Job Interview on Tuesday... what do I do?

Okay, I know all the basics like eye-contact, firm (but not vice-grip) handshake, eye-contact, professional & polite attitude, eye contact, etc. :p

Thing is, I'm freaking out, AND I have no "interview-worthy" clothes... its at an insurance agency, so I don't think jeans would be allowed, but I'm a "big girl" and I have no money, so even if I could find clothes I wouldn't be able to afford them... I'm kind of stuck.

What should I do? (About the clothes AND the interview itself)
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While I don't have a specific answer on where you can get the clothes, I did not hear that you followed up on the other option regarding the money. Do you have any family or friends that you can borrow the money from so you can get the job? As you know, it makes it harder to get a job when you do not have good clothes to where to an interview.

As far as the interview itself, be interactive. Ask questions back. Most interviewers like to hear from you more than just specifically answering their questions. It can let them know that you think about things and they find out what is important to you. Also, asking questions helps you to guide the interview more to make it highlight your qualities.

Matt
Rate Your Job @ http://jobbala.com
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I wish the questioner well but she simply has a problem listening. Her fixation on weight is going to be picked up by interviewers at the job she is seeking. My advice is clear--pick an outfit as best you can and move on to focusing on getting the job. Questioner is too distracted from task at hand. Report Abuse

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Look up "Consignment Clothing" in the yellow pages. These stores carry good, gently worn clothing. You should be able to find something at a really affordable cost, and certainly something more appropriate for a job interview than jeans. Even a nice pair of black slacks and a conservative top in a pretty color.

You do not have to wear high heels, but do wear hose and shoes that are a little dressy. No bare feet, sandles, or flip flops.

Maybe pearl stud earrings, or a small hoop or black button earrings. Again, something conservative

As has been stated before, be yourself, smile, yes, of course eye contact, a firm handshake, and a copy of your resume. Let them know that even though you have no experience, you are eager to learn.

Even though you may not have had work experience, have you had school experiences where you have shown leadership? If so, mention that you were class secretary, or organized the decorations for the prom, or anything you can think of which shows your organizational abilities.

Another tip: Send a thank you note to the person who interviewed you using their name and title. Mail it the day after the interview. Thank them for their time and for considering you for (name the position). Also say: should another candidate be chosen for this position, please consider me for future openings in your company. Thanks again.

You can check back with the Administrative Assistant or Secretary once a week for the next few weeks to see if the position has been filled, and to let them know that you are truly interested. However not so often as to become a pest.

Be sure that in all your dealings with the Receptionist, Admin Asst. or Secretary that you are friendly and gracious. Their impression of you is more important than you may know.

Good luck!
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I don't know if you are in a city or a rural area. Many cities have some program that will provide business clothes for a starting-out person; usually it's women's groups for women. Look into mentoring programs and/or women's shelters to see if anything like that is available where you are.
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If you are looking for honesty I would say number one get some confidence and some self esteem. For the clothes you can find nice stuff at Goodwill and at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Ask your pastor or priest for a little help. They are always happy to give someone a hand UP!!! Just because you have never worked means nothing. Sell yourself to the employer. Show them you are capable of learning the job at hand. If its truly beyond your educational level, do not waste your time or theirs. Its unfair to both of you. I wish you all the luck in the world. Your local career center can assist you with interviewing skills for free as well. GET SOME CONFIDENCE!!!
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Make sure you know the insurance agency well and have an input on how you can make it better. Of course have your resume and coverletter. Prepare answers for interview questions such as why do you want to work here? What can you do to improve the company?
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JUST BE YOU! BE HONEST! SHOW THEM THAT YOU REALLY WANT TO WORK AND THAT YOU WILL BE AN ASSET TO THEIR COMPANY. Just be you and please don't be nervous, ok. Everything will be ok. So what if you don't have experience. MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO LEARN. Good luck! :)
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email me.
I am size UK18 I think that is US16? (42 inch bust) and I have the same problem- interview on Friday. I'm guessing you are in the US?

What trousers or skirts have you got that fit and are in a neutral colour? Black, grey, navy, taupe.
Have you got a smart jacket? Any colour, solid not patterned.

If you have nothign else - what colour are your jeans? Smart black jeans (not ripped) might pass if the jacket is good (say leather).
Give us your wardrobe to work with and we'll pick something - email me!
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Max,

Stop that "big girl" talk and now. You are a young woman applying for a job in a professional setting. Why all of us want you to be healthy and to lose some of that weight through exercise and diet the time to be self conscious about weight is not now so no more "big girl" thinking.

In the interview convey confidence by making eye contact and by listening to what is being said and asked. Look at the interviewer and in your answer repeat the question he/she asked (a few times during interview) as that conveys you are hearing them and listening.

Talk about the insurance company and how you have a connection to it--always wanted to work in this setting of 350 people or in this part of town or with this company.

Don't give long windbag answers. Answer the question that is asked and then stop.

Keeo your answers concise and don't over explain.

EDIT: Max--The fact that you continue to bring the weight issue up will be IMMEDIATELY picked up by your interviewer. Believe me when I say after many years of public speaking that the audience can detect each and every cue a speaker sends out as well as the interviewer can detect the cues of an interviewee. This means that you need to resolve the clothes issue and immedately dismiss the matter as the self conscious weight issue will work against you.
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I agree with the others about leaving the weight thing out of it. What can sell you to the others is if you can show why you are qualified for the position.

However, if there is a way to eliminate the click in the shoes, I definitely would avoid having them click during a job interview. It will be a detractor.

Who do you know that you could borrow some dress slacks from, a blazer and a plain blouse. You want to dress appropriately for an interview.

The problem will be that in the U.S. Most places are closed on Memorial Day. But, is there an option to find someone that can provide money for an outfit at KMart or WalMart. Find a black pair of dress slacks and an appropriate top, some knee high nylons, and a simple blazer. Do your parents want you to find a job? Are they willing to help you since you are about to take a chance on earning some money?

At the interview, from the time you come in the parking lot until you leave the parking lot, make sure you a professional in your conduct. Smile, but not overly chatty, convey confidence, but not arrogance. If you are introduced to someone, repeat their name and say "_______ very nice to meet you" and give a firm handshake.

The weight will not be an issue, espcially if you can demonstrate that you are professional and very capable of doing the work.

When you answer questions, keep it short and to the point. Let them know in the answer how you are there to help the company.

Do some research this weekend on the company.