Interview Outfit Advice

[oobiecoo]

I will be applying for a few different internship poisitions in the next month or so and was wanting some advice as to what to wear. I''ll probably buy an outfit ahead of time so I don''t have to rush around at the last minute to find something that fits (not an easy task) before an interview.

The internship positions will be with Interior Design Firms or Architecture Firms so should I stick with a dark suit or be more creative since its a creative field? Thanks!

 

[radiantquest]

I am not a fashionista, but I would do a dark, well tailored suit with a splash or color for creativity. Heels too.

 

[kama_s]

I''d probably do a neutral suit and jazz it up with a funky silk scarf. Good luck!

 

[elrohwen]

I would do a dark suit, but maybe dress it up with an unexpected button-down shirt color and maybe an accessory with a pop of color. My recent favorite combo is a navy suit with lavender button down shirt and one red accessory (earrings, belt, shoes, or bag).

 

[shertz1981]

I would keep all clothing neutral (dark suit, normal shirt), but accent with cool pumps (closed toe) and one interesting piece of jewelry.

I would also carry my nicest bag

 

[Hera]

Date: 1/19/2010 3:44:15 PM
Author: kama_s
I'd probably do a neutral suit and jazz it up with a funky silk scarf. Good luck!

Thiis is what I did when I went for my Interior Design internship except I used more colorful accessories instead of a scarf. I don't really think it's necessary to wear a dark suit because many design firms don't dress up that far (the three firms I interviewed at were completely casual in jeans) but a neutral suit would be great. The only exception I would make is with a larger architecture firm where I would dress a little more formally. I'm sure you know to bring your portfolio. Good luck!

 

[oobiecoo]

Thanks for the tips everyone! Would a less traditional jacket shape like this one be acceptable paired with a matching skirt? Or should I stick to the classic, tailored jaacket? http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/suiting/stretchwool/PRDOVR~18845/18845.jsp
I''m pregnant and already showing so I think a jacket like this would help hide it a little better.


Also a portfolio question... I have a couple of bound projects so would it be acceptable to present those separately or do I need to figure out a way to out them into the portfolio? I don''t even know how to make a portfolio... I''m taking a class on that this semester but that won''t help me much in the next month. I don''t know why they make us take this class at the very end when most people have already done their internships or are already interviewing!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I''d stick with traditional. The idea of wearing a dark suit with either a blouse or scarf of a fun print sounds perfect. Then simple black heels with closed toes.

A book on interviewing (which is sitting on my bookcase next to me) says jewelry should always be kept to a minimum. It''s distracting the person interviewing you.

(Also with a traditional suit, you can have it altered after your pregnancy so it''s more of an investment piece.)

Good luck!

 

[Erin]

I would wear navy slacks - well hemmed, blue window pane plaid shirt, different pattern but coordinating scarf and a sweater cardigan.

You need a portfolio case for all your artwork. Well organized with tissue paper separating your drawings and documentation on what you did/when and for what reason.

 

[Hera]

Date: 1/19/2010 4:49:18 PM
Author: oobiecoo
Thanks for the tips everyone! Would a less traditional jacket shape like this one be acceptable paired with a matching skirt? Or should I stick to the classic, tailored jaacket? http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/suiting/stretchwool/PRDOVR~18845/18845.jsp
I''m pregnant and already showing so I think a jacket like this would help hide it a little better.


Also a portfolio question... I have a couple of bound projects so would it be acceptable to present those separately or do I need to figure out a way to out them into the portfolio? I don''t even know how to make a portfolio... I''m taking a class on that this semester but that won''t help me much in the next month. I don''t know why they make us take this class at the very end when most people have already done their internships or are already interviewing!

I''m not sure I understand what you mean about "bound projects." Most everyone I went to school with bought a portfolio folder from Blick''s and put their pictures in it, but the ultra cool thing to do is to open photoshop, make a page and add the pics and small explanations for a more streamlined look. I did this and the interviewers loved it and I was hired on the spot. Then you can put it into powerpoint and email it as a digital portfolio. If you need an example I can post part of my portfoilio later tonight. The idea is to only select your very best projects with a progression. So you might want to start with your earlier work (probably residential) and then add commercial, hospitality etc. When you''re there they will want to see the portfolio and you can quickly explain your work.

 

[oobiecoo]

Date: 1/19/2010 5:26:34 PM
Author: heraanderson

Date: 1/19/2010 4:49:18 PM

Author: oobiecoo

Thanks for the tips everyone! Would a less traditional jacket shape like this one be acceptable paired with a matching skirt? Or should I stick to the classic, tailored jaacket? http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/suiting/stretchwool/PRDOVR~18845/18845.jsp

I''m pregnant and already showing so I think a jacket like this would help hide it a little better.



Also a portfolio question... I have a couple of bound projects so would it be acceptable to present those separately or do I need to figure out a way to out them into the portfolio? I don''t even know how to make a portfolio... I''m taking a class on that this semester but that won''t help me much in the next month. I don''t know why they make us take this class at the very end when most people have already done their internships or are already interviewing!

