Fashion Job- Interview! Need Help!

[Naama]

Hey girls!

So, today I got a call that I'm invited for a job interview, it's been so long since I send my application away that I almost forgot about that one, and this is the greates job I could ever get! It's for a position as a fashion adviser for a rather fancy fashion store! So now I'm pretty nervouse. Any thoughts on what I should be prepared for? Do you think they will ask questions about the designers they are carrying? And do you think it's ok to come in there with a vintage hair do? Will it be ok to wear red lipstick? I only have time till friday and I'm already afraid!!



Naama

 

[RetroModelSari]

I think it depends wether is is a rather conservative store or a rather alternative place. It can´t hurt to know something about the designers there, though...

 

[LawnFlamingo]

For job interviews, I generally tend to go conservative with dress, but let my fashion sense show with my shoe choice.

This is unrelated, but the best interview advice I ever got was to stand up while shaking hands. If you're sitting when the interviewer enters the room, or lobby or wherever, immediately stand up to greet them and shake hands.

Good Luck with your interview!

 

[KittyT]

This is unrelated, but the best interview advice I ever got was to stand up while shaking hands. If you're sitting when the interviewer enters the room, or lobby or wherever, immediately stand up to greet them and shake hands.

Very, very sound advice. And be sure to give a good, firm, confident handshake and look them in the eye when you do it. A handshake is often the first real impression you make on someone and its importance can't be emphasized enough!

I agree with the recommendations for conservative dress. You don't need to be a model of high fashion for a job interview. Choose something conservative, classic, stylish and flattering.

Good luck with your interview! Be sure to let us know how it goes.

 

[Fleur De Guerre]

I agree with Sari, it depends on the place. If it's an interview for a quirky fashion company, the last thing you want to do is come across as conservative in your dress sense. You should wear something that shows your individuality and love of fashion. Not over the top, mind, but definitely something that catches the eye, something that fits in with what they sell. If it is all tailoring and suits then go conservative! Just my two cents.

 

[The Shirt]

I think a vintage hairdo and/or vintage accessories may add the individuality that may make you stand out from the crowd. I have found that a great vintage handbag has been a conversation starter in previous interviews myself. When asked about fashion - which inevitably will come up - talking about your interests in vintage fashion and its influence on today's fashion may be a great place to really shine as well.

Looking people in the eye, everyone in the interview, not just the primary person conducting it, is important. Also remember to follow up with a brief thank you note in the days after. That has also been commented on in my experience. Definitely know the designers they are carrying. Knowledge is always attractive and desirable as long as you don't come off as a know it all. Also complimenting something about the business model tends to be looked on well. And ask them questions as well, it shows true interest in what they are trying to do.

Good Luck!

 

[ShoreRoadLady]

Do you think they will ask questions about the designers they are carrying?

Yes, you should research the company and figure out what designers they carry, and research them a little, too. Research is good.

And do you think it's ok to come in there with a vintage hair do? Will it be ok to wear red lipstick? I only have time till friday and I'm already afraid!!

I'd say it depends very much on the company. If you can get any inkling as to how the employees dress, make sure you dress at least a notch above that. I *might* tone down the red lipstick, but it depends on the red, and how conservative the company is.

You're applying for a position as fashion adviser, so you want something that shows off your style and fashion sense. I agree with The Shirt - a vintage hairstyle or accessory may be just what you need to set you apart from the crowd (in a good way!).

Forgot to add...Good Luck!

 

[BellyTank]

Excuse me Ladies...

Vintage hairstyle, red lipstick and convince them you know about the fashion classics. If you can do that, you can impress.
Being aware of their labels/designers would no doubt be useful in painting a convincing picture of yourself in that job.


B
T

 

[KittyT]

Excuse me Ladies...

Vintage hairstyle, red lipstick and convince them you know about the fashion classics. If you can do that, you can impress.

True, but red lipstick is not "in" right now. While we don't tend to care, a place like this might care about knowledge of current trends when it comes to a job like being a fashion consultant.

