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| All images are from the Newlook UK website |
Interviews, whether they are for college, university, jobs or internships, can be very stressful especially as they are so important; a first impression really counts as an interviewer can make up their mind about an interviewee within as little as 90 seconds!
Depending on the interview and what you are applying for, you may have to dress smart/casual or very formal. For example, I had a interview at the University of Manchester a few years ago and I wore dark wash skinny jeans, a white top, simple ballet flats and a black blazer. Other candidates were dressed more casually and others wore suits which I personally felt was quite over the top. I think that even though it is a formal interview situation and you want to look your best, you also have to make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing - not just in terms of how the clothes fit but how the clothes make you feel, if you are not comfortable or confident in a particular outfit then you are not going to look as confident, in my opinion.
Newlook have a fantastic range of work/formal wear from blouses, skirts, trousers, bags and shoes; all of which are so reasonably priced. I think a pair of black skinny jeans, a cute blouse, heels and a black blazer is such a feminine, work appropriate or interview outfit without being frumpy! However, if the place of work is more casual or related to fashion/clothing then you may want to dress a bit more colourfully and let your own style show through while still being office appropriate.
With regards to makeup, a study conducted by Etcoff et al (2001) demonstrated 'that people judged women with makeup as more likable, competent and trustworthy than those with bare faces — though wearing too much makeup undermined those impressions'. While this may seem unnecessary to some, I personally love wearing makeup! Wearing makeup does make me feel so much more confident in any situation. I would personally stick to makeup looks that I wear on a daily basis, as I am already comfortable wearing that makeup look and I am used to created it so I wouldn't be spending more time on it than I usually would. I would gravitate towards more natural makeup and long wearing formulas.
Here are a few tips:
- Don't spend much more time on your makeup/hair than you usually would as it can just make you more nervous and anxious as well as potentially late for your interview!
- Wear what you are comfortable with and shop the high street for fantastic office/work wear from stores such as H&M, Newlook and Next
- Pick your outfit and makeup the evening before so everything is laid out ready for the morning
- Office/interview wear doesn't have to be really boring and frumpy, let your personality and style show through while still dressing formally
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*This is a sponsored blog post*
Do you have any interview tips? Where do you shop for smart/formal work wear?
