Do I bring a purse to a job interview?

[eks6426]

I''ve been interviewing for a position I really want--pays almost $20K above what I make now plus is a growing company known for treating its employees well. I''ve gone through several rounds of phone interviews and was told that I will be coming in for a "working interview." For this company a working interview basically means 1/2 a day of them watching how I would do a project. They are looking for how I go about solving the problem as much as the end result.

Anyway, I''ve been putting together my interview outfit. I bought a new suit in Feb that I tried on and found out it is way too large. I''ve been doing Weight Watchers and it must have worked. The suit from Feb was a size 12. I went to Ann Taylor (the only place in my town to buy decents suits) and wound up with an 8 jacket and a 6 pants. Same fabric as the one I bought in Feb just slightly different style. Yeah to Weight Watchers.

I got it home and tried it on with the shirt I intend to wear and some snazzy new pointy toed pumps (a first for me) from Zappos. Then I got to thinking. What should I do about a purse? Normally I would carry a portfolio and just tuck my car key in it (no pockets in the suit). But I''m not sure this is right for an interview let alone a "working interview" where I''ll be at the company 1/2 the day.

So, folks, I need some advice. Do I carry a purse/bag etc? If yes, what type?

 

[lovelylulu]

Congratulations on the interview islanddreams!

I agree about the portfolio for a short interview, but this is half the day. Generally, I carry a tote to work. To me it''s kind of like the female briefcase. It''s big enough for files, but still a handbag. Do you have something like this?

Best Luck

 

[~*Alexis*~]

I agree, I have a liz claborne bag like that that is perfect for things like that. They should give you a place to hang your things and lock up your things.

Try calling the reception people there and just ask them. It never hurts to ask.

 

[chrono]

For interviews, I carry a black leather workbag that looks sorta like a computer bag but much nicer in design. The picture lovelylulu posted is a good choice but mine was more unisex since I work in a male dominated industry. Mine has several compartments where I can put my folder (with portfolio and notebook for interview notes), coins, wallet (purse), keys, etc.

My interviews are mostly half day or all day affairs too. Most of the time, I am able to carry it with me as I meet the different people I am interviewing with. Occassionally when it isn't feasible, I leave the bag/tote with the receptionist or in the main interviewer's office and just go about with my portfolio.

Hope that helps.

 

[sumbride]

You''ll definitely need some sort of purse to stash your wallet! If they are ready to hire you then and there, it would be nice to hand over your ID and start filling out paperwork!

Any nice bag is fine, but the tote that Lulu posted is great.

 

[eks6426]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I think I will hunt down some sort of tote.

Lovelylulu...where did you find that lovely tote you posted?

Chrono--Can you give me any advice on the working interview? I''ve never done one. I''ve been at my present job almost 9 years so I''m out of practice. Any advice hugely appreciated. Thanks.

 

[chrono]

ID,
I''m not sure what industry you are in so I''ll try to keep in general. The interviews with the various people are to gauge how well you''ll get along with the different levels of management and employees. There''ll also be lots of question on how you would approach and deal with certain situations. Sometimes, these are hypothetical questions and sometimes, they are actual problems that the company is facing. They want to see, not only if you have the necessary working technical knowledge, are up to date with rules and regulations, but also have the right personality and the right way of dealing with things. There is also usually a tour of the workplace thrown in in the middle, with possibly a lunch with the main interviewer(s). If you don''t mind sharing the type of work/field you are in publicly on PS, I can get more detailed if you wish. Best of luck!

 

[eks6426]

Chrono--Thanks for the tips. I figured it was pretty much to see how I would get along with people. I''ve already had a lot of the hypothetical situational questions on the phone interviews so I expected more.

The job I''m applying for is a market research analyst for a company that does surveys in the healthcare industry. It''s database analysis and modeling to look for opportunities for growth with some primary research thrown in. It''s more math/tech/stat oriented than most marketing jobs in my area which is my speciality. I''m trying to jump industries because right now I am market research for a media company.

 

[chrono]

Wow! Interesting career field. Do be prepared for an indepth test of your technical knowledge. It seems that lately, a lot of companies actually have a written or verbal test to make sure that you really know what you claim to know, and know how to apply it in a real world situation.

I''m in engineering and have been asked my opinion on how to best solve a specific technical problem (why one method over the other, pros and cons, etc), new technology questions, engineering principles and their application, etc. My sister in accounting/auditing was also asked pretty much the same thing except as it relates to her field. In the past, the interviews stressed more on personality and work habits but it seems that today there is more of a technical emphasis.

When''s the interview? I like the book "knock them dead" or "knock ''em dead" for interview preparations. Unfortunately, I don''t recall who the author is. It also talks about resume layouts, interview attire, negotiating offers, salaries and benefits and more.

 

[Sparkster]

I'm a bit confused. In Australia, a 'purse' is the female equilvant to a wallet. A handbag is something that we put our purse, makeup, keys, etc in..

If you mean a purse in the Australian sense, then I would suggest no and instead get a handbag to put all your goods in but please please please make sure it's a good one - nothing ruins a good outfit more than a bad quality bag (same with shoes and other accessories). There is also nothing wrong with carrying both a portfolio and a handbag.

Good luck with the interview. Knock 'em dead!

 

[:)]

A nice tote as pictured would be ideal - given it will be prolonged, it will be good to have your wallet (who knows, may get invited to lunch or coffee out or something - good to be prepared) and then a lipstick or powder, etc just in case you need to freshen up for some reason. I like totes/attaches instead of purses at interviews as I think they look more professional.


ETA: and CONGRATS on your weight loss! Must feel good! Always nice to have to buy smaller clothes!

 

[diamondfan]

I would say a purse is fine, plus a briefcase type bag for other items.

If not, a tote that covers you for all things, as long as it is neat and not wide open at the top, is fine too.

Congratulations on losing weight! Amazing feeling isn''t it?

Good luck!

 

[eks6426]

I think I want to get a tote bag that will fit my portfolio plus any purse related items. I''m currently in braces which is going to be bad to me for an interview but then I thought if they take me to lunch I absolutely must brush my teeth afterward.

So, now does anyone know where I can find a decent tote bag for under $100? I love the one that Lovelylulu posted but don''t know where she found it and it looks expensive. My suit is black and I have a teal shirt to wear under it along with dark teal shoes (picture of shoes attached). I''m thinking black makes the most sense for this outfit but a part of me would love something with a little color.

Diamondfan...and yes, loosing weight definitely has made me feel better. It is fun to buy new clothes and fit in my old ones.

 

[belle]

http://www.ebags.com/business_cases/womens_business_totes/womens_leather_totes/category_search/index.cfm?Ns=ORDER_COUNT&fuseactioN=searching&N=4001+20027668&Nso=1&displayType=list&order=ORDER_COUNT&itemsPerPage=24

best of luck island dreams!