How-To: Interview #OOTD
Harvey Specter said it well. “People respond to the way we dress, so like it or not, this is what you have to do.” As the enrolled and the employed make their way back to their desks after savoring the remaining vestiges of summer, the fresh grads make their way forward into the proverbial real world. If you’re one of them, Harvey’s words are as much for you as for rookie associate Mike Ross. Your interview outfit is as crucial as your résumé and cover letter as you look to land your first job, no matter what field. I’ve put together a few industry-appropriate looks you can base your interview outfits on.
Corporate. Involves dealing with clients—sales, accounts management, communications, public relations, marketing, law, real estate, banking, or finance.
Play it safe: You’ll typically be interviewing for an office with a conservative workplace environment, so stick to an impressive professional look: crisp button-down, black or gray suit and pencil skirt or pants with classic accessories.
Play it up: Conservative doesn’t have to be boring. Keeping the rest of your outfit within the traditional silhouette, try a button-down and tailored blazer in a light pastel hue that’s pleasing to the eyes. Keep accessories simple and elegant.
Button-down and pencil skirt, Mango. Blazer, River Island. Pumps, Forever 21. Watch, Titan. Necklace, SM Accessories. Hype this on Lookbook here, vote on Chictopia here.
Creative. Involves, well, being creative: fashion, graphic design, art direction, writing, editing, photography, media, advertising, music or theater.
Play it safe: While a creative job means no one expects you to show up in a business suit, you’ll still have to exude professionalism and reliability. The idea is to show that you’re chic and smart: try trendy pieces mixed with structured items.
Play it up: Even if employees turn up in jeans and sneakers, don’t. Show you made an effort to dress well for that job. Let your outfit tell a bit about your individuality through interesting prints and a quirky accessory, but nothing over-the-top. Keep it balanced.
Top, Mango. Blazer, pants and shoes, Forever 21. Necklace, SM Accessories. “Stories of You” bracelet, Trollbeads. Hype on Lookbook here, vote on Chictopia here.
Hospitality. Involves dealing with specialized customer service: boutiques, restaurants, hotels, airlines, resorts, spas, or recreational establishments.
Play it safe: A good outfit for this industry interview combines the above tips for corporate and creative—you’ll have to look like someone who’s professional and impressive, but at the same time knows how to make guests feel relaxed.
Play it up: It’s best to keep your makeup, hair and accessories low-key, but there’s no harm in going for color and femininity with your outfit. Try a form-flattering dress and classy pumps in earth tones, balance out with metal accessories.
Dress, Mango. Pumps, Forever 21. Watch, Titan. Earrings, SM Accessories. Hype this on Lookbook here, vote on Chictopia here.
Social work. Involves public service: non-government organizations, government agencies, non-profits, churches, health clinics or public schools.
Play it safe: Modesty is key, so nothing flashy or sexy. Still, avoid shirts and denim at all costs. Go for khaki or cotton pants, a collared button-down, and basic accessories. Dressing too casually for any interview shows a lack of respect and effort.
Play it up: Keep your look low-key yet stylish by going monochrome instead of monotone—instead of the usual black-and-white, for example, go for maroon in light and dark shades, punctuated with some metallic accessories.
Button-down, Marks & Spencer. Pants, Forever 21. Flats, Dorothy Perkins. Watch, Titan. Hype on Lookbook here, vote on Chictopia here.
Bottomline. These are just examples; there are hundreds of jobs and companies these days and it would be hard to cookie-cutter categorize each one’s dress code. Whatever position, you’re looking to apply for, it pays to dress SMART:
S – Start from scratch, all bases covered: dental hygiene in check, eyebrows tweezed, unwanted hairs waxed, fingernails clean and trimmed, hair the right cut and color.
M – Makeup and hair. Keep everything neat and polished. With makeup, stick to natural colors that go well with any outfit. Make sure your hairstyle shows your face.
A – Accessories. Your bag, shoes, and jewelry should simply complement your outfit. It’s your personality and skills you’ll want to stand out for, not your giant necklace.
R – Research. Check out the company’s website, Facebook page, or office area to get a feel of the employees’ general “style” and how you can incorporate it with yours.
T – Trends. It wouldn’t hurt to apply something current to your outfit. It shows your style and makes you stand out. It could be an on-trend print, color or accessory—just make sure you keep it subtle and low-key if you’re interviewing for the more conservative positions.
I hope this helps! Excited? Which jobs are you looking to interview for? Share your thoughts in the comments, ask for more tips, or tweet me @shailagarde.