perfect. 

In hindsight, it would've been fine.  It was the most fun interview I've ever had.  They have a lot of candidates, and everyone there has a degree in horticulture, so it's probably a longshot for me, but the interview went really well.  I added a fitbit and butterfly necklace to my boring wardrobe.    I also have very unboring hair so they'll definitely remember me as "the redheaded one."  We never actually left the office, but I did climb a circular staircase to get to it, so I was glad for the flats. My fingers are crossed but my expectations are managed.  There's also no real stress because I HAVE a job.  It would be novel to be the person in the room who is talking about plants the least.  They were all wearing sweats/yoga pants and t-shirts which is ALL I want in life as a professional uniform.  They emailed that afternoon asking for references.  I should hear something next week.  

If they hire me, I think I'll buy the designer "garden tunic" from my other job to celebrate.  I could wear it both places and it's cute and comfy.  My ultimate plan to just start wearing black ballet shoes (not ballet flats; actual dance slippers) might work in both places.  😆  It would be funny having two jobs where I don't need to buy work clothes because one dresses me and the other lets me wear my yoga pants.

Edited September 16, 2021 by KungFuPanda

[katilac]

4 hours ago, KungFuPanda said:

They emailed that afternoon asking for references.  I should hear something next week.  

That's certainly a very good sign!