What Should You Wear for an Oxford Interview?
When preparing for interviews, Oxford interview clothes may not be three words at the top of your priority list. Or maybe they are, and it’s one more thing you are worried about. First impressions are important so read on to find out how to tackle Oxford interview clothes.
WHY ARE MY OXFORD INTERVIEW CLOTHES IMPORTANT?
Oxford interview clothes are important because, as with any interview you will have in life, when you walk in through the door to the tutor’s room, what you’re wearing will be the first and only thing the person deciding on whether you get a place at Oxford has to judge you on. Hence, if you rock up to your German interview in pyjamas, it’s unlikely that you’re going to give a good impression.
DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER…
Caring about your appearance is also likely to show that you care about other aspects of your life, such as learning. Until your interview starts, the tutor has no other way of knowing whether you are suitable for the course or not. Of course, we all know it’s wrong to judge someone based on how they look, but first impressions do stick!
SO WHAT ARE THE RIGHT OXFORD INTERVIEW CLOTHES?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a rulebook on what’s acceptable to wear to any occasion (just a list of unwritten laws about social faux pas and newspapers to slate you if you get it wrong if you’re famous that is). While the complete white tie get-up may be going a bit far, you need to show that you realise this is an important occasion. So, if you’d like to wear a suit, go for it!
WHAT IF DRESSING UP MAKES ME FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE?
Another important factor to consider when choosing your Oxford interview clothes is whether you will feel comfortable in what you have chosen to wear. Yes, you need to make an effort, but if wearing a suit and tie makes you sweat and you have difficulty breathing, then perhaps that isn’t the right way to go.
Instead, you could wear a pair of smart shoes and trousers, but consider wearing a shirt with the top button undone and no ties, with a smart jacket to match. If you’re a girl, consider a smart blouse or jumper, nice trousers, and smart shoes, not a glittery cocktail dress.
DON’T OFFEND
It’s really important that you don’t wear a t-shirt with a slogan on that some people could find offense. Even if it’s obviously a joke, you don’t want to run the risk of your admissions tutor thinking that from your Oxford interview clothes you’re racist or rude – so this includes no t-shirts with swear words on either. Be respectful of other people, and show your interviewer that you’re an upstanding person, who really wants to study here.
Lastly,
Ultimately, the key is to be comfortable in your Oxford interview clothes, as this will allow you to not have to worry about this aspect, so you can focus on what you’re being asked and what you’re saying. Make as much of an effort as you can, and that’s one less thing to worry about for the big day!
While it may not seem like much, looking and feeling the part, is one of the main tips when starting your Oxford interview preparation.
Find out when your interview is and browse through the Oxford University Interview dates for 2018 >>>
Get Last Minute Prep!
Take our last minute Oxbridge interview crash course. If, like we all sometimes do, you’ve left your interview preparation to the last minute, quickly check out the mock interview crash course for Oxford and Cambridge Universities. It’s the perfect remedy to get all the information and practice for your interview with top Oxbridge experts. The course includes four 60-minute mock interviews, feedback from our coaches, learning interview best practices and communication skills. All of this and more will increase your chances of success before you even walk into the interview room.
Good Luck for your Oxford Interview
It’s almost Oxbridge interview season, and before you head to your interview, we wanted to say a massive good luck to all that will be taking part. We give you some final tips to ease your interview jitters and bring out the best you can be on your interview day.
