ShareDiaries

You have an interview coming up and you realise that despite having a wardrobe bursting with clothes, you don’t actually have anything that you would like to wear to an interview.
Don’t worry, I’ve been there.

You literally throw everything out and start looking, mixing and matching to find, eventually, that you might actually have something that will give a good first impression.
Yes!
You try it on. Yes. Yes, yes, yes, this still fits.
Oh, perhaps it’s a little tight?
Scratch head. Eye yourself up carefully. Tilt your head to the side and turn to look at how this looks from behind.
I don’t feel comfortable in this.

Back to the heap of clothes to find something that you’ll be happy to wear for a few hours.
You come up with many outfits that can be accessorised with this bag and that shoe but you either find something not quite right with each outfit or you simply don’t know which one to pick.
Eeny meeny miny moe? Point at one randomly?

Dressing the part is never really easy on a normal day so on those days where the pressure is intensified because of an interview; it’s a good idea to keep a few things (well, a lot of things) in mind.

*Firstly, your line of work will determine whether you turn up to an interview corporately suited or with a bit of style injected.
Your interview confirmation call/ email/ letter will usually specify what to wear on the day and with your research, you should know what kind of company you’re dealing with (which will determine what you wear). If you are in doubt though, stick to the standard blacks, greys, navys, creams whites for the suit/ trousers/ skirt/ jacket etc…  and take it from there.

*Save yourself the hassle of having to find something new to wear with each interview you have and set aside a suit, dress or trendy- smart ensemble that you can pull off the hanger, whizz the iron over and grab a few accessories to finish it off. Make sure it isn’t too tight (or too loose) and make sure you feel comfortable in it. It is crucial to have an outfit like this in your wardrobe!

*Full Suit – If this is your choice of interview- wear then make sure it’s pressed properly and fits accordingly.

*Trousers or Skirt – If you’re wearing trousers (cropped, flared, straight leg etc) then make sure the leg length is right. If you’re wearing a skirt then just above the knee is okay but anything shorter than that is a no no. Anything as far down as the middle of your shin is okay for an interview too. Just remember to wear a pair of skin colour tights! A skirt above the knew will be fine with a black or navy pair though, just leave the patterns at home.

*Dress – The rules of the skirt apply here. Remember that you’re going to an interview and not a rave. There’s more than the length and fit to be cautious of here.
If you take off your jacket or cardigan, will the back of the dress look like something for tonight’s party or an office? Will your arms be covered? Are your breasts on display or are they carefully tucked away? You want to give a good first impression, don’t you?

*Shirt/ Blouse – Make sure it isn’t see- through and make sure your breasts aren’t falling out of it. Whether it’s plain, printed patterns, uniquely cut, or designed with appliqué… this part of your ensemble can really display your personality if you want it too.

*Blazer/ Jacket/ Cardigan – It’s a good idea to wear something over your dress/ shirt. A blazer teamed with trousers or a skirt looks smart. It also offers an element of protection from the weather and the AC in case the office has it on full blast. It’s always a good idea to bring one of the three with you to an interview.

*Accessories – If you want to play it safe with your clothing then this is probably the place to go a little crazy with the colour. Accessories are great for injecting yourself into the outfit but you don’t want accessory overload. Consider leaving the necklace at home if a scarf is going to be the main accessory and perhaps leave the bracelets in the box if you opt for a long, statement necklace and studs. Less is always more with accessorising… and especially for an interview.
Earrings – If you must adorn your ears, do so with studs. Two pairs at most, nothing to flashy.
Necklace – You can wear a long, statement necklace or a simple chain if you wanted. Just remember not to wear anything that will create noise – you don’t want to cause any distractions when it’s your time to shine.
Scarf – There are many ways to wear the scarf. Whether you choose to wrap it, tie it or loosely wear it around your neck, the scarf with its many patterns and colours can inject that colour into your ‘professional’ attire
Bracelet – Unless they’re the only thing you’re wearing accessory- wise, don’t weigh your wrist down with a multitude of bracelets. If you do choose to wear bracelets, make sure they don’t make any noise. Remember, this is your interview.
Bag – Bring a bag that will hold everything you intend to carry. If your ensemble is quite neutral and samey in terms of colour, why not make your bag THE accessory? Bright or patent black, make sure you bring a bag that adds to the fabulousness that is you and your ensemble. A bag says a lot about the person wearing it.
Shoes – Nothing impossible to walk in and always something chic. Whether you opt for flats or a three inch heel, make sure you leave the peep toes and worn heels at home. Try and be conservative with the shoes. Whilst a pair of patent red flats will look fantastic with an all black outfit, hot pink heels or strappy black raving shoes might not be so fantastic.

*Hair – Sweep that hair back into a ponytail or a loose bun. A statement clip might be your choice of accessory if you’re not fussed with the likes of bracelets and necklaces as above.
Think about how your hair will represent you.
Natural ladies, there are many ways to stay natural and still get the job without succumbing to relaxer or heat but we both know that a free fro isn’t going to land you the job as a secretary at the prestigious law firm. Regardless of what people think of natural hair though, stay natural and proud – find a (protective) style that you can work with. Freelancing with a small part of your left side shaved and patterned was great but now you’re applying to work for a big organisation, you might want to rethink? And as fantastic as your bright red bob looks, that role of admin assistant might just slip away from you.
Yes, it’s ridiculous that something as natural and beautiful as hair can make or break the interview but they are judging you, remember.

*Make- Up – Keep it minimal at all times. Lay off of the foundation and leave the Egyptian eyes at home. A simple eye with a touch of blusher and perhaps a subtle lip will do you well. You can wear a bold lip but just be aware of everything else you’re wearing.

Less is more when you’re preparing yourself for that job interview.
Don’t let your skill and hard work go to waste because you didn’t dress the part.
Always prepare yourself and make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing.

