Dressing for a job interview can be stressful, especially in Hollywood. The good news is, once you've identified a few tried and true outfits, you'll be able to reuse those items over and over again. There are a few standards to follow when dressing for various types of Hollywood job interviews, and with some help from personal stylist Lindsay Agnew, founder of Well Beaming, we're going to give you a few easy and reliable options (that shouldn't break the bank)!
In general, there are three categories of Hollywood interview outfits: what you wear to an agency or management company, what you wear to a network, studio, or larger production company, and what you wear to more casual production companies and staffing interviews. Here's our breakdown:
In general, there are three categories of Hollywood interview outfits: what you wear to an agency or management company, what you wear to a network, studio, or larger production company, and what you wear to more casual production companies and staffing interviews. Here's our breakdown:
AGENCY OR MANAGEMENT COMPANY INTERVIEW:
For women, a neutral blouse and pencil skirt is always a safe bet at an agency. You could also choose a conservative dress with heels. If you're comfortable in a full business suit, go for it! Some of us feel like we're playing dress up in Mom's clothes when we're in a suit, but if you can rock it, we're not here to stop you.
For men, wearing a suit to an agency interview is a must. It's also a solid choice for an interview at a network or studio. When in doubt, dress up, not down! Ask a salesperson to help you pick the perfect suit, and be sure it's tailored to fit!
NETWORK, STUDIO, OR LARGE PRODUCTION COMPANY INTERVIEW:
When interviewing at a network, studio, or well-known production company, women have a range of options. If possible, try to assess the typical dress code at that office, as they can differ -- for example, office dress at E! is likely very different from that at Cartoon Network. Although a pencil skirt or conservative dress is always acceptable, you could also wear a nice pair of black pants with a blouse or sweater. Just make sure you look polished.
Men also have a range of options for interviews at networks, studios, and larger production companies. As long as you're not interviewing for a field position or at a super laid back office, a suit is usually a fail-safe solution, but you may choose to go a bit more casual in a jacket, dress pants, and a button down. It's okay to leave the tie at home, but don't go so far as to wear jeans.
SMALL PRODUCTION COMPANY OR PRODUCTION CREW INTERVIEW:
If you're interviewing for a freelance position on a production or for a full-time position at a smaller production company, you'll feel out of place if you dress too formally. You can't go wrong with black pants and a sweater or blouse, but you could also get away with a pair of jeans, as long as you chose a dark shade of denim. Pair these with a nice top, and you'll make a good impression without coming across as uptight.
Similarly, men can also dress more casually for an interview at a smaller production company or for a freelance position. Try a pair of khaki pants with a button down shirt for a comfortable style that still looks professional. You could also choose a pair of jeans, but they should be dark and fitted. Remember, you want to look sharp!
Hopefully you've found some inspiration for your own interview outfit. For additional style advice, check out Lindsay Agnew's guest blog post, "How to put together the perfect interview outfit," on the Hollywood Resumes website. And a big thanks to Lindsay for helping us create some stylish looks! If you're in need of a closet overhaul, visit Well Beaming for more info.
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