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Now is the time to start applying for summer internships and to start thinking about picking out the perfect interview outfit.
In order to ensure that you give a good first impression and land your dream job, I suggest a few fashion tips from Etiquette and Protocol Consultant, Virginia Edwards.
Edwards reminds us that “your visual presence is your business card.
Think of yourself as a living billboard,” she says.
In other words, think about how you are selling yourself.
As a college student, you most likely don’t have room in your budget to purchase expensive fashion pieces.
As much as I love a good deal, it is important to look for classic quality pieces for interviews.
Try to find pieces that you can end up wearing throughout your internship and jobs if you keep them well maintained.
The two most important pieces to splurge on are a suit and a good pair of shoes.
Edwards suggests to look for classic styles of suits in all-season wool that will keep its shape, wrinkle less and remain comfortable.
Choose a neutral color, like black or brown, that will be appropriate for multiple occasions.
As for shoes, choose a close-toed, leather pump for a professional look that will last.
You may cut back on spending when it comes to blouses, skirts and pants, but inexpensive should not mean cheap.
You still need to ensure that theses pieces are work appropriate and fit to perfection.
Avoid sheer fabrics or novelty prints on your blouses, which may be inappropriate.
There should not be gaps between the buttons on your blouses and always make sure to check, before purchasing a skirt, that it is the correct length both when sitting and standing.
Tips from Virginia Edwards:
1. Send all of your pieces to the dry cleaner at the same time; you don’t want your jacket to look a different age than your pants or skirt.
2. If you are standing in front your closet for more than a few minutes to figure out what to wear, you are trying too hard.
Stay with the classics and you will always be dressed appropriately.
3. Skirt suits are okay, but don’t wear ones, especially pencil skirts, that have a tight fit and restrict your movement.
4. You will be shaking many hands, so you want to avoid wearing a ring on your right hand.
If you want to more tips from Virginia Edwards on business etiquette, check her website, www.beyondmanners.com.
Also, visit Career Services at www.ut.edu/career or in Riverside 116.
They will give you tips on how to find a potential job and land an interview and explain how to dress for success.
Those are just a few of the many resources they have to offer!
