Whilst I’m a firm believer you should never judge a book by it’s cover, there’s one occasion when first impressions really do count. Yes ladies, I’m talking about the dreaded job interview. The time when you have to appear polished and professional yet your legs are quivering more than Elvis’ and your palms are clammier than a baby’s behind.

Reader Annie has bagged herself the opportunity to get a brand spanking new role and is looking for our help ensuring she looks as a fresh as a daisy in the summer heat when she meets her potential new boss.

Take it away gang…

  1. While dressing smartly might not be your thing, Becky has some good advice for keeping up the comfort levels. “Don’t wear black if you’d normally wear colour. Don’t wear heels if you’d normally wear flats”. It’s important to be you, even if it’s a more polished version.
  2. You most definitely don’t have to wear a power suit for an interview but my advice would be to dress appropriately for the position and the environment you’ll be working in. If it’s a role in the creative industry then it would be more expected to have a quirkier ensemble, whilst finance edges more on the conservative side.
  3. Walk tall and confidently so choose a pair of shoes you can know you can walk in. Falling flat on your face in to the meeting makes you a memorable candidate but I’m sure you’d rather be remembered for your eloquent, knowledgeable responses. Lolly mentions “consider travelling in another pair rather than your interview shoes (i.e. flip flops) and then swap before you get into the interview itself. That way your feet will stay cool and pain-free”
  4. Fern suggests a change of top too. “I’d have a zip up pouch inside my bag to put the shoes and clothes in, there’s nothing more embarrassing than your belongings spilling out all over the floor, especially sweaty clothing!”
  5. Back to the subject of, ahem, ‘glowing’, “Don’t wear pale grey as this is the worst colour for showing up sweat patches (gross I know, but if it’s really warm and there’s public transport involved this could happen!) {Fern}
  6. Have a trial run of the outfit the night before and practice sitting in a variety of positions. There’s nothing more off-putting than noticing your shirt gapes or your skirt rides up.
  7. Make sure you have deodorant, perfume, tissues, a brush and a bottle of water in your bag so you can have a quick refresh before you head in. {Lottie}
  8. Use a primer so that makeup stays put rather than slipping off. It worked for me in 26 degree heat at a recent wedding. I used Tom Ford’s primer. {Lolly}
  9. Keep those nails neat and clean. Your prospective boss doesn’t want to shake hands with Alan Titchmarsh.
  10. There’s a time and a place for trying out a YouTube make-up tutorial and it’s probably not now. Stick to your tried and tested make-up routine. Trust me you won’t feel comfortable if your smokey eye looks rather more Dame Edna than Kim K.

No doubt in the future we will cover general interview tips beyond the first impressions. However for now do let us know if you have any other tips to get dressed for success. Best of luck to you Annie and let us know how you get on!

{OUR INTERVIEW STYLE ESSENTIALS}
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