Here’s a wintery question from Ronni:

Hi Working Girl!

I live in Chicago, a city in which using public transportation to get around is a lot more convenient and efficient than driving and parking.  However, it is winter in Chicago, which means unplowed sidewalks, messy streets, and very cold temperatures.  If one has an interview, what is the best way to dress to be warm and dry, and yet still look professional?  For example, to get to the train station, I have to cross a bridge that is never plowed, so of course I will wear boots.  Once I get to the interview place, how would I go about changing shoes and whatnot so as to appear professional?  Even if I had dressy boots, I would not want to drip melting snow all over the floor.  In many downtown places, the restrooms are locked, so that option is out.  What do you suggest one does in a situation like this?

Dear Ronni,

Ah yes, Chicago.  The last time Working Girl was there it was really cold.  And that was in the month of April.  So she can only imagine what it’s like now!

In WG’s HO, this is a case where it’s not so much what you do but how you do it.  Everyone, including prospective bosses, knows that in snowy unplowed Chicago people are going to need to wear boots and whatnot.  Meaning: Your doing so is not a shameful secret you need to hide.

In fact, the whole what-to-do-with-your-boots/whatnot dilemma is a great opportunity to show that you handle life’s little (and, by extension, big) foibles with grace and class. 

What you do will vary with the situation: If there’s a nearby Starbucks, you might change in the restroom.  If there’s a building concierge, maybe he/she will let you borrow a back room.  If there’s a receptionist, ask her (most likely it’ll be a her) for the key to the ladies’ room.  Or to lend you an empty office.  Or at least let you have a chair so you can sit down to change shoes!

How you do it, on the other hand, will always be the same.  You will always be low-key, pleasant, and dignified.  You’ll smile.  You’ll ask for what you need, say thank you when you get it, and then let the whole matter drop.  In fact, needing to ask prospective employers for a little favor like two minutes to change from boots to pumps offers you a nice opportunity to establish a sense of fellow-feeling.  You know, that whole ”we’re all in this together” bonding thing.

So all you need is a decent-looking totebag for carrying your shoes, and then stowing your boots, and you’re good to go!  (A thought: If there’s a receptionist, you might ask her if you could leave the tote in the reception area so you don’t have to enter the interview room with too much, um, baggage.  But if you do have to greet the interviewer carrying all your stuff, set it down neatly, straighten up, smile, shake his/her hand, and proceed with the interview.) 

When in doubt, keep in mind one of WG’s favorite expressions:

“Never apologize, never explain.”

And good luck with your job hunt.  All the instability in the economy right now means uncertainty, sure, but it also means opportunity.  May you find that opportunity.  Or may it find you.  Happy New Year!

This entry was posted on Monday, December 29th, 2008 at 1:29 pm and is filed under ask Working Girl, career advice, job hunting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.