It is always important to look professional when going to a job interview, internship interview, or even a job or internship fair. For women, it can be tricky to distinguish between what is appropriate to wear and what is not. With so many choices out there, how can you possibly narrow it down? Use the following guide to figure out the do’s and don’ts of professional dress.
Job Interview/Internship Interview: If you’re going to a job or internship interview it is extremely important to look professional and polished. This means NO low-cut tops or short dresses. If the interview you are going to is for a professional company, it is best to wear a pantsuit. Stick to either a black or gray suit. You’ll want the pants to fit, but not be too tight, the jacket to fit, and the sleeves to be at an appropriate length. Under your jacket you can wear a dressy top or a camisole.
Remember: If you choose a camisole, you cannot take off your jacket because the camisole is sleeveless and therefore not appropriate. That also goes for the dressy top as well. If your dressy top is cut high enough and is not sleeveless, then it is ok to take off your jacket while you’re at the interview.
Choose a pair of heels that are close-toed. Choosing a pair of black pumps would be appropriate. Make sure the heal is not too high; you don’t want to look like you’re going clubbing. Refrain from strappy, glittery or bright shoes as well. If you are tall or prefer not to wear heals, a pair of subdued flats would be appropriate. Be sure that they are dressy enough, but not too flashy.
Feel free to dress up your outfit with jewelry. You can keep it simple with a pair of studded earrings and a necklace, or you can choose brighter, more fun pieces. Perhaps a pair of colorful dangle earrings with a matching necklace would spruce up your outfit. Have fun with the jewelry part, but make sure it doesn’t overpower your outfit or is too distracting during the interview. You want the perspective employer to focus on YOU and what you have to say, not on your jewelry.
Job/Internship Fair: Attending a job or internship fair is a much more relaxed setting. However, you must still look professional. If you feel comfortable in a pantsuit, then that is certainly appropriate to wear. If you want to dress a bit more fun, that is fine too. A dress or a pencil skirt is appropriate. If you are looking for a dress, make sure it is not cut too low, and the dress falls just above the knee. Anything shorter is not appropriate. Be sure the dress is not too tight. Again, you don’t want to look like you’re going clubbing. Depending on the season, brighter colors are appropriate but make sure the dress is not too “busy” with tons of colors and patterns. The same rules apply with a pencil skirt or other type of skirt. You can even wear a pair of dress pants with a dressy top if dresses and skirts aren’t your style. Again, the top you choose cannot be low cut or sleeveless unless you plan to wear a jacket the entire time.
The above rules apply with shoes and jewelry as well.
Stores to shop at:
• The Limited
• Banana Republic
• New York and Company
• Macy’s
• Nordstrom
Remember to have fun with this! Picking out professional dress can be less than exciting, but make it exciting by finding things that suit your style and flatter your body. The key is to find clothes that you feel confident in. When you feel confident, you’ll shine at an interview or job fair, and this will make you noticed in a positive way.