Interview 101

[Jessica Boucher]

Originally Posted by nehalita

Okay i have a question related but not exactly the same (it works with the subject so i figured i might as well...)

I'm going to an interview for a college sometime soon and I wanted to know what the standard is to where. My mom said nonsleeve is out of the question and i heard black is a no-no. Sometimes i've heard to wear a business suit and sometimes i've heard "no way!" Basically I'm confused. Anyone care to shed light on this subject? Much thanks.

For college, I've found that the middle of the road seems to work best. Wear everything of the suit except for the jacket itself. A nice, button down shirt paired with a skirt or nice slacks (I would suggest a tie, for the men...and nothing too nuts: I have a friend who owns a tie from a series designed in the spirit of Beatles songs...it has "HELP!" written in huge letters all over it. That's something I would not suggest.). Conservative accessories. And turn your cell phone off!

This way you're not over the top but you're still aiming to make a good impression. Of course, be comfortable with the clothes you're wearing. If they're going to not let you in because you didn't wear a jacket, then it's probably a place you wouldn't want to be at anyway.

[KarenH]

You might think about this for a college interview (maybe it would work for a job interview, too):

Look at the college's brochures. They always show happy, intelligent-looking students. Look at the pictures on the front cover, or in other prominent places. The college's marketing department should be projecting the image of the kind of student they want.

Now, look at what those students are wearing, and the attitude they're projecting. I think if you go about one step more conservative, you'll probably be dressed correctly.

Don't forget about hair, makeup, jewelry, and accessories. Even if the college doesn't care how many body piercings and hair colors you have, such items could be distracting. Above all, your attire should draw the eye towards your face--unless you want the interviewer to be paying attention to some other part of your body.

Here are some college websites. They actually don't have a lot of photos. Some of them cycle through several photos, so you may have to reload the pages a few times to arrive at a picture that shows the students.

This campus actually shows male students wearing ties, even coats. The female students are required to wear dresses or skirts. I think this would be considered a very conservative campus.

This campus appears a little more casual.
This campus is also casual--look for the fashionable eyewear.

And now, a corporate website.

[nehalita]

Originally Posted by KarenH

look at what those students are wearing, and the attitude they're projecting. I think if you go about one step more conservative, you'll probably be dressed correctly.

I never thought of it that way -- thanks, that really helps =).

[Elgin Clock]

Hey all, same idea, seperate question for a thread I made after experiencing yet another interview this week:


http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...threadid=39664
Replies appreciated. Thanks!