While on vacation, I received back-to-back interview requests with the same company for this week.

32 Comments

1. Audrey KirschNovember 30,2022 at 6:43PM UTC

   They look at your clothes to see if you look clean, presentable and professional. If anyone notices it's the same outfit, explain that you're on vacation, then dazzle them with your personality and experience. They need to see that you're a good fit for the company, not that you're a fashion icon. Unless, of course, you are seeking a job in the fashion world. Then you have to be up front about why your outfit is the same.

2. Huong Nguyen-ValleNovember 30,2022 at 6:45PM UTC

   I have worn the same outfits for interviews before. I think its something you do not need to worry about. It comes down to how you interview and know your stuff. Good luck!!

3. AnonymousNovember 30,2022 at 6:58PM UTC

   Thank you both and it's not in the fashion business. I was worried about wearing the same thing twice as the interviewer commented that she liked my suit. Learning that she would be part of the meeting today as well, I have a feeling she'd notice it was the same one. I appreciate your advice as I was stressing about the situation and want to concentrate on being prepared. Thank yo for the best wishes as well as I'm excited about this opportunity.

4. MsNovember 30,2022 at 7:10PM UTC

   Many of my interviews are back to back (same day, next day, etc) I have worn the same thing without shame. Sometimes the jacket will dress up the shirt underneath it so if you have other options, even a plain shirt (or turn a shirt backwards/inside out) then try that. You want to feel confident in your clothes so that your personality can shine through in the conversations

5. Heather CutlerNovember 30,2022 at 7:37PM UTC

   Congratulations on these interviews, sounds to me like this employer is VERY interested in you! First, no one will notice if you wear the exact same thing two days in a row, I promise you this. Everyone is too busy to pay attention to this like this.

   I understand a store may not be close by so could you wear different jewelry, do your hair a bit different or add a scarf to your outfit?

   Funny story about my current employer. I had five interviews, all of them were virtual. I wore the same exact jacket for ALL five interviews! The jacket fit well and the color was appropriate for virtual interviews.

   You're going to be awesome, keep us all posted!

6. AnonymousNovember 30,2022 at 7:37PM UTC

   I don't think it matters, just be comfortable :)

7. AnonymousNovember 30,2022 at 8:40PM UTC

   Thank you all for your advice and boosting my confidence. I'm going with the same suit and I'm nervously excited about the opportunity. I love this group and after receiving an update will hopefully be sharing good news.

8. Carey ANovember 30,2022 at 11:00PM UTC

   I doubt they will notice. I have a self-imposed work 'uniform' that I've worn for years at the same job and no one has said a word.

9. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterDecember 1,2022 at 5:36PM UTC

   Nothing to worry about! Depending on how I have connected with these people, I might say something like "You may notice I'm in the same jacket as last time. I'm actually on vacation, but I didn't want to put off this interview because I'm so excited about this position!"

   Might earn you some dedication points...:)

10. CJB62December 2,2022 at 2:20PM UTC

    That is perfect. The original poster said she is vacationing in an area where there aren’t stores around so buying even accessories wouldn’t be an option. Someone might not notice same outfit, doubt they would comment or have it as a red mark.

11. Afo Ogbeyalu KaluDecember 2,2022 at 1:21PM UTC

    Pull your hair back, or change up your hairstyle, and wear a crewneck top ( could even be a tee shirt), and a patterned, silk/silky neck scarf to add variation, and a pop of color, to your go-to suit jacket.

12. Kimberly McKenzie-KlemmDecember 2,2022 at 1:33PM UTC

    Yes. They pay attention. I would not wear the same thing with the original interviewer. It is okay to dress down a bit. Do you have a sweater? That would not require a jacket. A casual follow-up is okay and then when you meet with the CEO, add a scarf or a different skirt or pair of pants. If the interview is with both at the same time, I would dress up a skirt and sweater or at least change pants or skirt and add a scarf of some sort.

13. AnonymousDecember 2,2022 at 1:37PM UTC

    I think it’s reasonable to be transparent about the circumstances. I would be more impressed by the fact that you’re taking time on vacation to participate in my interviews than how you look.

14. AnonymousDecember 2,2022 at 1:43PM UTC

    I cannot imagine they pay attention. Also, for what it is worth - it is a slight red flag to me they're requesting multiple interviews if they know your are on vacation (unless they aren't privy to that fact).

15. AnonymousDecember 2,2022 at 2:00PM UTC

    Change the top, make sure the jacket is pressed and ready to go and maybe wear a different piece of jewelry (if you wear jewelry) or other statement piece. And you should be good to go.

    To those who say that interviewers don’t notice, that is both right and wrong. I don’t notice so much what a person is wearing as if it is clean and in good repair. Keeping in mind that some people may not have funds for interview outfits, but can be presentable.

16. Stephanie ChernoffDecember 2,2022 at 2:02PM UTC

    I have one interview suit at this point. The last time I actually worked in office, it was business casual, and now that I work from home, no one cares if I'm sitting at my desk in shorts and a t-shirt. So I would be wearing the same jacket. But a different blouse under it, different accessories ... just enough that I didn't appear to be wearing exactly the same thing.

