I'm having a battle with my daughter. She is going for an entry level administrative type position. She's been advised that she should be wearing a business suit. I'm telling her that for the type of position she is going for a conservative business suit is not necessary. A blazer with coordinated skirt or slacks, a nice dress or even a nice (conservative) skirt and blouse is acceptable.

Obviously nothing flashy or revealing, but it doesn't have to be a business suit.

The reason this is an issue is because she is having trouble finding an affordable (under $100) suit. I think part of the reason is because they aren't needed in the business world as much anymore.

Am I wrong? Looking for opinions.

Am I right

I completely agree with you on this.
Unless you are looking for a more senior management position than a full business suit is unneeded.
Saying that I have no idea how my General Manager got the position as he must be the scruffist person I have even met.
He never wears a tie, always has his shirt untucked and it's hardly ever ironed.
Way to give a good impression!

Ps another few days and you'll break the 10k posts, nice one Scott.

Well, I think it depends upon the company, personally. However, in most of the business world for an entry level admin position I think a navy skirt or dress pants with a nice blouse would be suitable. If it's very hot where you live, then a blazer or co-ordinated jacket might be a good idea due to air conditioning.

I agree, there are very few places that I would recommend that a woman wear a business suit... but that's just me. I mean, even Ivana Trump doesn't wear one! :)

Didi

I know I'm male but I'm sure there's a female version of the outfit I wore for my interview. I wore black dress pants, black shoes, a white shirt and a black pullover jumper. Change the pants for a skirt or even stay with pants just female variety and that could work. My interview was with a global company and I got the job so... they obviously liked it. Or was I just so damn smart lol sorry just jk

Grrr... I love how my dad posts at the same time I do. However, we have found a suitable suit online (no pun intended). You have to boost his ego lol, we're already going to need a bigger doorway to fit his head... lol

Well, I think it never hurts to dress well, I have been interviewing recently, I wore a pants suit and it worked well. I think a good rule is to dress up slightly from what you would wear on the job. I also think it makes a good deal of sense to wear something that makes you feel confident. I found a nice suit for slightly over a hundred, think of it as an investment she may not get this job having a suit will be a good thing for the future. Many stores are having good sales now, too.

As an HR person I hate a business suit on a lower level person. I think it looks wrong for them. I think for a kid coming out of college or going in for a lower level position there is nothing wrong with a skirt/blouse or pant/blouse or nice dress something that looks professional not casual is fine.

No open toed shoes, the only ones I consider okay are peep toe shoes. Never sandals. No perfume. She should be fine.

As an HR person I hate a business suit on a lower level person. I think it looks wrong for them.

That's EXACTLY the way I was thinking. Going for a lower level job and dressing up may come across as pretentious. Especially when you are already overqualified (having a Masters).

I've had a similar arguments with my wife who has been looking for a clerical type position for and off for years. Now this is a person who has been working in the same job (part time) for close to 10 years. The reason for looking elsewhere is to work full time. Yet she has never gotten even an offer. I think its partially because she overdresses on interviews.

Anyway, for anyone who cares, my daughter is now working. She started about a month ago. Decent job, decent pay, decent benefits, though they don't kick in until after a 3 month probation period.

I αgree with glendα.. plus αdm. people move αround α lot more-- business suit is just αll chunky αnd not very comfy to be wαlking αround doing things... here αre some ideαs [minus the net in the fαce of course]
http://stylebytes.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/sec.jpg

Ps congrαts on the job!

That's EXACTLY the way I was thinking. Going for a lower level job and dressing up may come across as pretentious. Especially when you are already overqualified (having a Masters).

I've had a similar arguments with my wife who has been looking for a clerical type position for and off for years. Now this is a person who has been working in the same job (part time) for close to 10 years. The reason for looking elsewhere is to work full time. Yet she has never gotten even an offer. I think its partially because she overdresses on interviews.

Anyway, for anyone who cares, my daughter is now working. She started about a month ago. Decent job, decent pay, decent benefits, though they don't kick in until after a 3 month probation period.

This is exactly why I do not wear a suit. I have a Masters but at my level its too advanced for my position. So I usually opt for blouse/pants type of look. Tell your wife to give it a try just once. I think she'll get a much different reaction. I had women come in who were older for lower level positions and it would drive me nuts when they would wear their wool crêpe suits. I always paid more attention to the women in a dress or something else less formal. I felt that they understood what they were applying for. You dress for the job you are applying for the rules are so much more relaxed now.

I Believe You Are Correct. The "business Suit" Is Not There Anymore. Sounds Like She Is Trying To Get Into Your Wallet Again. And Don't Get Me Wrong, I Love My Daughter To Death, But You Have To Make Your Point.
Is There A Mom Around To Talk With Her?

A great solution is a shirt dress. I love them in August. Particularly when it's 100 degrees and I still have to look like a professional.

Examples of appropriate:

Ann Taylor LOFT : Full Skirt Belted Shirt Dress (http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=6452&N=1200012&pCategoryId=199&categoryId=211&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_211&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Black&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses)

Shirt Dresses by Gizzelle James (http://www.edressme.com/dressess07-02.html#)

Example of not appropriate:

Gap.com: Shop Online for Men's, Women's, Maternity, Kids and Baby Clothes (http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=13658&pid=498399)

Examples of some that can be made appropriate if worn with the right accessories (i.e. change the belt or wear a camisole:

Must Haves 2 - Club Monaco (http://www.clubmonaco.com/072007/musthaves_2.asp)

Macy*s - Juniors/Thisit.com - Ruby Rox Shirt Dress with Cherry Belt (http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=245730&CategoryID=21542)

This is a staple in my wardrobe in the Summer.