 

[BellyTank]

The vintage hairstyle won't make it without the vintage lippy.
That would appear indecisive- not the cloth a Fashion adviser is cut from.
All or nothing, I say. Know your look.

Is the red-lippy-out thing actually a universal fashion thing, or just American?

Make some kind of statement anyway.

Please.

 

[KittyT]

The vintage hairstyle won't make it without the vintage lippy.
That would appear indecisive- not the cloth a Fashion adviser is cut from.
All or nothing, I say. Know your look.

Except that red lipstick is definitely not the only vintage shade

 

[BellyTank]

Although Red lipstick wasn't my suggestion,
it sounds like an excellent idea to me, given the subject's preference, the position and the context within which we are speaking.

Flouting fleeting fashion is fun,
if one has the fervour, fortitude.

So, you're saying that red lipstick
is definitely not the only vintage shade, then?

Very helpful- I'll make a note...


B
T

 

[KittyT]

Although Red lipstick wasn't my suggestion,

Sure it was!

Excuse me Ladies...

Vintage hairstyle, red lipstick and convince them you know about the fashion classics. If you can do that, you can impress.
Being aware of their labels/designers would no doubt be useful in painting a convincing picture of yourself in that job.


B
T

 

[Miss Neecerie]

*blows whistle*

Hardly worth arguing over who said what...

 

[BellyTank]

You're right Neecerie but for the record...
I have my reputation to protect.

Yes, this should be about Naama and her interview.

...And do you think it's ok to come in there with a vintage hair do? Will it be ok to wear red lipstick? I only have time till friday and I'm already afraid!!

Naama

Good Luck, Naama!!!


B
T

 

[miss_elise]

having just read an article in the paper that said thicker eyebrows and red lipstick being were in for europe in autumn/winter just past (so in for us now) - i really don't think it matters so long as it goes appropriately with your outfit...

as long as you look stylish, who cares what style you are wearing... (just imo)

 

[Vintage Betty]

I'd suggest you shop the store before Friday, and review their clientelle and product line plus pricing. What department are you interviewing for?

If they are selling couture clothing and expect you to sell $1000.00+ clothing per piece, you will be expected to be tailored professionally but accurately with trendy fashion, and selling the latest clothing to high end women. You will be expected to know designers to sell clothing worth thousands of dollars. You will also be expected to know the latest designers and fall fashions.

If the store wants you for your sales skills but wants you sell in volume, you can be more relaxed in your style, but will be expected to be more friendly and suggestive of your sales technique. They will expect add-on sales from you, including suggesting additional pieces for the outfit, jewelry, purse and shoes, to build the sale to a multi-volume piece sale, increasing the total worth of the sale based on the customer's budget.

If you are selling shoes, you will be expected to be on your knees (do NOT wear stilletos to the interview) and you will be asked to get down and measure someone's foot. Due warm ups before the interview so your knees don't crack!

Don't get nervous; just buy a couple magazines like Lucky and Vogue to study the marketplace in advance of your interview. And remember to smile!

I can provide more information if needed, as I did retail sales for about 10 years.

Good luck!

Vintage Betty

 

[Naama]

Thank you everyone! So, I still don't really choose anything really.... But you all gave me good ideas as what to think about! Thanks a lot

The horrible thing is, that it is so hot these days.... I hope the weather will change till friday




Naama

 

[Paisley]

The most important thing is to fit in at the workplace. See what the other ladies wear and dress a few notches up for the interview.

As for a hairstyle, wear something simple and flattering that will stay in place at work. Your employer won't want you running to the bathroom every half hour to fix your hair.

 

[Naama]

Hey!

I was at the interview today, but I have to say, I don't really like the Lady who runs the Shop (well, it's just a first impression, but most often they don't change that much) And the "interview" was really strange... It lasts only a few minuites and she only asked me what kinds of jobs I do and what I am studiying. This would be a really bad sigsn, but there where also 2 other guys waiting to be interviwed and I was the last and I saw that it went as quick with them as with me..... The Lady who interviewed me also came too late to the interview herself! So I don't know if I should hope to get the job or not.



Naama