Drexel’s co-op is one of the things that sets our school apart but the interview process that comes with it is long and tedious. After you send out your resume to 25 companies you have to wait for a reply. In the mean time you’re thinking in your head, “I hope I get at least one interview.” Then the day comes. And suddenly there’s an email from your dream employer! Congrats! They saw something special on your resume. Now they want to meet the person behind the document. But now comes the hard part, what do you wear? Whether you’re traveling to Center City or you snagged an on-campus interview, here are some tips for putting together an appropriate interview outfit!
The Basics
You need a matching suit. It can be black, grey, brown, or navy. Just make sure it matches. There are a lot of affordable places in the city to purchase a suit. H&M usually has affordable pieces as well Nordstrom Rack. It will never hurt to buy one nice suit from Macy’s or JCPenny. If you spend a little more it will last longer and you will feel better on your big day. When you’re shopping, just remember that no suit will fit you perfectly. I would highly suggest getting your pieces tailored. It will definitely show off in the end.
Shoes
You need a nice pair of flats or heels. No pointed shoes, nothing open-toed and no heels over three inches. You are not going to a nightclub. Try to either match your shoes to your suit or complement it. I sometimes like to match my shoes to my purse. For spring and summer interviews, I use a nude colored pair of shoes and purse. Every thing tends to look a little more put together that way. Also high heels are not required for an interview. If you have trouble walking in them or if your interview requires you to walk a far distance, you can absolutely wear flats. Go with what makes you feel comfortable and confident! If heels make you feel like you’re on top of the world then rock them. Try to find a nice pair with a rounded tip. Nothing too flashy. You could do patent leather but try to stick with plain, black matte leather.
Shirts
Purchase a couple of different colored long sleeved collared shirts. I have four in white, royal purple, pink, and blue and white striped. Its nice to have a variety just in case you score several interviews, you can look professional and fresh every time. You will always have an extra if one gets stained. Make sure they are not too low cut. I like to wear a white undershirt just in case one of the buttons comes loose. Extra tip: If you wear a white shirt, wear a white bra. Save the black bra for dark colors.
Jewlery
Jewelry is not necessary for interviews. If you do wear jewelry, keep it simple. No chunky necklaces, gaudy rings, dangly earrings, or loud, bangle bracelets. I suggest small studs, a simple pendant necklace, and a professional watch instead of a bracelet. You don’t want to be looking at your cell phone for the time. Something with a leather or metal band. If you feel inclined to wear a ring, just wear a simple silver or gold band. You dont want to take the attention off of the conversation with all of the bling.
Purses and belts
Trying to find the perfect interview bag can be difficult but I’ve found that a neutral palette works best. A simple black bag for winter, and a cream one for summer will fit all of your interview needs. What you should have in your purse: hair brush, gum, lotion, chap stick, 1 or 2 pens, your portfolio (leather or professional looking) with extra copies of your resume, water, sunglasses, umbrella, headphones, and keys.
If your pants have belt loops, you can wear a belt if needed. Try to have it match your shoes and purse. Avoid patterns, glitter, and sparkle. Gold or silver accents or hardware is fine. Remember, we want the talking point to be you and your amazing skill set not your flashy accessories.
Makeup
Keep it light. No employer wants to see a smokey eye. Just a simple neutral eye shadow, maybe something to complement your eyes will do. No blue makeup. Golds and purples, and greens complement brown eyes. Pinks and browns will look great for blue eyes. A simple eye liner and a small amount of mascara to make your eyes pop and you’re all set. If you use foundation keep it light and fresh. Keep your lips neutral for the interview as well.
The Most Important Thing
Make sure you iron your clothes. You need to be wrinkle free when you step out of your apartment/dorm for your interview. Hang up your suit after every interview, so it is nice and crisp for the next one. If it’s wrinkly, just take the extra five minutes to iron it quickly, it’s worth it. I like to iron the night before an interview so everything is ready to go the day of!
If you follow these simple guidelines you will be sure to wow your future employer with a sophisticated and timeless look!