what to wear to an internship interview

Guri Bee

2 min read

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20-10-2024

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Ace Your Internship Interview: A Guide to Dressing for Success

Landing an internship can be the first step on your career journey. To make a great first impression, it's essential to nail your interview attire. But with so many options, where do you start? We'll break down the dos and don'ts, providing insights based on real advice from experienced professionals on GitHub.

The Importance of First Impressions:

Remember, your outfit communicates your professionalism and seriousness about the opportunity. It's a chance to show your personality while still conveying respect for the company and the interviewer.

General Guidelines:

• Dress for the company culture: Check the company's website or LinkedIn to gauge their dress code. A startup might be more casual, while a corporate environment requires a more formal approach.
• Choose comfortable clothing: You want to feel confident and relaxed, so avoid anything restrictive or uncomfortable.
• Pay attention to details: Iron your clothes, polish your shoes, and ensure your accessories are neat and minimal.

What to Wear:

• For Men: A tailored suit in a dark color like navy or grey is a classic choice. You can also wear a crisp button-down shirt and dress pants with a tie (optional). Ensure your shoes are polished and socks match your pants.
• For Women: A tailored dress, skirt and blouse, or pantsuit are all great options. Avoid anything too revealing or overly casual.
• For Everyone: Consider a blazer or cardigan for a touch of polish. Choose shoes that are comfortable and professional. Keep jewelry and accessories minimal and avoid anything that might be distracting.

What to Avoid:

• Overly casual clothing: Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers are generally not appropriate.
• Distracting attire: Loud patterns, excessively short skirts, or anything too revealing can be a distraction.
• Unprofessional accessories: Avoid excessive jewelry, large bags, or anything that might detract from the interview.

Real Advice from GitHub:

• "I'd say to dress one level above what you would wear to the office. So if you're interviewing at a company with a business casual dress code, wear a suit." — GitHub user
• "For a tech internship, it's more about being presentable and clean than necessarily being formal. A nice shirt, slacks, and polished shoes are a safe bet." — GitHub user
• "I always recommend dressing for the job you want, not the job you have. Even if the internship is entry-level, show that you're taking it seriously." — GitHub user

Remember: While your outfit is important, it's just one element of the interview process. Focus on being prepared, confident, and enthusiastic, and your personality will shine through!