It's Springtime and a young girl's thoughts turn to....finding a job! Whether you are a first time job hunter straight out of University, or a seasoned pro searching for a new home, in this economy the competition is fierce. You need to stand out and convince the powers that be you are the most fabulous person they have ever met, and no one else can do the job as well as you can.
It will be mere minutes before the interviewer has judged you, so obviously your appearance is paramount. Before you have a chance to even open your mouth, 50% of the impression has already been formed. You need to make sure you look (and feel) fantastic! Put your best foot forward, literally, and put as much thought and money into your outfit as possible. A great suit or jacket and skirt will always be welcome in your closet, throughout your career and can work for nights out with a bit of creative manouvering; and yes, you can be fashion forward as long as it is done in a professional way! It's best to stick with neutral colours and strong clean lines but there is nothing wrong with a sartorial twist, as long as you keep the rest of your outfit toned down. When in an interview situation, never have more than one statement element to your ensemble (although that's not a bad basic tenet, remember Coco Chanel's advice!). If your suit is classic and low key, add a 'wow' piece: a funky coloured yet structured bag, a pretty scarf, a colourful shoe, or a fantastic necklace, bracelet or ring. Shoes must be polished, classic and not too high, mid heel in a neutral colour, (unless they are your statement piece) are your best bet. Try to keep details to a minimum, an ankle strap or unobtrusive buckle is fine; just avoid hardware laden trendy styles. Evaluate your look as a whole and remember to keep from going overboard. You want the person you are meeting with to remember you because you were an impressive conversationalist who looked great, not just that girl who was so distracting with her over the top look that they can not remember your name!
Here are some flix for inspiration: they may not be exactly in line with your budget, but it is easy to find high street versions of most collections or vintage pieces in your local charity or thrift shoppes.
Jackets
(Jackets by: Anglomania by Vivianne Westwood, Hugo Boss, Westwood, Alexander McQueen. Available at Selfridges.)
Blouses:
(Blouses by: Anglomania by Vivianne Westwood, Givenchy, Temperley, Westwood. Available at Selfridges.)
Skirts:
(Skirts by: Anglomania by Vivianne Westwood, Donna Karen, Westwood, Westwood. Available at Selfridges.)
Shoes:
(Shoes By: Christian Louboutin, Vionnet, and Valentino: Available at Net-A-Porter)
(Bags: Mulberry 'Bayswater', DKNY Shopper and Chloe 'Elsie' Bowling Bag, Available at Net-A-Porter.)
Makeup should be clean, fresh, and light. A natural but even skin tone (a light foundation with a touch of powder and blush) and dependent on your colour scheme, you can never go wrong with a strong lipstick and polished nails! (And yes, while you don't have to match, it can be quite a striking look to have coordinated lips and fingertips.) Keep you hair neat and polished, a professional appearance will instill confidence in your abilities.
(Two fantastic Red lippys: Mac's matte 'Russian Red' and L'Oreal's 'True Red)
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and the most fantastic nail polish I have ever encountered: Rescue Beauty Lounge's 'Chinoise' and 'Killa Red' available at Rescue Beauty)
The Interview Itself
Be calm, articulate and polite and ask the Universe for assistance and Luck. Ensure your CV is tailored to the position, free of spelling and punctuation mistakes and shows you to your best light (and a word on embellishment: we all do it, but keep it honest! you certainly do not want to win a job based on qualifications that do not exist. Research shows that employers do follow up and check references. It's not worth the risk. if you feel you are perfect for the role but lacking something they require, explain why you are able to perform the job regardless, it can't hurt and at least you will not need to live in fear of being caught out as a liar!) Take a moment to think about each question your interviewer poses you and answer thoughtfully, have at least one story to relate that highlights your personal strengths and try to avoid 'um' and 'er'-ing and never ever say 'like, ya know'! Of course you will be nervous, but do try hard not to let it show, it may come across as weakness; you do not want the company to think you cannot handle stress. Remember, your interviewer may be just as uncomfortable as you are; think of it as just a conversation with a stranger. Relax, and be your best you!
Most of all, Good Luck! May your dream job be yours and the Gods of Employment bless you!
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