College is tough. Finding a job or internship can be even harder. The one place where a first impression is most important is in an interview. Your qualifications and strengths may be what really matters, but if you show up to an interview looking like you just rolled out of bed or you’re ready to spend a night out on the town, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for a follow-up call. As a college student, I’ve heard a million and one times that an interviewer spends roughly six seconds looking at your resume. You spend countless hours perfecting that resume, so why not spend a fair share of your time finding the perfect interview-ready outfit!
Before heading to the mall and grabbing the first skirt suit you see (cringe), think about the job or internship you’re going in for. What you wear to an interview at a law firm may not be the same outfit you’d choose if you were heading in for a job at a fashion magazine. When you are dressing for an interview, you should feel confident and comfortable. Wear an outfit that reflects your personality as long as it still screams, “professional.” You want to wear pieces that complement your shape but are in no way provocative or revealing. More often than not, a nice pencil skirt, fitted blazer or pair of cigarette pants will not fit properly right off the rack. Don’t be afraid to buy an awesome interview-worthy piece that’s a size too big; just find a tailor you trust and have their number on speed dial. Properly tailoring your clothes can not only make you look a thousand times better, but it can also make your clothes look a thousand times more valuable.
Heels or flats? Don’t even pretend to look toward your collection of sky-high pumps that come in every color of the rainbow. Just like a nice nude or black pair of flats can pull together a professional outfit, so can a sophisticated pair of heels. As for the top, you can never go wrong with a simple white button-up. When choosing the perfect button-up to wear to your big interview, stay away from sheer chiffon tops. Even if you choose to wear a cami or slip under your slightly sheer top, it can still make you look disheveled and unprofessional. As important as your actual clothing may seem, accessories are just as crucial. Wearing sleek jewelry will pull your look together and a polished, structured bag will make you look organized and most importantly, professional.
This Fashionista is wearing a great interview-ready outfit! The length and style of her skirt is professional and on-trend. The best part of this ensemble is her white button-up with sharp black detailing. Her minimal jewelry and simple flats polish off the look along with her sleek ponytail.
One Simple Change: This Fashionista can swap her simple flats for a pair of sky-high stilettos suitable for a night out or dinner with friends.