17. Ruth RobbinsDecember 2,2022 at 2:06PM UTC

    Focus on your most excellent preparation and performance. Ladies can change outfit with easily purchased, quick accesesories to compliment suit jacked. Gents, a tie and shirt. Not cheap, but hotel lobbies stores often have somehaberdashery products. Now go ahead and 'knock'em dead!

18. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertDecember 2,2022 at 2:24PM UTC

    Not an issue. What you get to focus on is how they will be competing to get you if you do a good job!

19. AnonymousDecember 2,2022 at 2:26PM UTC

    Being transparent about being on vacation and taking the interviews is something they will appreciate and I would think they would overlook any judgement on your clothing! But if you want switching up the top is good and/or jewelry if you can. Your demeanor and excitement for the opportunity I think will speak volumes in the interview more than appearance!

20. Amy Carissa OliverDecember 2,2022 at 2:41PM UTC

    Hiring manager/interviewer here.

    First, I am so sorry for whatever life-work experience you've had that is making you anxious about this.

    Second, I disagree with everyone who has told you that you should change the outfit or that they will notice.

    Based on the fact you're on vacation, I assume that your interview is via Zoom, and unless you enter that Zoom naked, no one in a Zoom is going to notice your appearance aside from whether you look presentable.

    Additional perspective: Did you know that most men own 3 or fewer dress shirts and only one suit jacket? If they work in a professional work environment daily, they may own up to 8 or so dress shirts and two suit jackets. This means that the men around you are repeating the exact same attire day in and day out. Men you work with in an office have probably worn the same dress shirt to work twice this week, and I guarantee you they've worn the same jacket repeatedly (and without washing it).

    Even if this interview is in person, they won't know. So just iron out the wrinkles and go wow them with what matters: your skills and suitability for the position.

    On the off chance I'm wrong: if you don't get a job because you wore the same shirt to two interviews, you dodged an intensely toxic work culture.

21. Kim RaperDecember 2,2022 at 3:17PM UTC

    I very much like your post Amy. Work Attire is subjective at best and Men rarely have multiples of anything and if they do, they likely look exactly the same anyway. I would definitely just spruce up what I had to make sure it didnt look like you slept in it and go for it.

22. Advocate for Fair TreatmentDecember 2,2022 at 3:32PM UTC

    What a fabulous response. Love this!

23. Jeanne BaadeDecember 2,2022 at 2:53PM UTC

    I would have told the recruiter that while you are on vacation you would love to chat with them. But they need to know you can't promise from where you'll be or how you'll look. I took 2 interviews from the same company in the nicest t-shirt or sundress I had with ponytails! Got the job offer!

24. Leader914132December 2,2022 at 3:59PM UTC

    So it all depends on the person. Me, probably I would not notice or care. But I have done interviews where others were not liking candidates on their shoes. I personally would probably make a comment in the hello phase to the effect of "Thank you so much for getting me in again so soon. I was here on a trip (looking at places etc whatever feels natural to you) and it was nice to be able to meet multiple times while you were close. "If you are doing zoom, I doubt anyone will notice or care. One time I was traveling, and a hiring manager called me and we were in the same airport and they asked to meet me at the airport.I was probably in scrubs or my dirty ugly traveling clothes no make up, probably gross because i hopped on a plane after surgery. But I got the job. Which was for a traveling surgeon, and they knew that I would respond to calls as I traveled, which was a big thing for them.

25. Elise PilkingtonDecember 2,2022 at 4:09PM UTC

    Personally I can’t remember what someone wears from one day to the next! But I don’t understand why you don’t just explain your situation. My daughter did an interview in the middle of Disney world while the rest of the family was eating dinner. She got the job.

26. AnonymousDecember 2,2022 at 5:33PM UTC

    They probably know that you have two interviews - back to back, since they are the same company, so they would not expect that you would have a whole ward-robe with you - if you do state that you are out of town. Secondly even a tee-shirt can look alright under a suit, but I would not worry about the suit jacket. Is this meeting virtual?, if so change up the background color, or your accessories if you wear any, and you should be good to go. Lastly, I have suits that look the same, but are actually two different suits. Remember the movie of "The Pursuit of Happiness", they are hiring you not your clothes.

27. Shelby CDecember 2,2022 at 10:24PM UTC

    I would state that you are on vacation and apologize for the limited options. I would be thrilled someone was taking the time out and initiative.

    Best of luck!!!

28. Christi MillerDecember 3,2022 at 3:55AM UTC

    I would mention you are on vacation and are happy to meet with them but may have a limited wardrobe for multiple follow-up interviews.

29. Looking for a changeDecember 3,2022 at 12:50PM UTC

    Is it zoom? If yes you can angle the camera so they tra don’t see your outfit that’s how I’m able to wear a t-shirt all day.

30. surfnwriteDecember 3,2022 at 8:48PM UTC

    It would never occur to me to worry about that. I'm quite sure they don't remember the details of what you were wearing.

31. Amy Carissa OliverDecember 30,2022 at 3:09PM UTC

    I've been thinking about you. Did you get the job?

32. AnonymousDecember 31,2022 at 3:52PM UTC

    Amy, thank you for checking back. Sadly after a hurry-up attitude to interview, the company was so disorganized that I walked away from the opportunity. I have a few interviews next week so looking ahead for a brighter 2023!