The Pasty Lady: The Interview

You’ve graduated, earned your degree in education, completed countless job applications, and endured the numerous job interviews. Terror and anxiety instantly transformed into sheer excitement and exhilaration, and a celebratory clenching of the fists, with the arrival of the phone call. That phone call that speaks so sweetly of opportunity and accomplishment: your first job offer. You take the job, and thus begin your career as a new teacher. A couple years pass by. You knew it was going to be tough starting out, but you couldn’t fathom just how tough. And despite the endless hours spent working (and lack of a social life), the ride so far has met all your expectations for fulfillment. It all comes down to the kids, and knowing that you’re helping them to learn and grow, both academically and socially. You’re changing the world. And for that reason alone this is your dream job, and little could be better.

Now, you’ve been given a new opportunity. No, not a new job. Not a raise or promotion or advancement of any sort (because, let’s face it, that just doesn’t happen in the education profession when you work in the public school system). And not for lack of a job well done, as everyone knows you’ve poured your heart and soul into your work in the short time you’ve been employed there. No, this is an opportunity to assist in the hiring of a new co-worker. The next interview: on the other side. This opportunity cannot be turned down or passed up. We’re talking about a new co-worker- someone you will be working closely with for some time that is unpredictable, and regardless, you want that time to be time well spent. As you will have a hand in choosing the best candidate for the job, you’re well aware that while they are doing their best to impress you, it is perhaps equally important that you take the utmost measures to impress those candidates you would consider for the job, as they may have options. You’ve got to ask the right questions, talk up the job that you’ve developed such a passion for, and most importantly give them a reason to want to be employed here above all other options.

But before the interview ever takes place, there is one step that deserves some significant consideration: the interview attire. You must first dress to impress, as this is the first step to making a good first impression, to “stealing the spotlight”. Being on the other side, you anticipate walking into the interview with a great deal more confidence. After all, you’ve already got the job. But what do you wear to reflect that kind of confidence and passion which you feel for what you do everyday on the job? While Angus may have an idea on how to dress for success, here are some other suggestions that suggest these things and a little more, whether you are interviewing to hire or interviewing to be hired. Here is something that says, The Girl’s Got Rhythm.