Belle,
I’m sending you this email for advice on what someone in their mid-20’s should wear to a job interview on the Hill. If I were to apply for a standard business oriented job, a simple tailored black suit and white shirt would do. However, I feel that it is too boring for interviews on the Hill which seem to be significantly shorter and in which personality/presence play a larger role on whether or not you move on to the next round.
Is there a way I can show some personality with my clothes and/or accessories without downplaying my experience and professionalism or should I just play it safe and stick to the simple basics? Most importantly, any good suit suggestions that are age appropriate?
Thanks!
Linda
It is true that Capitol Hill interviews tend to be shorter. The reason is that during a fast-paced legislative day, the Chief of Staff might only have twenty minutes to spare, and that means less time getting to know you. This means three things for the job seeker: 1) you need to have an impeccable resume (clean design, no typos, no errors), 2) you need short, well-prepared answers to the basic questions (why do you want the job, what are your future plans), and 3) you need to project the polished professionalism of a future employee.
My advice? Start with the black suit, but instead of adding a bland white shirt, try a feminine blouse. Whether you prefer a bold color, a shirt with texture or a fun print, adding a chic blouse will dress up your suit. Try these:
Silk Ruched Blouse (Banana Republic, $70)
Silk Frances Cami (J.Crew, $88)
Printed Cap Sleeve Blouse (Anne Klein, $112+30% off)
Now that you have a stylish blouse, I suggest a black stretch belt. Simply fasten the belt at the natural waist over your jacket to create structure and shape. Along with the belt, add a simple but sophisticated black high heel and one piece of statement jewelry. You can choose a bracelet, a necklace, a ring, a brooch or earrings; but you can only choose one. You want to look polished, not done up.
As for what to carry, choose a simple handbag. Nothing too big (high maintenance) and nothing too small (impractical), just a nice mid size tote or satchel. Also remember to bring along three extra copies of your resume, a writing sample (one page, no more) and a list of references in case the interviewer asks for them. And for goodness sake, prepare at least two questions for the interviewer.
These should not be questions about the salary, benefits or perks. Those questions are for after you are offered the job. Instead, ask what responsibilities you would be expected to fulfill, what important pieces of legislation they might be planning, and whether any one of your prospective issues would be seen as a priority over the others.
Know the Member’s party, district and committee assignments. Read newspaper articles, posts on grassroots blogs and the Member’s website to get a better feel for his/her priorities and perspective. You would be shocked how many people go to interviews on the Hill without ever having Googled their prospective employer. Find out what you can and take an interest. We want to hire people who genuinely want to work for us, not someone who is applying for so many Hill jobs that they don’t know where they are or who they’re talking to.
Looking good is an important first step, but landing the job is about conveying to the employer that you have the skills and the desire to work in that office. Good luck!
Tiffany Clover Pendant ($1,000)
Capitol Hill Style 
December 3, 2009
Ask Belle: Interview Attire for Capitol Hill
Posted by Belle under Ask Belle, Commentary[8] Comments
Belle,
I’m sending you this email for advice on what someone in their mid-20’s should wear to a job interview on the Hill. If I were to apply for a standard business oriented job, a simple tailored black suit and white shirt would do. However, I feel that it is too boring for interviews on the Hill which seem to be significantly shorter and in which personality/presence play a larger role on whether or not you move on to the next round.
Is there a way I can show some personality with my clothes and/or accessories without downplaying my experience and professionalism or should I just play it safe and stick to the simple basics? Most importantly, any good suit suggestions that are age appropriate?
Thanks!
Linda
It is true that Capitol Hill interviews tend to be shorter. The reason is that during a fast-paced legislative day, the Chief of Staff might only have twenty minutes to spare, and that means less time getting to know you. This means three things for the job seeker: 1) you need to have an impeccable resume (clean design, no typos, no errors), 2) you need short, well-prepared answers to the basic questions (why do you want the job, what are your future plans), and 3) you need to project the polished professionalism of a future employee.
My advice? Start with the black suit, but instead of adding a bland white shirt, try a feminine blouse. Whether you prefer a bold color, a shirt with texture or a fun print, adding a chic blouse will dress up your suit. Try these:
Silk Ruched Blouse (Banana Republic, $70)
Silk Frances Cami (J.Crew, $88)
Printed Cap Sleeve Blouse (Anne Klein, $112+30% off)
Now that you have a stylish blouse, I suggest a black stretch belt. Simply fasten the belt at the natural waist over your jacket to create structure and shape. Along with the belt, add a simple but sophisticated black high heel and one piece of statement jewelry. You can choose a bracelet, a necklace, a ring, a brooch or earrings; but you can only choose one. You want to look polished, not done up.
As for what to carry, choose a simple handbag. Nothing too big (high maintenance) and nothing too small (impractical), just a nice mid size tote or satchel. Also remember to bring along three extra copies of your resume, a writing sample (one page, no more) and a list of references in case the interviewer asks for them. And for goodness sake, prepare at least two questions for the interviewer.
These should not be questions about the salary, benefits or perks. Those questions are for after you are offered the job. Instead, ask what responsibilities you would be expected to fulfill, what important pieces of legislation they might be planning, and whether any one of your prospective issues would be seen as a priority over the others.
Know the Member’s party, district and committee assignments. Read newspaper articles, posts on grassroots blogs and the Member’s website to get a better feel for his/her priorities and perspective. You would be shocked how many people go to interviews on the Hill without ever having Googled their prospective employer. Find out what you can and take an interest. We want to hire people who genuinely want to work for us, not someone who is applying for so many Hill jobs that they don’t know where they are or who they’re talking to.
Looking good is an important first step, but landing the job is about conveying to the employer that you have the skills and the desire to work in that office. Good luck!