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It’s that time of year when you’re pounding the pavement, as they say, for your dream job or internship interview. And melted gum is bubbling up on said pavement because it’s really damn hot outside. Plus, that the sweaty subway ride packed in with the rest of humanity (or that long, sun-scorched walk from the parking lot) provide definite challenges to pulling off an impressive outfit. How are we supposed to wear a structured virgin wool blazer or tailored poly-blend trousers in this oppressive heat? (Obviously, a barely there slip dress or that breezy crop top and maxi-skirt combo we wore to Coachella aren’t going to cut it either.)
So, we decided to consult a two professional experts for summer interview wardrobe advice: 23-year-old CEO and founder of The Brand Girls, Rachael Bozsik and LinkedIn career expert Catherine Fisher. They gave us 9 tips creating the best, most hire-able profile ever.
Read on for Rachael and Catherine’s pro-tips on how to dress to both impress and stay cool and comfortable in the summer heat — and help land you that job!
1. First impressions do count.
Whether you’re interviewing for a role at a buttoned-up investment bank or a fashion-forward public relations firm, you want to wear an outfit that’s appropriate for that company’s corporate culture and dress code. That said, even if you’re interviewing at a t-shirt-filled tech start-up or it’s a summer casual Friday, you’ll still want to step it up a bit because first impressions count — and bad first ones are hard to overcome, as Catherin points out.
“Your outfit says so much about you before you even open your mouth,” Rachael says. So err on the side of conservative for a polished, elevated, but still appropriate to the environment look. Because you want to be saying, “this is how I would represent your company to clients and during presentations” with your lewk.
2. So, do your homework.
Since you don’t have that job and coveted window seat in the office just yet, you might not have the day-to-day intel on how everyone there usually dresses. That’s when the device you use to Snapchat your latest humblebrags to your friends will come in handy. Catherine, of course, suggests clique stalking your LinkedIn network to find contacts in similar roles at the company and messaging them for wardrobe advice. Also, start clicking around to see what office and work event photos are floating around the networking site. Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and all the social media are also great options for photo research — start creeping on company and employee feeds to get a feel for the corporate dress culture.
If you’re vying for a position at a large corporate office, try Rachael’s old school — on many levels — strategy: Call the front desk and, yes, talk to the (hopefully helpful) receptionist. “Say, ‘I’m coming in for an interview.’ You don’t need to say your name at all or what you’re interviewing for,” she explains. “[Say] ‘I just want to make sure that I’m on par with the dress code. I was planning on wearing a dress with X,Y and Z. I just want to make sure that’s okay.”
3. Remember, you will sweat.
But rest assured, Rachael has a few fashion hacks to basically disguise embarrassing perspiration. “Absolutely no greys,” she says because stainage will show through the hue. “Usually patterns will disguise sweat more than the solids,” she says. Also, stick to natural fibers like 100% cotton or silk “they’re more breathable than the synthetics” and a looser and flowy (but not a too-relaxed boho) silhouette — like a shirt-dress — will keep you cooler in muggy weather. A button-up shirt dress could be your
4. Yes, you can bare your arms.
“Stay away from spaghetti straps, but I certainly think you could wear a sleeveless dress,” Catherine says. Arm and shoulder-baring tops are totally appropriate, too, but as long as they pass what Rachael refers to as the “Four Finger Rule.” Basically, the fabric between your neckline and shoulder needs to have at least a four fingers width of coverage — if not more. Opt for a simple, polished piece, like a sleeveless button-down shirt or shell. If you’re wearing a dress (or pairing a top with a pencil or A-line skirt), make sure the hemline reaches the knee.
If you feel like your arms might be overexposed once you’re in your interview, bring a blazer or cardigan to layer on top before you walk in the office door. Just don’t put it on until you’re ready to walk into the lobby to minimize sweat and avoid feeling uncomfortable. “The last thing you want [is] to feel is to feel super flustered [before a job interview],” Rachael says.
5. Leave your flip-flops and strappy stilettos at home.
“I know it’s super hot, but always wear closed-toe shoes,” Rachael says. Even if the firm’s VP is known for wearing her strappy-est of Manolos or the tech genius CEO only wears Tevas at work, it’s still better to err on the side of conservative here, too. “It’s not impacting your whole outfit, so try to stay away [from open-toed-shoes] if you can,” she adds.
6. Hosiery is so yesterday.
As womankind breathes a sigh of relief, oppressive hosiery (which is bad enough in the winter) in the office place is no longer such a thing — well, most of the time. “Ugh, yeah,” groans Catherine. “You know, it’s been a long time since I’ve met anyone who felt like you had to wear that.” That said, if you’re unsure, she suggests asking a contact in your LinkedIn network (or your personal one) to confirm.
For consensus, Rachael consulted her professional networking group, which consists of female execs from large companies like AOL and Chobani yogurt. “They said they do not wear hosiery in the summer and they don’t expect interview candidates to do it as well,” she says. Whew. But again, if you’re unsure, double check.
7. Put on your outfit for a test run.
Rachael and Catherine both swear by the sit down test. Put on your entire outfit the night before and take a seat. “See if it wrinkles. Does your skirt scoot up? Whatever it is, so you’re prepared before you actually go into the interview,” says Rachael. Also, use the moment to make any styling tweaks while you still have time.
“The last thing you want to do is wake up and realize you still have to iron the shirt and you’re fretting about that as opposed to what you should be doing — which is going online to see what people are talking about in your network,” adds Catherine.
8. Watch the accessories.
If you’re interviewing with a bank, law firm or anything more conservative, stick with stud earrings and call it a day, says Rachael. If you’re headed somewhere more relaxed and creative, you have a bit more flexibility with fashion-forward jewelry, like elegant drop earrings or a metallic cuff. But, “take out all of your other cartilage earrings” and leave those colorful friendship bracelets from Bonnaroo in your jewelry box. (And remove those flash tattoos!)
9. Make the most out of being a student.
One last piece of advice from Rachael. Shop for interview basics, like that sleeveless blouse, shift dress or blazer at places that offer http://www.teenvogue.com/story/best-student-discounts-fall-2015 student discounts. You don’t have that job yet! She’s a big proponent of J. Crew, which offers 15% off. Also shop the more office-appropriate pieces from Topshop at 10% off or Madewell at 15% off. “If something’s already on sale at 50% off, you throw on 15%, that’s incredible,” she says.
Related: What To Wear To A Job Interview
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