Dress to Impress | Interview guide

 

Hey beauties!

 

Lately I've been a little job application crazy, with the new shopping centre Trinity Leeds opening next month, many of the shops setting up in there are looking for a tonne of employees!

So far I think I've applied to 40+ different jobs (they are updating the website all the time) & I've had 4 interview opportunities offered to me.

 

My first interview was with Superdry last week. Or rather when I say interview, what I really mean is assessment day.

For those of you who don't know about assessment days, they're basically group interviews, they last around 2 hours & you play games and team building exercises.

Now, although I knew about the concept of these assessment days beforehand, the only interviews I have ever attended have been one on one's with only managers, and have been relatively formal.

So naturally after speaking to my friends and getting a little advice on the wardrobe, I decided to wear a LBD, spiked ballet flats (comfort, I didn't want to be teetering around in my Carvellas playing games!) tights & some pretty cream spiked jewellery.

BIG mistake.

To my actual horror, as I arrived I realised everyone. & I mean everyone, was stood waiting outside the conference room in jeans, jumpers & trainers!

So little ole me and my LBD stuck out like a ginormous overdressed thumb.

 

You're probably shaking you're head the screen right now thinking, "oh Kerys, it's a group interview girl, how did you not realise it would be very informal?!"

I don't know! But I suppose I know now for next time..

 

 On Thursday however I received a nice little out of the blue phone call from Mango when their HR recruiters rang me for a phone interview.. It went pretty well, if you dismiss the fact I answered the phone like a retard thinking it was Creature from his new works number, & shouted "HIYAAAA" as I answered.. 

Woman on phone.. "Erm, hi? is this Kerys?" *facepalm*

But she must have found my phone answering enthusiasm charming because I passed and was put forward for a face to face interview with their Leeds store manager the following day!

Hallelujah!

 

For this interview, I went with he whole formal thing again. I know it didn't look great with Superdry, but this was a face to face with just 1 manager, something I've done a handful of times previously.

I ended up wearing a little red knit skater dress, black tights & my black Carvella heels. Which to be honest served me quite well!

The manager even complimented my outfit and we had a little giggle about the probability of me falling over in my heels before the end of the day!

 

These photo's weren't taken on the day of interview.

My hair was actually a lot smarter than this! - all flipped to one side with barrel curls.

Finally I had a short interview with Pandora on Wednesday, with the possibility of a full interview on a later date if they see potential.

I was offered the second interview but...

I GOT THE JOB AT MANGO!!
So unbelievably happy, I'm going to be a team member at the brand new Mango store opening in Trinity Leeds in March! - So if you're a Yorkshire local, come and say hi!

The Do's

DO wear something comfortable.
If you're going to wear heels make sure you can walk more than a few meters without feeling like you'll fall over!

DO try your best to look smart.
If its a one on one, wear something sophisticated but still represents your personality (this can be done with jewellery or something patterned like a scarf)
And if you're going to an assessment day, wear your best jeans and a smart top, something with freedom to move in but still fashionable.

DO accessorize.
If your interviewing within retail, if you own any pieces from their store, e.g. A handbag, necklace etc. Wear/take them with you, it shows you have taken an interest in the company before.

The Don'ts

DON'T wear too much makeup
Keep it simple and don't go overboard with the eyeliner or dark eye shadows.

DON'T look sloppy.
Iron your clothes before you go! Nothing worse than a creased dress!

DON'T wear a short skirt.
They look great on a night out, but something nearer knee length is better. If you do wear something a little shorter, wear tights.

DON'T wear something too revealing
You want a job offer not a date. If you're going to wear something lower cut Make sure your legs are covered, & visa versa. (and when I say low cut, I don't mean full boobies on show either!)
 

What do you think I should wear to my next interview?

Have you got any embarrassing job interview stories or tips?

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