When you’re applying to a private school, there are a lot of things to keep track of application pieces, interview schedules, and important deadlines. But did you also know that what you wear to your school visit and private school interview matters?
It’s true. At many private schools, your attention to detail and respect for the dress code is important. Fear not, though!
Here are five questions to ask yourself when deciding on what to wear to your private school interview, ensuring that you can dress for success.
While it’s highly unlikely that a private school will require you to adhere to their dress code or uniform standards, you can get a leg up on your competition by taking these guidelines into account. For example, if you know that the school doesn’t allow flip-flops, sneakers, or work boots, don’t show up to your interview wearing them. The same goes for skirt lengths, tie and/or jacket requirements, and sweatshirts.
Put your best foot forward and adhere to their guidelines to help leave a good impression. It’s essential to present yourself professionally, and paying close attention to these details can make a significant difference. If you’re looking for additional guidance or resources for acing your private school interview, websites like assignmentpay.com can offer valuable insights and tips for writing part of an interview to boost your confidence and preparedness.
This may seem obvious, but sometimes we overlook the importance of wearing properly fitted clothing. The private school interview can be stressful, to begin with, and sitting there in a jacket that’s too tight and uncomfortable, spending the afternoon tugging at a shirt that doesn’t fit right, or dealing with pants that are too long and drag on the ground won’t make it any easier.
Schools often have rules about wearing properly fitted clothing, too (remember our first question?). Plus, clothing that’s too big can make you look sloppy.
Not only do you need to think about what kind of shoes to wear, but also make sure they are comfortable. Brand-new shoes that you’ve never worn before can leave you in an uncomfortable situation.
Squeezing into too-small shoes or tripping over boots that are too big will likely leave you feeling flustered. Especially if you are applying to a boarding school, a campus tour is often part of your interview, and you may have to walk from building to building. While you’re out and about, you don’t want to deal with squeaky shoes, slippery soles, or blisters.
You want to show your personality when you visit and interview, so if you’re someone who always wears a scarf or won’t leave home without your trusty baseball cap, then stay true to who you are. However, don’t go overboard with the accessories, and remember to always take your hat off indoors, a rule that most schools actively enforce for students.
When it comes to accessories, make good choices. Don’t wear dozens of bangles or jingly earrings that will make noise constantly as you move. These sounds can be distracting to you and those around you, and take away from the admission officer truly getting to know you. Plus, some schools have dress code guidelines that limit the types of accessories, hairstyles (including hair color), tattoos, piercings, and even makeup choices.
Again, refer to the school’s dress code when making your decision.
Thus, Robert S Hicks, a professor, says the following:
“Wearing accessories to a private school interview can be an excellent way to express your personal style and stand out, provided they are tasteful and not overly distracting. It’s crucial to remember that the focus should be on you and your abilities, not on what you’re wearing.”
This is one area where less is often more, meaning it’s ok to sparingly spritz yourself with your usual perfume or cologne, but moderation is key. It can be overwhelming for your interviewer to sit in a room with you to talk when your choice of perfume or body spray is heavy. Err on the side of caution and use just a little, or skip it altogether to be safe. You don’t want the only impression you leave behind to be the lingering scent of your cologne.
When applying to a private school, what you wear to the interview can make a big impression.
Ask if the school has a dress code and be sure to adhere to it.
Ensure your clothes are properly fitted and comfortable.
Prioritize comfort when choosing shoes – avoid new shoes that may give you blisters.
Consider wearing accessories to show your personality, but make sure they’re within the rules and won’t be distracting.
Forgo or minimize cologne or perfume – less is more.
If you’re still unsure of what to wear to your interview, call the admission office and ask what they recommend. Good luck!
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Ella Hopfeldt is a dress shirt brand for women. Our blog is an expression of our passion for women’s classic style, dress shirts, stories and ideas. Sit back and enjoy our mix of information and inspiration.
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