You just graduated from college. Everyone is so proud of you and now it’s time to get a job, make your dreams come true and wear the right clothes and it means getting rid of your college garb. I know you have lots of pressures out in the real world but don’t worry, with these helpful tips you are well on your way. I’m also just a phone call away. Remember, Julia Child didn’t begin cooking until the age of 35 in an all male profession at the time. You can do anything you set your mind to. Go do it.
A) How many sweatshirts do you really need? Narrow it down to your 3 favorites (no HOLES).
In fact, throw out anything in your closet that has holes. That includes:
- Underwear
- Socks
- T-shirts (okay, you can keep 1 of your faves—I said 1!)
- Pants
- Jeans (only keep ones with holes that make sense, you know the fashionable ones)
B) Vintage/salvation army shops are great for deals and unique pieces. Plus, Kohls, Target, and JCP are all-affordable and have timeless pieces you can buy
to hit those big interviews.
C) Generally speaking make sure you are well groomed, but especially when the occasion calls for it. That means:
- Your hair is washed, cut and styled
- Your shoes should always be devoid of scuffs
- Your fingernails are clipped and clean and if you’re a nail biter stop this instant (this will prevent creeping out people of the opposite sex, or same sex, or both who you want to get to know better)
Imagine yourself in your ideal job, position, and life goal and start dressing like that.
…And when going for that all important dream job interview…
- Do not wear perfume or cologne (but definitely DO wear deodorant). You don’t want to have your interviewer cough, have an allergic reaction, or be reminded of their psycho ex-girlfriend who wore that same fragrance when they meet you.
- Remove your piercings and cover your tattoos. There is a time and a place to show off these fantastic expressions of your individuality. A job interview is not one of them.
- Practice your handshake. Ladies (or gentlemen) if you’re a dead fish, strengthen that grasp!
- Over and above all this, know your audience and play to that. Attire for interviewing for an internship at a fashion house will be very different from an entry-level position at Fidelity Investments, which will be very different from a job as a research assistant in a science lab.
- Ladies: the skirts must not be above the knee on an interview. Keep it tasteful, professional, and err on the side of conservative. Avoid stretchy pants, yoga pants, pajama pants, and anything of the pajama jean ilk. At the same time, avoid the overly made-up look. Your one-of-a-kind nail polish and super dangle-y earrings will be great to show off to your co-workers once you’ve landed that job.
- Gentlemen: Make sure your clothes are ironed and clean. SHAVE. (These apply to you, too, ladies!)
NOW GO MAKE IT HAPPEN and GET THAT JOB!!!!
I agree with this so much!
Also for the ladies, a button down blouse (no cleavage) is more professional looking than a pull over top bought at the Gap.
Don’t go by what your “friends” wear, they may already have their job of choice.
First impression can make or break an interview.
Bernadett,
Thank you so much for this helpful advice. I feel more confident now that I’m about to step into the job of my dreams!!
I appreciate your refreshingly honest advice on life and fashion.
Erin
p.s. Is it true that in Boston they say “if she smells like feta you betta fegget heh?”
Bern,
I wish you would have seen the look of guilt on my face when I read about jeans with holes. Ooooops.