Ladies of Wake Forest University, it is officially internship hunting season. You’ve found the best summer opportunities, stalked your favorite companies, submitted killer applications, fit 27 action verbs into your resume, and networked your heart out. However, before you can land your dream internship, chances are you’re going to have to interview for the position, which can be daunting and unpredictable.
An interview is a great opportunity to show a potential employer your personality and express yourself more genuinely than possible in a one-page cover letter. In this sort of situation your personal presentation is also very important, especially making that great first impression!
There are a few things to master to help you get off on the right foot – be on time, make eye contact, smile, be polite and put your phone on silent! The aspect that tends to be more difficult is how to dress, and, like it or not, it is also very important.
The standard attire for an internship or job interview is business formal. The Office of Personal and Career Development has a concise cheat-sheet on what qualifies as business formal: a dark, tailored suit with a solid or subtly-patterned blouse, close-toed shoes with a low heel, minimal jewelry, and a modestly-sized bag. Although this is a good starting point, it may raise even more questions. How do I know if my suit fits right? How do I dress for an interview without looking like my mom? What can I do to stand out and be memorable?
Express yourself with a fun but subtle patterned blouse (Ann Taylor)
The answer is in finding a balance between what is appropriate and what speaks to your personal style and makes you feel confident. If you’re starting from scratch, visit brands that cater to young female professionals, like J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor, which carry suiting designed with a more youthful cut. Department stores that carry seasonal collections such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue will also have options that are trendier. Fitting a suit correctly is something that takes a lot of practice, but when a suit does fit right it’s much more flattering and it will make you look polished and professional. Most stores that carry a business formal line also train their employees on how to fit a suit, so the best thing you can do is ask a sales associate for help! Chances are they’ll be happy to walk you through the whole process and you may even help them earn a sales commission! It also never hurts to ask about in-store tailoring services; most department stores offer complimentary alterations.
Choosing the rest of your outfit is less challenging than finding the perfect suit, and you can let your fabulous personality show via your choices. Considering the formality of your interview, choose a shirt or blouse that works well with the neckline of your blazer. The fabric and cut of your blouse are great options for refining your individual style, as is color choice. Fabrics like raw silk, crepe, cotton and wool provide interesting texture and depth while still being high quality and business-formal appropriate. Choosing a color can be overwhelming, so look at what’s fashionable now. For example, a classic black suit with a clean white blouse has interesting contrast and minimalist appeal. Going monochromatic with black and grey also feels very current and streamlined. My favorite color combination right now (picked up in Paris so you know it’s legitimate) is black and navy; it looks slick and chic. Prints are a possibility too; they are an easy way to add a personal touch, just use your best judgment as to the intensity of the print, and keep the cut of the shirt classic. The strategy for planning an interview outfit is to determine how you can adapt the business formal dress code to your personal taste while still keeping it respectful and appropriate.
With the outfit picked out, we are brought to the problem of shoes. Heels are your best bet, but the ones you wore the Last Resort on Thursday are not the right pair. Choose pumps you can walk in, with a closed toe and a moderate heel. They should coordinate with your suit, so stick to black, navy, grey or even nude if it’s seasonally appropriate. A quality material like leather or suede, and a flattering design (think almond-toe, single sole and a slender heel) are important in choosing a shoe that will enhance your ensemble without drawing unnecessary attention to your feet. We want your interviewer looking at your gorgeous face and listening to all the smart things you’re saying!
Keep it classic with black and white (J. Crew)
Jewelry should also play a supporting role; try not to mix metals or wear any overwhelming pieces. Pearls are always a safe and classy bet, and wearing a watch will make you look responsible and pulled together. Make sure your purse is clean and in good condition. You can probably borrow one from your mom without aging your look. The goal is to have a neat bag where you can stash your car keys, cell phone, and sunglasses during your interview so you aren’t distracted.
A great outfit can give you the confidence boost you need to nail an interview, but an outfit you don’t feel comfortable in can do the opposite and distract you from the task at hand. At the end of the day every internship, interviewer and interviewee is different, so use your best judgment to find the outfit that you think will help you nail the interview, get the job and set yourself on your way to the best summer ever!
For more information on how to rock business formal, come to the “Dress For Success” Short Course hosted by Student Union, The OPCD, and Her Campus WFU on Thursday, February 13 at 5 p.m. For more information on how to register, click here.
*Article by Lauren Doolittle