By Emma Strand, 9/24/2010
Yesterday, Olson, Thielen & Company came to campus and kicked off the 2010-2011 on-campus interview season. As the year progresses, more and more employers will be visiting Gustavus in search of outstanding new employees.
Although on-campus interviews take place on our home turf, typical “Gustie Gear” is not appropriate dress. You should treat these interviews exactly as you would treat an interview at the employer’s office—not like a class at Gustavus. Leave the sweatshirts and Ugg boots behind! Your dress should be professional and communicate that you take the interview seriously.
So, what is appropriate dress for an on-campus interview? This week we’ll cover women’s apparel; next week we’ll cover men’s apparel.
WOMEN
Ah, the dreaded question—do I have to wear a suit? Don’t fear ladies, today’s suits come in a variety of cuts, colors, and styles. When shopping for a suit, remember that it should fit correctly—not too tight, but not too loose. If you choose to wear a skirt, be sure that it is an appropriate length both when you are standing up and sitting down. Usually, skirts that fall just above the knee are an appropriate choice.
Fashion Friday by jvanosdol featuring suits
When thinking of color, remember that a job interview is not necessarily a good time to experiment. Yes, your outfit can express your personality—however, anything too crazy can distract from your qualifications and what you have to say. If you’d like to add a little color to your ensemble, choose a shirt that compliments your suit like the example below. The blue adds interest to the suit without being too much.
Finally, be careful when choosing jewelry and shoes for an interview. Your shoes should be clean, comfortable, and professional. Low heels or flats work well. Too high of heels and you’ll be worrying the way you walk more than your upcoming interview! While big earring and chunky bracelets are in style, interviews aren’t the right time to wear them. When answering questions and speaking with a potential employer, you want them to focus on you—not your sequined earrings. Although you need to be careful with jewelry, you don’t need to eliminate it all together. Simple necklaces or stud earrings can be a nice addition to your suit.
Untitled by jvanosdol featuring onyx jewelry