Help choosing teacher interview outfit

[katfco]

I actually have a job interview tomorrow! It’s for an 8th grade position. I’m really nervous because I haven’t been called for any in a while and summer is half over.
I’m also quite fashion deficient and have a rather limited wardrobe. Which of these should I wear?

Pardon the goofy expressions; DD didn’t warn me when taking the pictures.

Option 1.

DD thinks I look like a pistachio, but it’s the only “suit” I own.
Option 2.

This is the only other blazer I own and it’s really hot and not terribly comfortable.

Option 3.

I felt like this was more business casual and dressed it up with a necklace and have others.

Shoes. The one category of which I have a sufficiency.

Or, should I forget them all and run to Kohl’s tonight?

[sequins]

I would do option 3 with a cardigan over. Black pumps. You look great! Good luck!!

[whitemerlot]

I’m a teacher and vote for option 3.

[rockymtngirl]

I’m not a fashion person but I would personally opt for something less matchy. I like the coloured pants in pic 3 with the black blazer and a top that could tie it all together. Either a light coloured neutral top or something with a larger print.

[erbear]

I’d do a Kohl’s run and get a wrap dress. I don’t ever wear suits to interview — only dresses.

Good luck! I teach 8th. It’s the best

[rooster222]

I've read that teachers should wear something with a punch of color for an interview, like Kelly green or bright pink. I think I'd go for either black pants or skirt and a bright blouse. Good luck!

[RoxMonster]

As a former teacher, I don't think a suit/blazer is necessary. I like #3 and maybe put a cardigan over top if you have one and perhaps wear black heels with it.

Good luck on the interview!

[redheadk]

I sat on many interview committees as a teacher. Wear #3. You look comfortable and completely appropriate.

[Deleted]

My husband did a few teacher interviews this summer and he wore chinos and a polo shirt with Vans. He got the job. Elementary school in the south, so maybe a more relaxed dress code, but I agree that a suit is probably not necessary. I like outfit 3 but would try for a pop of color if you can — thin airy scarf maybe, bright jewelry, or a run to Kohls for a different top.

[Jalapeñomel]

Jul 7, 2022 16:50:20 GMT -5 @villainv said:

My husband did a few teacher interviews this summer and he wore chinos and a polo shirt with Vans. He got the job. Elementary school in the south, so maybe a more relaxed dress code, but I agree that a suit is probably not necessary. I like outfit 3 but would try for a pop of color if you can — thin airy scarf maybe, bright jewelry, or a run to Kohls for a different top.

It’s been my experience that male teachers tend to be able to dress more casually at school than women can. Obviously not true everywhere, so a grain of salt and all.

That said I think 3 is totally appropriate and I’d wear black flats.

Good luck!

[Doggy Mommy]

Agree, 3 with black flats. It's totally appropriate and you look confident, which is important!

If you decide to run to Kohls I love these kinds of tops (I also work in education). They're so easy to throw on with any pair of pants or jeans and always look professional. My favorites are the Pleione brand from Nordstrom Rack.

www.kohls.com/product/prd-5271741/womens-nine-west-draped-shirt.jsp?color=Kelly%20Lavender&prdPV=1

www.nordstromrack.com/search?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=pleione

[Monica Geller]

Yay for an interview!
I’d do number 3.

And remember around here teachers have til 7/10 to resign penalty. A lot of schools don’t hire til the last minute.

[katfco]

Jul 7, 2022 17:31:21 GMT -5 Monica Geller said:

Yay for an interview!
I’d do number 3.

And remember around here teachers have til 7/10 to resign penalty. A lot of schools don’t hire til the last minute.

Yep, that's why this principal (the middle school in town that starts with B) wanted to get them in ASAP. I almost wasn't able to do it because I was called in for jury duty this week. I got lucky because of the holiday week and wasn't needed. 

[katfco]

Jul 7, 2022 16:29:40 GMT -5 erbear said:

I’d do a Kohl’s run and get a wrap dress. I don’t ever wear suits to interview — only dresses.

Good luck! I teach 8th. It’s the best

Thanks! Any tips? I've taught self-contained 5th for 6 years. 

[katfco]

Jul 7, 2022 16:34:50 GMT -5 rooster222 said:

I've read that teachers should wear something with a punch of color for an interview, like Kelly green or bright pink. I think I'd go for either black pants or skirt and a bright blouse. Good luck!

Sadly, I'm more of a dark jewel toned color person, and have very few "pop of color" tops. I tend to keep to a capsule wardrobe

[Monica Geller]

Jul 7, 2022 17:40:24 GMT -5 katfco said:

Jul 7, 2022 17:31:21 GMT -5 Monica Geller said:

Yay for an interview!
I’d do number 3.

And remember around here teachers have til 7/10 to resign penalty. A lot of schools don’t hire til the last minute.

