Wednesday, June 6, 2012

How to Dress for a Teaching Interview

I am by no means an expert, but I have been to three interviews in the past two days so I wanted to share what I've learned!

1.  Wear your power color, whatever it may be.  My power color is the color that I feel confident in and that I know looks good with my hair and complexion.  I have two of them actually: turquoise and pink. Figure out what yours is and wear it confidently!

Cardigan & Dress: NY&Co
Belt & Shoes: Target


2.  Keep your jewelry simple.  If you know me, you know I like to stack my bracelets and wear big ole blingin' rings and dangly earrings.  Well, I toned it down a bit for my interviews. ;) I wore a simple bracelet watch, one silver ring and small earrings.  When you're interviewing, you want your personality and abilities to shine.  You don't want your interviewers distracted by by the sparkly ring that keeps waving through the air. Or the clinking of bangle bracelets as they slide up and down your arm. 

Watch & Ring: Target

3.  Wear simple heels. I love a bright heel. And I love a high heel.  But for an interview, especially for a teaching interview, you should wear flats or simple heels.  You don't want the interviewers to think that you're too insensible to handle standing in a classroom all day!

Cardi, Shirt & Skirt: NY&Co
Shoes: 6pm.com

4.  Pay attention to the details.  I rarely paint my nails these days, but I knew I wanted them painted for my interviews. So, I swiped on a pretty nude coat called Satin Doll by deborah lippman on Sunday night.  As I was pointing to my portfolio, the color helped to transform my nails from the haggard chipped nails of a mom to a classy lady. ;)  Also, those toes!! You really should be polished from head to toe for an interview. Ha, pun intended. Nobody likes to glance down and see big unpainted toes ruining a cute sandal! While I'm sure it wouldn't cost you the job, it could cause the interviewer to wonder if you forego the minor details in your personal appearance, would you forego minor details in your classroom as well?



5.  Last of all, have fun with your outfit! When I was choosing what I was going to wear, my main goal was to wear something that was totally me.  I wanted to portray my fun personality by wearing fun colors or patterns.  On day one, I wore my skinny belt knotted over my dress.  On day two, I didn't want to be too risky, but I did mix it up a bit by pairing colors in an unexpected way.  Those little things are the things that will allow the interviewers a glimpse into who you are and how you'll engage and entertain your students.


Now, we won't know if these tips actually work until next week when I (fingers crossed, please, pretty please, please, please!) get an offer. ;)

Do you have any other tips or suggestions for dressing for an interview?

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde.

36 comments:

the domestic fringe said...

I always love your outfits! Those are great tips for any interview.
~FringeGirl

Unknown said...

Best of luck, hope you get three offers! Fab outfits, especially love the first one.

Emma xo
www.fluffandfripperies.com

Lindsay said...

i loooove both of the outfits! especially the dress in the first, so cute!

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Gorgeous, I love turquoise and you look marvelous in it. Great choices I think :)) xx

Style Mentor™ said...

Beautiful colors, you look amazing! I am inspired to style some turquoise right now! Just found you on the Pleated Poppy! :-)

Anonymous said...

Ha ha! I polished my fingers and toes, chose a turquoise and coral shirt, and one bracelet/necklace. I guess we think similarly! :) u look great!

Cami said...

Can you just move to FL and dress me every day? :)

Simply Sarah said...

LOVE these colors - you look fabulous!!

sarahsavvystyle.com

TheTinyHeart said...

You look gorgeous in the bright colors, Tiffany! You are definitely channeling your inner teacher :) I wish I could wear bright colors to interviews, but I usually stick to a basic black suit.

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Ms. Peach Plus said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ms. Peach Plus said...

When I was interviewing, a mentor told me to always wear a skirt or dress to an interview. Her logic had something to do with appearing both professional and ladylike (I forget exactly), but I followed it. I don't know if it had any impact on getting hired, but it's one of the things I'll probably keep in mind if I ever have to interview again. I wish you the best of luck!:)

Megan, TfDiaries.com said...

Fingers Crossed! I'd totally want you as my kid's teacher!

Shea Lennon said...

These are great tips Tiffany!! I hope your interviews went well--you look professional and gorgeous, so I'm sure they did! I'm sure a wonderful job is coming your way!

Callie - Coffee and Cardigans said...

I think both outfits are interview perfection. I love seeing someone add a little color to their business casual looks. All too often it's just black on black. Love the idea of wearing your "power color" for a little confidence boost. Adorable outfits, great tips, and best of luck in with the interview process. Wishing you the very best of luck!

Callie
www.coffeeandcardigans.com

Juneli said...

Love both the outfits, Tiffany, so apt for interview! I can see that you have a NY&Co crush and so do I! Too bad we do not have a store near by!!

KC said...

You look FANTASTIC in both outfits. I would hire you on the spot just for your fashion sense and CLASS! ;) LOL!

The Closet Shopper said...

You're hired! I would hire you in a second. Very cute outfits.

xo,
Tracy

Annie said...

Such a cute look - LOVE the pattern of that first skirt - so pretty!

Annie
The Other Side of Gray

Anne said...

Good luck with the interviews! You look great in both outfits:)
~Anne

Object of Maya*ffection said...

Love your outfits! Great tips!! And yes... Polished from head to toe!!

CC said...

First off, good luck on the job!
Also, you look amazing in both outfits, you're absolutely right - turquoise and pink are your go to colors. ;)

Only one other tip - keep it modest/classy/professional. Hems to the knee, no sleeveless, no cleavage. You want your skills and personality to shine not your figure! ;) You did this, just didn't list it. ;)

Bravoe Runway said...

Tiffany I am so impressed as to how far you have come with your career transition. I really need to get the ball rolling on mine... These are great interviewing tips, and the proper wardrobe.

silvergirl said...

i just love skirt #1
brett

Jeanine Byers said...

Fingers crossed you get the offer you are hoping for most!

Great tips! They remind me of my interviewing days. I love that turquoise outfit and can see myself wearing something just like that but with a shell that I didn't have a tuck in to the skirt.

Melaina25 said...

Great tips! I love the blue on you :)

Fitness By Alicia said...

These are great looks for a teaching interview. I really love the skirt in look #1! Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed.

Emily said...

Great tips and outfits! You always looks so adorable.
Creamy

Unknown said...

You look GREAT! Fun tips and TURQUOISE is SO your color girl. Looks beautiful on you.
C

Unknown said...

Those colours look fantastic on you! Good luck with the jobs! x

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Cobalt is my power color! Love you in turquoise!

TaraMixandMatch said...

I love the outfits you picked...keep me updated on any job offerings :)

Lisa L said...

I am so happy I read your blog tonight. My boys are gone for a while tonight, I've got the house to myself, and I've been doing online shopping at NY&Co - love the short sleeved cardigans!! Just bought 4! Eek!!

Grace Wainwright said...

These are all awesome for an interview. I love that print in the first outfit!

A Southern Drawl

Fritter said...

So cute! Good luck to you! I remember my days of teacher job hunting- wasn't so much fun. I'm sure you'll get the right one (and I did too, eventually!)

J9 STYLE said...

Wow! You look wonderful! I have a teacher friend who is on a job hunt and these tips are really helpful!

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

I love these outfits, Tiffany. They'd be perfect in most offices as well!