almost 5 years ago
When preparing for a job interview, you probably already know that you need to research the company you are interviewing with, research the role you have applied for, and think about some of the answers you might give your potential employer. Something you may not have taken into consideration, however, is how you will present yourself. This includes your outfit, hair and makeup. Do not make the mistake of thinking that how you look at your interview doesn’t matter!
In any job interview, how you present yourself makes up a huge part of the first impression you give your potential employer. When you are interviewing for a role in the fashion industry, particularly a retail role which involves customer contact (such as a sales assistant), your appearance is especially important! What you will wear will differ depending on whether you are interviewing at a luxury or a contemporary brand.
Make sure your appearance at a job interview doesn’t cost you your dream role by following our guide! Here are our best tips for attending an interview for a retail role at either a luxury or contemporary brand.
Hair
Make sure your hair is clean on the day of your interview! If you are wearing your hair up, go for a sleek ponytail or bun, or style it neatly if you are leaving it down. Avoid any bright or unnatural coloured hair dyes – walking into the likes of Louis Vuitton with bright green hair is unlikely to land you the job!
Men should also make sure that their hair is clean and neat, as well as having either a neatly trimmed beard or being clean shaven.
Makeup
Leave your bright eyeshadows and heavy contour for the weekend! When doing your makeup for a job interview, aim for a natural look. A neatly applied red lip may be appropriate for some contemporary brands, but stick to nude colours for luxury brands. Just as heavy and bold makeup is a big no, so is wearing no makeup at all!
Nails
How your nails look may seem like a small and insignificant detail, but dirty nails will give a bad impression, and colourful or glittery nails will most likely not fit with the brand. Make sure your nails are clean and manicured, and if painted, stick to neutral or dark colours!
Piercings & Tattoos
When it comes to piercings and tattoos, each brand will have its own policy. As you won't know the brand's preferences before you begin working there, it is always better to stay on the safe side for your interview. Try to cover any visible tattoos with your clothing, and keep piercings minimal.
Clothes (luxury brands)
Perhaps the most important thing to think of when getting ready for your interview is your outfit! This is also what will differ the most depending on whether you are interviewing for a role at a luxury brand or a contemporary brand. For a luxury brand, women should go for a formal, monochrome outfit. Trousers, skirts and dresses should all be straight-cut and not too short or too tight!
Men should wear a full black suit, with a jacket, trousers, shirt and tie.
Clothes (contemporary brands)
You can relax a little with your outfit when interviewing at a contemporary brand, whilst remaining well-dressed of course! In fact, dressing too formal (e.g. a suit) will give the impression that you have not researched the brand.
Think ‘business-casual’ and avoid anything too informal (such as ripped jeans or tracksuit bottoms!)
Shoes
The rule for shoes at luxury brands is simple: black, leather look, formal shoes with minimal decoration (if any). Women should wear heels (not too tall though!) and definitely no open-toed shoes!
For contemporary brands, feel free to opt for heeled ankle boots or coloured court shoes, and men can wear slightly more relaxed shoes as well – think desert boots or brogues. Again, wearing shoes that are too formal can give your employer the impression that you are not in line with their brand!
After reading these guidelines, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed! It may seem like a lot, but bear in mind that when your role involves customer contact, you are a representative of the brand you work for. Your look needs to fit the brand!
Each brand’s policy will slightly differ, but these are very similar guidelines to what you will be expected to follow if you are offered the job.
Plan in advance so that you’re not panicking on the morning of your interview if you can’t find your favourite nude lipstick or can’t decide which shoes to wear!
If you are searching for a new role in retail, head over to our website. Your dream career could be just around the corner!