You haven’t mentioned which field you’re hoping to work in. If you’re aiming for a specialist, technical (or male-dominated) profession, such as computing, science, lab work, engineering, etc, you’ll probably be evaluated more on your skills than your appearance in the first place. The point where you need to worry is when you’re interviewing for “office worker” sorts of jobs, where individual skill isn’t the major criterion the HR types are looking for (instead, they’re looking for the cookie-cutter corporate zombie type) or the sort of job which relies on what are euphemised as “people skills”, where appearance can often be viewed as an indicator of skill.

(Overall hint for technical positions – dress practically for the job you’re applying for.)

It’s also about ten times more expensive, so at least I got what I paid for :)

As for the original question, I wholeheartedly agree with everyone who says to be well-dressed, well-groomed, etc. While I did occasionally hire individuals who showed up to interviews in jeans, that was also at a non-profit, and their resumes, personalities, and references were simply outstanding.

Secondly, I also agree with the suggestion about asking where you see the company/department going in the next 6-12 months, or what sorts of major projects they have coming up. Not only does this give you a chance to talk about what contributions you could make in that timeline, but the interview is you interviewing the company as much as they’re interviewing you.

Also, if the interview will be less than an hour or so, I’d suggest a corset. It doesn’t HAVE to be very expensive (although those are definitely the ‘good’ ones — the handcrafted, pretty ones like the other poster was talking about). Victoria’s Secrets and similar places carry some for around $50. They’ll definitely flatten your tummy a bit so it doesn’t seem as prominent. But they aren’t all that comfortable. That, and a good suit jacket will help.

Yes, Aunt Fattie addressed that rather extensively in the post.

This does bring up an important point to me: the original question doesn’t say what industry she’s looking to enter, what sort of work she does, or where she lives (or where she hopes to work). The dress code can be so different depending on those variables.

Anyway, to answer the question — if it’s for a job where casual formal is appropriate, I’d go with a flared skirt (cut on the bias) and a princess-cut blouse at waist-length. The princess-cut creates the illusion of a waist and the slight flare at the bottom disguises the top half of the bulge, and the flared skirt disguises the bottom half. The two-piece flare (as opposed to a one-piece princess dress) is crucial to the illusion. Anyway, I carry all my weight in my belly too and have slim appendages, and this is what works for me. I’d also wear a solid color, maybe dark blue. Over that I’d wear a lighter color duster to hang straight down from the shoulders, maybe with some texture to the weave, so the dark middle part recedes. This one’s nice for the shape, although I wouldn’t wear it buttoned. http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail And maybe heeled boots to finish it off.

KathyR wrote: “And if you ever find any pants that fit your waist that don’t look like total clown pants on your butt and thighs, PLEASE let me know where you got them.”

I have for the first time in many years found a pair of jeans that fit me. In the waist, in the butt, everywhere. I’m around 205-210, 5’6″, big belly and hips to give you an idea. It’s VF Jeanswear brand, apparently they make Wrangler and Lee. These just say “Riders” on the tag. If I could find them retail (I bought these used) I’d snap up several pairs.

If you feel put together (whether it’s a coordinated outfit, a new purse, an awesome pair of earrings, etc.) and have “cleaned up”, you’ll feel confident. If you feel confident, you should do well in the interview. Initial impressions about your appearance take place in the first minute or two, and then the focus switches to the interview and your qualifications. Focus your comments on the reasons why you are the best candidate for the job– that should get their attention. If you feel, for any reason, that you are being judged based on your size, then you have every right to follow up with a call to their human resources office, to discuss your concern. It’s not uncommon, even if size isn’t considered a protected characteristic via human rights legislation.

If you decide to bring up your size or perception about being judged in the interview, be prepared for the panel to be intimidated, uncomfortable and probably nervous. That might not bode well for the remainder of the interview…

So that’s why I respectfully disagree that this is good advice:

There’s one thing that I like to mention because of my particular shape, because it is fun when new babies are born to staff members and I don’t like to get hopes up. I am not expecting a child nor plan to be anytime soon.

If the interviewer hasn’t noticed, this is going to come across all wrong, and might get them wondering why you found it important to mention.

I’d go with a well-tailored suit, something with a little bit of padding in the shoulders. Something structured, not flowy and drapey. Heels if you’re comfortable with it.

so, yes, i’ll pop for the suit, a nice blouse, and moderate heels (who hasn’t balanced their full body weight on the balls of their feet in high heels, hm?). go into any interview with confidence and knowledge and you’ll definitely impress some people… at least that’s been my experience