One of the most important things I learned in college was what not to wear to a creative job interview. Going into creative advertising, it was stressed to not show up in a suit, no matter what your parents say. Arriving for a creative interview in a suit would mean that you aren’t well versed in your industry, and could give off the impression that you are stuffy or unwilling to roll up your sleeves and get dirty.
But what wasn’t taught to me was what you should wear for a creative job interview. When the everyday uniform in the office is jeans and a relaxed top (sometimes even leggings and sneakers), how dressed up are you supposed to be for your interview? And how do you show your creative side while still looking professional?
I spent six months looking for a job in Amsterdam. I had lots of coffee meetings, chats, and interviews, so I’ve perfected a formula for how to dress for a creative job interview.
- Start with a simple base layer – a basic shirt and pants. I’m a big fan of these Sézane trousers or this similar trouser because they look more professional than jeans. Whatever you do, you can NOT wear leggings to a job interview. I also like wearing a lightweight sweater because it’s thin enough to layer so I don’t end up sweating like crazy if nerves set in. If you’re looking for interview attire for winter, this is a great time to bring out your black turtleneck.
- Add a fun jacket or blazer – to show off your creative side, wear a blazer or light jacket in an interesting pattern, fabric, or color. Just don’t go too crazy. You want to dress like a creative professional, which means the interviewer should still be focused on YOU and not your clothing. I love something like this tweed cardigan or this blazer.
- Finish off with cool boots or a block heel – avoid wearing anything too high as part of your creative job interview outfit. Not only does it look too formal, it can also make it more difficult to walk. You don’t know what the office is going to be like, and don’t want to start off the interview on an awkward note if you have to teeter up a set of stairs. I’m a big fan of a simple, black boot like this. If you’re not comfortable in that heel height, something like this is also great.
- Grab a medium tote – your bag should be big enough to bring along a few copies of your resume or your portfolio, but not visibly heavy and stuffed with crap. I love my Henri Bendel Jetsetter backpack but unfortunately the company is no longer around. Now I’d opt for a classic leather tote like this or this.
I pretty much stick to this formula for all of my important meetings and interviews, just switching out different blazers and boots. If you’re looking for how to dress for an interview in the summer, you can switch the base layer out for a plain dress – just remember not to go too fitted!
Hopefully this formula was helpful for those of you who are interviewing in the creative industry. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Xx, Kelsey
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Similar cardigan here | Banana Republic sweater | Sézane trousers | Similar boots here and here | Henri Bendel Jetsetter backpack |
Photos by Noah Peterschlingmann
