You Are So Beautiful…

By: Shelley Elkins, Project Manager, TeleSpectrum Worldwide, currently working with Estee Lauder Companies Consumer Communications in a co-source relationship 

You wrote the dreaded essay, sent in the application fee, and now you’re preparing for the interview. Of course you know exactly what you’ll say—you’re the ideal candidate for the university of your choice.

One problem: you don’t have a THING to wear and the phrase “bad hair day” sums up what’s going on under your baseball cap. My advice: KISS—Keep It Simple Students. Here are a few helpful hints:

For Men—Okay guys, you love your faded jeans and that soft stretched-out sweater, but that’s not what works in the dean of admission’s office. You’re possibly the next Bill Gates, Pablo Picasso, or Steven Spielberg—you may even be applying to an art school, but play it safe for one day. Trust me, a nice collared shirt (ironed), pressed neutral colored pants, jacket, and tie still make the best impression. Keep it clean obviously. You’re showered, shaved, and your smile lights up the room. Your hair is recently cut and your shoes are shined. You have taken out your earrings, and jewelry is at a minimal. Take a look at what is out there in the mainstream men’s fashion magazines as well as checking out local store windows. Create a look that suits your personality as well as your ability to positively influence your interview.

For Women—You look fabulous in your fitted pants and leather jacket. You give the entire female cast of Friends a run for their money. In fact, YOU were the inspiration for the infamous Jennifer Anniston haircut. All of the makeup books tell you to load up on lip gloss and lavender eye shadow. Take it easy, lionesses. You’re now staring across the desk from someone your parents’ ages. Dazzle the world with your shimmering pizzazz outside the interview. The skirt shouldn’t be too short, the heels too high, the hosiery too daring, and nothing too tight. You’re not looking for a date, you’re sending the message of the confident “Woman of the Future.” Choose from a makeup pallet that enhances your natural beauty—not colors that scream Crusty the Clown. Visit a department store cosmetic counter for a makeover to try out new faces. Maintain your individuality but consider your audience. Chances are you will want to keep the focus off your gleaming crimson nails and on your stunning intelligence. Send a message of dynamic assurance. Stay relatively neutral in color choice, iron everything that needs to be, and keep your hair flattering. Think “polished.”

The key to success as you speak with people with power over your fate is to make all choices with the specific campus culture in mind. Visit the school or speak with someone currently enrolled to get the best ideas for acceptable interview wear. Stay conservative. Your interview process consists of a few seconds compared to the time you will actually spend in class and at parties. Embark on fashion adventures AFTER you receive your acceptance letter. Until then, keep the fishnet stockings and the sweatshirt at home.

Best of luck!