Dress to impress. Dress for success.

Interview success is impossible without doing your research and being prepared. You’d be surprised at the amount of people who turn up to interviews with absolutely no clue about what the company specialises in or what they’ve done in the past and more importantly, what the company has done recently.
Preparation is key when going after that next job. Key.

Search every website, journal, article, interview possible that is based on your prospective employer. You need to have an idea about what it is they believe in, what they do, who they’ve worked with…

Do you know who will be interviewing you?
It’s not good enough to memorise the name of the person. Are they a part of the team or do they hold a higher position within the company? Get searching!

Prepare some questions that you will ask the interviewer.
You might want to save these questions for the “do you have any questions?” part of the interview though – you don’t want to get too ahead of yourself!
Going back to the very first point though, your researching would have gained you some knowledge which puts you in good stead for asking a few questions of your own. Is there anything you’re particularly interested in from what you read? Are you interested in what the company has planned for the future?
With this I must insist that you listen. As obvious as it might seem, listening to what is being said is critical in interviews. From what you hear you will be able to form some on the spot questions that will showcase your listening abilities and like the prepared questions, these will show your enthusiasm for the job role and the company.

As well as preparing questions to ask, make sure there’s some good rapport throughout the interview. Obviously you won’t bring up the boozy weekend you just had but you might well comment on the weather, the amount of interviews the interviewer has had today… These types of questions are subject to the type of company you’re being interviewed by and the aura your interviewer has.

Look for common interview questions and start answering them. You need to know what you’re going to say, don’t you? Whilst you’re doing this you might also want to memorise your CV because answering interview questions needs a little back up. Remember, it is always good to refer to previous/ current positions!

What kind of interview is this and how long will it take?
Is it one to one, group or is there some form of testing? Do you know on average how long the interview will be? If you’re unsure and need to know (for travelling purposes etc) then perhaps an email or call to the correspondent in the emails/ letter is something to think about doing at least two days before the interview.

As your interview date draws closer you’ll need to get directions for the place of the interview. If you can, do a trial run so you know how long it’ll take. If a trial run isn’t possible then use Google maps to see what the building and surrounding area looks like. Make sure you leave plenty of time so that you’re not hot and flustered when you arrive at the location – remember, your interview starts from the time you set foot inside of the building.

What are you wearing?
Dress to impress! You might feel like you’re overdressed but being overdressed trumps looking ‘okay’ in the world of interviews any day.

Bring another copy of your CV and references with you regardless of whether they told you to or not.

Do you have your notepad and pen?
The great thing with these two items is that you can simply put them in your bag or your pocket (pen and paper/ small notepad in this case). You can jot down anything you think you might want to say in the interview and refer to it right up until the last moment. These two items are also important for when the interviewer gives you that vital piece of information. Going to an interview without these things is silly to say the least. It’s better to bring these essentials and not use them rather than leave them on the bed and kick yourself for not bothering at all.

Check, check and check again. Go over the original job description that prompted you to apply in the first place. Go over your cover letter and CV. Go over any material the company might have sent you. Check over everything that has gone between you and the company since applying. Checking might be tedious but you’ll be happy when the interview goes smoothly, won’t you?

And please, always remember to…
…be positive. Smile and never speak negatively about a thing when in an interview – it isn’t professional and you might as well kiss your job goodbye if you do that.
…use relevant experience to back yourself up. There’s no point in saying you’re a team- player if you’re not going to show how.
…show your enthusiasm. This will be evident by your interview attire through to the questions you ask.

Preparation is key.

If you don’t picture yourself as somebody going to university or somebody going from part time to full time work at your favourite high street chain then the best way to earn money, whilst learning in class and on site, is to do an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are available to those who are aged 16 and over and aren’t in full time education. With a range of careers to choose from, an apprenticeship can take anywhere from one year to four. An apprenticeship is brilliant as it prepares you for the workplace and shows your employer that not only are you skilled in your chosen career, but that you are committed to the task at hand. An apprenticeship builds a good work ethic as you learn from the best with hands on experience and training.

Whilst the minimum wage for an apprentice is £2.65, the average salary per week is £170. Dependant on your sector and who you work with though, some apprentices have been known to take home £210 per week!
With more than 10,000 employers offering apprenticeships, there are hundreds of different types available in a variety of levels.

Level 2 – Intermediate Apprenticeship
The equivalent to five good GCSE’s, the apprenticeship can see you working towards a knowledge- based qualification which equals as a BTEC or you could gain a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 through work- based learning. Any skills acquired at this stage will put you in good stead for the advanced apprenticeship.

Level 3 – Advanced Apprenticeship
Just like level 2, level 3 will either see you achieve a BTEC or an NVQ. In order to get onto a level 3 course, you must have five good graded GCSE’s or a level 2 qualification. Level 3 is the equivalent of having two good graded A Levels.

Level 4 and Higher – Higher Apprenticeship
The highest level of the apprenticeship tree, those doing the higher apprenticeship will be working towards either an NVQ level 4 or a foundation degree. Levels 2 and 3 or five GCSE’s and two A Levels are needed in order to enrol on a higher apprenticeship.

Functional skills such as maths, English and ICT can also be achieved within levels 2 and 3.
From horticulture to technical theatre, the opportunity the apprenticeship brings is endless and as a 16-18 year old, you won’t have to worry about any of the costs. 19-23 year olds are likely to be given up to 50 percent off of the cost whilst those who are 24 or older are more likely to pay the full fee.
Regardless of your age though, the apprenticeship is a career builder – as well as a confidence builder too! Working your way up, you will learn from the best to be the best.
A great way to get your foot on the career ladder, it doesn’t matter what your story is.
Consider your career. Consider an apprenticeship.