First impressions matter—and what you wear to your internship interview can make or break it. Whether you’re applying for a corporate internship, a startup opportunity, or a creative role, dressing professionally shows confidence, respect, and readiness.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to dress for an internship interview for both male and female students, with tips tailored for the South African job market.
👀 Why Dressing Right Matters
Your outfit says a lot about you before you even speak. A neat, professional appearance tells the employer:
- You’re serious about the opportunity
- You understand workplace culture
- You’re confident and prepared
Even if the company has a casual dress code, you should still dress smartly for the interview.
👨💼 What Males Should Wear to an Internship Interview
✅ General Guidelines:
- Keep it clean, neat, and simple
- Aim for business casual or smart formal, depending on the industry
🔹 Business/Corporate Internship (finance, law, admin, HR):
- Collared shirt (white, blue, or grey)
- Dark trousers or chinos (black, navy, charcoal)
- Polished shoes (black or brown)
- Optional: plain blazer or jacket
- Belt that matches your shoes
- Clean shave or well-groomed beard
- Simple haircut
❌ Avoid: Sneakers, jeans, caps, loud colours, flashy accessories
🔹 Creative/Startup Internship (media, tech, design):
- Neat collared shirt or polo shirt
- Chinos or smart jeans (no rips)
- Clean sneakers or loafers
- Neatly styled hair
✅ Tip: Even for casual workplaces, it’s better to dress slightly above the expected standard for the interview.
👩💼 What Females Should Wear to an Internship Interview
✅ General Guidelines:
- Choose modest, professional clothing
- Keep accessories and makeup simple and polished
🔹 Business/Corporate Internship:
- Blouse or button-up shirt
- Blazer (optional but recommended)
- Trousers or knee-length skirt
- Closed-toe shoes (flats or low heels)
- Neatly styled hair (tied back if long)
- Light makeup (if any) and neutral nail polish
❌ Avoid: Short skirts, crop tops, leggings, bold prints, and heavy perfume
🔹 Creative/Startup Internship:
- Smart casual dress or top with fitted jeans
- Blouse with neat pants or a midi skirt
- Smart flats or clean sneakers
- Natural hairstyle or bun
✅ Tip: Express your personality subtly while still looking professional.
🎯 Dress Code by Industry (Quick Guide)
| Industry | Dress Code for Interview |
|---|---|
| Banking, Finance, Legal | Formal / Business Professional |
| Marketing, Admin, HR | Business Casual |
| IT, Design, Startups | Smart Casual |
| Retail, Hospitality | Neat and Presentable |
🧼 Final Checklist Before You Leave
- ✔ Clothes ironed and clean
- ✔ Hair neat and tidy
- ✔ Shoes polished or clean
- ✔ No heavy perfume or cologne
- ✔ Bring your CV, notebook, and pen
- ✔ Smile and walk with confidence!
💬 Quick Tip
“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” – Always aim to look one level more professional than the company’s everyday dress code.
🔚 Final Thoughts
You don’t need expensive clothes to look professional. As long as you’re clean, well-groomed, and appropriately dressed for the company and role, you’re ready to make a great impression!
Need help preparing for your interview? Check out these guides:
- Top 20 Internship Interview Questions & How to Answer Them
- How to Write a CV for Internships in South Africa
Have questions or want a personal outfit review? Email us at 📧 info@gointern.co.za
Leave a Reply