It's like they're actually trying to help me!

[neotoma]

So, I have a job interview on Thursday, courtesy of my temp agency. This is weird, because they've been noticeably less than stellar in arranging such things up until now.

It's going to be in Beltsville in the afternoon, and the company knows that I won't be available until the second week of July, but it might be a very good place to be. They're certainly willing to pay me more than I'm getting now -- but if I get the job, it's going to be an hour commute that involves the Metro and a 7am-to-3pm schedule.

Now I'm dithering about what to wear. 'Professional' encompasses such a range when you're working in a lab, though when pressed, the temp agent did admit I should probably have a jacket.

I have a few options:

A) Black linen ankle-length trousers, blue polo shirt, black linen bracelet-sleeve jacket, black frog pumps, dark pearl necklace

B) Black cotton full-length trousers, pink polo shirt, white or black linen bracelet-sleeve jacket, black frog pumps, amber necklace

C) Chocolate w/ aqua pinstripe trousers, aqua shirt with cap sleeves, black linen bracelet-sleeve jacket, brown clogs, dark pearl necklace

D) Cream w/ tan pinstripe trousers, pink polo shirt, white linen bracelet-sleeve jacket, brown clogs, amber necklace

I could change out the linen jacket for a heavier black cotton jacket with blue piping and embroidered cuffs. I really don't have any idea how to balance 'professional' with 'comfortable to wear while waiting for bus' and 'can work in', since I will be at work before I toddle off for the interview.

I think men have it easier, because they just need an interview suit, dress shoes, and a modest tie -- there isn't a huge range of options, all of which signal different things.

PS Does anyone know the bus fare for the PG County bus system? Do they take the SmartTrip card? Should I just fill it up for safety?

Comments

[ellid.livejournal.com]

#2. Linen trousers will be awfully wrinkled by the end of the day.

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

Well, B, C, and D are all cotton trousers, in various states of dressy/causal. The chocolate and aqua pinstripes are the most dressy, but they require a matching (non-polo) shirt, and need to have a button sewn back on.

I'm worried about wearing too much black, especially since I'll be eating lunch before the interview.

Basically, I suck at dressing like a grown-up. And I really don't want to leave my hat at home, because I'll feel naked and probably broil my brains.

[sanj.livejournal.com]

Okay, either (B), or try:

Aqua cap sleeve shirt, white jacket, black full-length trousers, black pumps, pearl necklace.

or see what (C), but with the white jacket, looks like.

Sorry to make this more complicated. ;)

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

But you've *seen* all the clothes, so that helps a lot.

I knew I'd probably have to wear the pump s-- which I love, but the clogs are more comfortable for walking around at work.

[sanj.livejournal.com]

Well, just for the interview, yeah, you gotta wear the dressier ones.

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

Probably going to go with B), since I'm hitting a big wall and don't want to iron the white jacket right now. Maybe in the morning, if I have a brane then...

[treewishes.livejournal.com]

Whichever, but I suggest you fold your jacket up carefully, loosely, outside-in, and put it in a clean plastic grocery bag in your backpack. Only take it out to wear just before you go in to the building.

ps. Umbrella. It's thunderstorm season.

Oh, and I definitely have tie-envy. Men can put on pretty much anything, and just add a tie, and they are dressed up. There is no female equivalent.

Re: The Bus

[saramwrap.livejournal.com]

The PG Co. bus system is called The Bus (http://www.goprincegeorgescounty.com/Government/AgencyIndex/DPW&T/Transit/thebus.asp). Creative, huh?

Regular fare is $0.75. They do not accept SmartTrip, but they do take Metrobus/Metrorail transfers, Metro all-day passes, and weekly/monthly Metro passes.