Yep, that's why this principal (the middle school in town that starts with B) wanted to get them in ASAP. I almost wasn't able to do it because I was called in for jury duty this week. I got lucky because of the holiday week and wasn't needed. 

I know him! He and I go way back… back to his teaching days even.

I’m glad you got the interview and I’m pulling for you!

[katfco]

Jul 7, 2022 16:30:05 GMT -5 Patsy Baloney said:

You look most comfortable in 3. I’d do that with black shoes.

(Also, I did not see pistachio until you said it, but now I cannot un-see it! 🤣)

Same. DD was taking the pictures for me and when I walked out of my bathroom, she took one look at me and said, "No. Just no. You look like a pistachio." 

And this from a teen who dislikes most color and would happily wear sweats 24/7 if allowed 

[rooster222]

Jul 7, 2022 17:42:45 GMT -5 katfco said:

Jul 7, 2022 16:34:50 GMT -5 rooster222 said:

I've read that teachers should wear something with a punch of color for an interview, like Kelly green or bright pink. I think I'd go for either black pants or skirt and a bright blouse. Good luck!

Sadly, I'm more of a dark jewel toned color person, and have very few "pop of color" tops. I tend to keep to a capsule wardrobe

Me too, and I actually wore black pants and a burgundy top to my interview (not a classroom teacher, but similar role). And I did get the job so it wasn't a deal breaker obviously. I wanted to dress brighter but worked with what I had but I do understand that brighter is more catchy/cheery/memorable.

[xokell2]

I think they all look interview appropriate, I would wear whatever you are most comfortable in. Good luck!!

[ellipses84]

I like to mix and match suit separates, so I might do the top of 1 with the black pants of 2. It’s still a suit but a little more casual with the lighter jacket for summer. Unless the green shirt is a r-shirt material…then I think you should mix something else with the black blouse…like you might be able to wear 3 with the #1 jacket. Being comfortable in what you are wearing even if you need to take the jacket off is important (you likely shouldn’t have to but if it’s at a school in summer and the a/c doesn’t work great, you don’t want to be too hot). I’d wear the black pumps with skirt or dress pants. The boots work with the #3 pants.

[erbear]

Jul 7, 2022 17:40:57 GMT -5 katfco said:

Jul 7, 2022 16:29:40 GMT -5 erbear said:

I’d do a Kohl’s run and get a wrap dress. I don’t ever wear suits to interview — only dresses.

Good luck! I teach 8th. It’s the best

Thanks! Any tips? I've taught self-contained 5th for 6 years. 

8th graders are fun. They are much more independent than 5th graders. You have to give them social time. Let them work in groups. Give specific directions, write them down, check in on them. Laugh with them. Take nothing personally

[notsopicky]

#3, for sure. Middle school teacher of 23 years checking in, plus 4 as a MS librarian--def #3.

8th graders are awesome. And crazy (like fun-crazy, but crazy). But mostly awesome. Cosign what erbear said re: how to connect with them.

[katfco]

Jul 7, 2022 19:13:19 GMT -5 erbear said:

Jul 7, 2022 17:40:57 GMT -5 katfco said:

Thanks! Any tips? I've taught self-contained 5th for 6 years. 

8th graders are fun. They are much more independent than 5th graders. You have to give them social time. Let them work in groups. Give specific directions, write them down, check in on them. Laugh with them. Take nothing personally

That's pretty much how I taught my 5th grade classes. I became famous throughout the school this past year for having a daily joke. 

[charlatti]

Jul 7, 2022 17:40:24 GMT -5 katfco said:

Jul 7, 2022 17:31:21 GMT -5 Monica Geller said:

Yay for an interview!
I’d do number 3.

And remember around here teachers have til 7/10 to resign penalty. A lot of schools don’t hire til the last minute.

Yep, that's why this principal (the middle school in town that starts with B) wanted to get them in ASAP. I almost wasn't able to do it because I was called in for jury duty this week. I got lucky because of the holiday week and wasn't needed. 

Good luck today! I’m 90% sure I’m local to you, and if so, I think this is my DD’s school and she’ll be in 8th next year. Is this the SS position?

[Wines Not Whines]

I would wear #3 with a cardigan or blazer on top. Good luck!

[hermione]

I'd wear the tan skirt with the blue top and blue shoes.

[emilyinchile]

Everyone has covered the original question, but I have a related thought: if you think you'll have a reason to wear the suit from 1 at some point, I'd get the jacket tailored. It looks like it doesn't fit you quite right, and since you aren't going to wear it asap I'd take advantage of this time to get it perfect for the future.

[katfco]

Thanks everyone! I went back and found a lighter top, but it needed the jacket. Here’s what I ended up with. I felt like it looked a lot better.


Fingers crossed I get the job.

[morecoffeeplease]

Good luck!!!

[erbear]

You look great. Good luck!