Many good jobs and worthwhile internships are competitive and hard to land. Once your hard work, expertly crafted 8.5×11 resume, and well-composed cover letter get you an interview, the last thing you want is appearance to ruin your chances. Here are some tips and suggestions for picking the best look to help you ultimately score the gig.
Rules:
- Be you
Make sure that what you wear expresses who you are, but nothing too bold or distracting. The employer should be focused on you and not your gaudy bangles.
- Consider the culture of the place you’re interviewing with
What kind of job will you be doing, and what do those people wear?
- It’s better to be formal than less
Stray away from jeans for most positions. If the job is casual make sure that the jeans are still sleek—NO rips or tears. This goes for tops too.
Eva Chen, beauty editor for Teen Vogue, gives advice on what to wear for a magazine interview (but I think it applies to almost any workplace):
“A common mistake, I think, that a lot of girls make is that they confuse working at a magazine for being in the magazine. As such, they’ll dress up in somewhat ridiculous get-ups on a daily basis or to the interview: crazy-tall heels that they can’t walk in, body-con dresses or skirts that are very…er…binding, ornate makeup that requires a ton of touching up. They look very done-up, but not exactly like they can work. And, really, what you’re doing when you’re interning or assisting is running around like a crazy person. You need to be nimble, spry, and dressed (fashionably) for comfort. For an interview I’d suggest a chic but comfortable outfit—I wore Miu Miu kitten heels, a little pleated skirt, and a black sweater, I think. Lots of black! But most importantly—and definitely more crucial: come prepared with knowledge of the company you’re applying for and a ready answer for why you deserve the job. Good luck!”
Look #1
Look #2
*Pair with black pants or skinny jeans