I''m not sure I understand what you mean about ''bound projects.'' Most everyone I went to school with bought a portfolio folder from Blick''s and put their pictures in it, but the ultra cool thing to do is to open photoshop, make a page and add the pics and small explanations for a more streamlined look. I did this and the interviewers loved it and I was hired on the spot. Then you can put it into powerpoint and email it as a digital portfolio. If you need an example I can post part of my portfoilio later tonight. The idea is to only select your very best projects with a progression. So you might want to start with your earlier work (probably residential) and then add commercial, hospitality etc. When you''re there they will want to see the portfolio and you can quickly explain your work.

I have 2 different bound items from the same project. One is a set of construction drawings done in Revit and the other is basically the whole project bound into a book type form. I would love to see your portfolio if you have time to post it!

 

[Hera]

Date: 1/19/2010 5:40:53 PM
Author: oobiecoo

Date: 1/19/2010 5:26:34 PM
Author: heraanderson

Date: 1/19/2010 4:49:18 PM

Author: oobiecoo

Thanks for the tips everyone! Would a less traditional jacket shape like this one be acceptable paired with a matching skirt? Or should I stick to the classic, tailored jaacket? http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/suiting/stretchwool/PRDOVR~18845/18845.jsp

I''m pregnant and already showing so I think a jacket like this would help hide it a little better.



Also a portfolio question... I have a couple of bound projects so would it be acceptable to present those separately or do I need to figure out a way to out them into the portfolio? I don''t even know how to make a portfolio... I''m taking a class on that this semester but that won''t help me much in the next month. I don''t know why they make us take this class at the very end when most people have already done their internships or are already interviewing!

I''m not sure I understand what you mean about ''bound projects.'' Most everyone I went to school with bought a portfolio folder from Blick''s and put their pictures in it, but the ultra cool thing to do is to open photoshop, make a page and add the pics and small explanations for a more streamlined look. I did this and the interviewers loved it and I was hired on the spot. Then you can put it into powerpoint and email it as a digital portfolio. If you need an example I can post part of my portfoilio later tonight. The idea is to only select your very best projects with a progression. So you might want to start with your earlier work (probably residential) and then add commercial, hospitality etc. When you''re there they will want to see the portfolio and you can quickly explain your work.

I have 2 different bound items from the same project. One is a set of construction drawings done in Revit and the other is basically the whole project bound into a book type form. I would love to see your portfolio if you have time to post it!

Do you have any other projects to show? You can bring the construction drawings in case they ask. What are the items in the bound book? Are they original drawings? Do you have pics in it? Did you create presentation boards for the project?

 

[winternight]

I''m not a fan of the cut of that suit because it looks so shrunken. Maybe you can scope out the place and see what people wear beforehand? I agree that a traditional suit is best. Personally I think with a classic button down you could hide some if you leave it open. Make sure to find something you feel good in, it really helps, imo. Good luck!!

 

[oobiecoo]

The bound book I have is my "client book". It basically has all of the information for that project... concept, inspiration, digital renderings, floorplans, all of that. Everything for that project was done with the computer, no hand renderings or anything. I worked on an actual project for a nearby city and the client book is what we were supposed to present to our client. I didn''t do boards, just the client book and a powerpoint.

I have 2 other projects that are both digital as well. I have powerpoints for each of those, no boards. I could print out the plans and renderings and put those into a portfolio if needed.

 

[megumic]

I''d go with any well-tailored suit, a blouse and a fun necklace. Also, I always follow-up with a handwritten thank you note. Good luck securing an internship!

 

[Hera]

Okay! So I''ll post part of my portfolio so you can see it. The goal is really to show a range of skills you possess. There are many ways to do this and mine is just one way. Once again, there are many students that took pics of their work and got an internship and I honestly don''t think it''s that hard to get one, now a job is another thing completely and I happen to think a thoughtful portfolio is very necessary.
Here''s the title page (I got inspiration from a photoshop tutorial online):

 

[Hera]

Off to resize (why is this so hard?!!!)

 

[Hera]

trying again:

 

[Hera]

The first page explaining the project:

 

[Hera]

floor plan:

 

[Hera]

Shows the interviewer I can make a model. After this page I have another floor plan, another side to the model and some exterior elevations that I'm not showing:

 

[Hera]

I start a new project with a page similar to the other project:

 

[Hera]

Showing knowledge of material boards:

 

[Hera]

Showing the 3d Cad and rendering:

 

[Hera]

Another 3d drawing and rendering (which for the record my classmate did) I was responsible for the computer generation and helped select the materials.

 

[Hera]

The next project I'm still working on and slightly revamping. It will get a similar title page and feel as the others (these are some of the actual presentation boards).

 

[Hera]

Floor plan rendered in photoshop:

 

[Hera]

One of the perspectives in watercolor done by me. The rest of the boards will be in the portfolio and they include the material boards and more perspectives and it will include my new 3ds max stuff:

 

[Hera]

Well, good luck and let me know if you have anymore questions! I''m tired of myself and running off to watch American Idol on my dvr!