One of the weird parts about being in college is that I am always interviewing. When you think about it, it makes sense, but it isn’t something that people tell you about when you start your undergraduate studies. I suppose there are bigger transitions that preoccupy your mind, such as living on your own for the first time and starting fresh at a new school. Nonetheless, the beginning of your college years is also the beginning of your interviewing years. I remember going to an event my freshmen year that required professional clothes. You should have seen me stumbling through the racks at H&M looking for an outfit, while simultaneously Googling the differences between the various classifications of business dress codes. Fortunately, I found some great basics in neutral colors that I still wear to work three years later. My personal favorite is a shift dress in a shade of white that is halfway to calling itself grey. The silhouette is clean and chic, reminiscent of 60’s mod fashion. In addition to those H&M basics I acquired as a newbie to college, I have since expanded my professional wardrobe to include some great staples. Many of them are still from H&M, but a growing amount of pants and dresses are from Banana Republic, including this blue sheath dress. Do you ever put on an outfit and go “I look amazing!”? Well this dress does exactly that for me. Every time I wear this dress, I feel like I can take on the world. It’s a true #girlboss feeling.
When it comes to styling a chic dress in a statement color, I like to stick to subtle and delicate details. A nude heel is perfect, for it isn’t overwhelming or trying to steal the show away from the dress. Classic jewelry is also a great way to finish off the look. Because of the high neckline, I would personally prefer to focus on choosing the perfect earrings rather than a necklace. If you are going for a clean and minimalistic look, I suggest diamond studs to keep it simple. If you want a slightly bolder look, you could get away with a larger earring. However, one thing I almost always wear is an accessory on my left wrist! As a kid, a wore an ID bracelet for my penicillin allergy. I wore that bracelet for so many years that I could never shake the feeling of needing something on my left wrist. When I’m not wearing my Apple Watch, I wear my Rosefield mixed metal watch. You will almost always find me with one or the other!
However now that you look the part, it’s important to act the part. Interviewing can be tricky, but there are a few good rules of thumb that I always follow. Every person will give you different interviewing advice, but if you don’t know where to begin, this is a good place to start.
- Lay out and/or pack everything the night before. Lay out all your clothes the night before so that you don’t have to waste time on your outfit the morning of. It’s better to stay up a little later to make sure everything is how you like it than to be late to your interview. Also, they probably already have copies of this, but be sure to bring an extra copy of your resumé, cover letter, references, or anything else they might need from you. It never hurts to be a little over prepared. I usually stash these things in my pad folio that I keep in my black work tote.
- Research the firm and the position before your interview. You should be educated on what the company does, who their customers are, what they’re up to in the news, etc. If you want to work there, it’s important that you know who they are and what’s going on. Also be sure you know what position you are interviewing for, and be ready to address any questions or concerns they might have for you. While you are doing this research, be sure to keep note of any questions you might have for them. You can always ask them these things during the interview.
- A lot of interviews start off with similar questions, so have your answers and stories ready. Don’t rehearse too much because you want to stay organic. However, they will expect you to have prepared, and you should live up to that expectation. I’m sure you have some sort of an idea as to what they might ask you, so start thinking about how you should answer!
- Be nice to everyone. At the very least, this just puts good energy in the air, and karma might help you out a little. Be bubbly, kind, and friendly to everyone you meet from security to the people working the front desk to big shot executives. You want to be someone they want to work with.
- It may sound both cliché and redundant, but remember to look the part. When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, people can tell…and you might make a better first impression. First impressions can go a long way. Make sure your clothes look good, your hair is done, and your makeup is tasteful. It shows more than just that you care about how you look. It also gives the impression that you are professional and put-together.
Although there are about a million other things I could add to this list, I think this is a good place to start because it solves a lot of little problems that could distract your mind from the big picture: getting the job! Whether you are interviewing for a position on a student organization, a job, or an internship it is important that your interview skills are top notch. It’s a competitive world out there! However, the interview can be your place to seal the deal. I have a lot of interviews ahead of me, especially as I start looking for jobs for when after I graduate. At least I know I will look the part and that my interview skills are on point!
xx
Emily
