| Higher Education: Dressing for the Interview Written by: Shiva Threatts It's February and the last Spring semester for graduating high school seniors. So, what's next for senior girls? Well, with college applications out of the way, now is a great time to reevaluate your wardrobe in preparation for a more ‘collegiate’ and professional look. But don’t worry you won’t have to break the bank to graduate your closet. Transitioning from a casual look to a more sophisticated and mature look is easier than you think. And the best place to start is with what you already have in your closet. The thing that sets college apart from high school is not just the freedom and responsibilities, but also the activities that are offered to students. No longer do you have to work your job at the local grocery store or smoothie joint, college opens the door to more opportunities in internships and professional office positions with companies. To snag these positions having an air-tight resume is only half of the battle. Looking the part can also provide an edge over your competitors. To begin reshaping your wardrobe, think simple and elegant pieces. A simple two piece skirt and jacket or pants and jacket suit always looks professional. Do keep in mind though, that where you plan on attending school makes a big difference in what types of fabrics will best suit your suit. Those in colder climates should look out for suits made of thick cotton fibers, wool, cashmere, or a wool/cashmere blend. These fabrics guarantee that with a solid coat, you can maintain your composure in cooler weather while still looking well quaffed and ready for work. For interviews it is important to remember that a pair of pantyhose with your suit goes a long way to show professionalism in an office setting. And wearing a simple color beneath your suit top also allows for more of the attention to be focused on you and not on the color of your clothes. The same goes for accessories. True it is hard for a girl to resign her favorite pair of earrings or a necklace, but simple is always better when it comes to looking professional. A small set of gold, silver, or pearl earrings and a necklace can complete an office apparel look. Just remember, simplicity allows for more versatility and creativity. Dr. Sharon E. Miller, provost of Polk Community College in Winter Haven, Florida, who has been the participant in many interviews and now officiates them for office interns and professionals in the educational arena, shared some of her tips to starting off an excellent interview. She remarked that basic cuts, pantyhose, small jewelry, and all around simplicity is the best professional look in the office and at interviews. She suggests shopping for simple pieces during the department store off seasons, such as now after the winter holidays. “During an interview the attention should not be on what you are wearing but on your personality and your resume, anything but simple can detract from the product you are trying to pitch, yourself.” Dillards department store is well known for its sales and the quality of its products, as well as off brand stores such as T.J. Maxx. Shopping during sales allows you to save on cost and collect more pieces on a budget than you may have been able to do when items first hit store shelves. So, remember when it comes to dressing the part, simple is better. And do not fret. There will be plenty of other days on campus, when you can return to the more expressive, colorful, and casual clothing styles that have become so familiar during high school. |
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