- It’s interview time! The last week of school means that high school and college kids are interviewing like crazy to line up the sweetest and most profitable summer job. I was lucky to have both my interviews in the same week–and lucky enough to be offered both positions (hooray). I thought I’d do a quick breakdown of interview appropriate dress. There is no one-correct-interview-outfit. The rule I’ve always relied on is to dress one level up from where you’re interviewing. For example, high school I worked at target in a uniform of khakis and red shirts (ugh) but for the interview I wore black dress pants and a blouse. It is really important to recognize what type of environment you are interviewing for and build your outfit based on that.
- cardigan: store in Norway; blouse: borrowed from rommie; pants & belt: thrifted; shoes: borrowed from Katie (by way of F21); hair bow: F21
I wore the above outfit for an interview at a clothing boutique. I chose nice slacks and heels because the dress code in the store is business casual. I wore the bright blue blouse and pink cardigan because it was not a very serious interview. I was applying to work in a fashion/retail position and I wanted to sell my style. I kept my accessories simple with a flower headband and a classic pendant necklace. My goal for this outfit was to be stylish and very classic. I did not want my outfit to be too funky or trendy because I had pink hair and wanted to down play any “punk” vibes.
dress: H&M; blouse: thrifted; scarf: vintage; boots: target
This second outfit was for an internship interview at a well-known museum in D.C. I went with a black dress and white blouse to be more business than business-casual. Since I was interviewing for a position in the costumes and textiles department I added the scarf as flavor. I knew that the position I wanted was part of the creative side of the museum so I was not worried about showing a little funk in my dress. Still, I kept most of the outfit very simple and classic. Ideally I would have worn ballet flats or pumps but it was very rainy so I wore boots for my seven block walk from the metro to the museum.
Not sure where these items are from but Ada made a point to mention that she wore skin tone hosiery "a must in the business world."
I asked my good friend Ada (and future roommate) to explain to me her interview outfit. Ada currently works in the banking worlds and, while she is in the Public Relations/Graphic Design section of the industry, it is still very conservative. Ada wore a black dress and white button-up–if you plan to work in business/professional you will need at least one black skirt (pencil, a-line, even flared) and a white button up–and black pumps. She kept her jewelery simple but still managed to show her individual style with a delicate flower necklace.
shirt: thrifted; pants: Kohl's; belt: Kohl's
Don’t worry boys, I didn’t forget you. This is what Kenneth wore to his interview with the State Police. A nice button up shirt and khaki slacks. Males have it fairly simple when it comes to interview uniforms. Slacks, a button up and a blazer or suit and tie. If you are interviewing for a conservative law firm I would recommend keeping to the traditional black suit, white shirt, and a classic print tie. However, if you’re interviewing in the creative industries it would be acceptable to wear a funky skinny tie or a shirt in a non-traditional color. Oh, don’t forget dress shoes!
shoes: Kohl's
Interviewing can be very stressful but picking out an outfit shouldn’t be. It’s really easy to dress appropriately for your interview. Remember–it’s all about understanding the environment you’re interviewing in. There is no need, however, to sacrifice your individual taste. In a conservative environment, stick with a subtle statement necklace, bracelet or tie. In a more liberal environment there are more possibilities for expressing yourself.
Also, if this is a starter job (your first job in a certain field) don’t be afraid to ask your interviewer the dress code for the place you will be working at!
Good luck!
. The last time I was at the cherry blossom festival (four-ish years ago) it was so hot I was almost dying in jeans. It’s crazy how the weather has changed. Tuesday was peak but if you’re in the area you should try and check it out!
! All the necessities covered. haha.
