Get Dressed for Success
Get Dressed for Success INTERVIEW TIPS AND GUIDELINES BROUGHT TO YOU BY MYSTUDENTSTYLE.CO.UK
Editor’s Letter The Fashion team at MyStudentStyle.co.uk have joined forces with Dress for Success. Our mission? To help promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by supporting Dress for Success as they provide professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. My team of writers, supported by our experts, have put together a guide of tips ands guidelines to support you before and after your appointment with Dress for Success.
Good luck ladies! Yours, Clara Lonsdale Fashion Editor
Chorley Wood Beth Henderson Zoe Skerrett Tammy Chowdhury Fashion Sub Editors
What to Wear to an Interview You may be surprised to know that what you wear to an interview can tell the interviewer a lot about you before you’ve even sat down! The right outfit could set you aside from the rest of the candidates. Here we are going to give you some clothing tips to show potential employers that you are the person they have been looking for. First impressions are important and your appearance is a key indicator to your personality. You must dress smartly, look approachable and act confident but not everybody knows exactly how to achieve that. Well you needn’t worry: by the end of this booklet you will be ready to take interviews by storm! Colour
It’s important you pick an appropriate colour to suit the type of job you are going for: pale or pastel colours work well for a more laid-back and casual job, whereas bold and dark colours suit a more formal job. Black is a popular colour choice when it comes to interviews - it looks smart and connotes power and authority, however it could make you look unapproachable. To wear black without being too overwhelming it’s nice to use it as an accent colour in a scarf or tie. Grey conveys a similar message to black, however it’s not as dominating when it comes to power. A grey suit or dress would look smart with a coloured shirt underneath will look sophisticated but also neutralised. Navy blue suggests calmness along with authority and confidence. White is another common colour, especially for shirts, it implies trust and is bright but not too overwhelming. The colour red is nice and bright to wear, especially as an accent to an outfit; it suggests energy and passion.
Style Depending on whether your interview is in spring/summer or autumn/winter, your outfit may change, but there are a few things that will be the same all year round. Your personal appearance should be flawless: this includes clean, trimmed nails and neat, tied back hair to create a smart and fresh statement. Heels are not necessary but if you do pick a pair, make sure they aren’t too high and you can comfortably walk in them. It’s also nicer to have a pair with a closed toe rather than an open one. Whether you choose a briefcase or a portfolio it’s important that it looks clean, professional and is neatly organised. Spring/Summer
In the summer it’s really not nice to be sat in a hot and stuffy interview room wearing a tight, smart outfit for a couple of hours— so make sure you dress according to the temperature. There’s nothing wrong with wearing a sleeveless shirt as long as it’s not too tight and there are no bra straps on show. Autumn/Winter
In the colder months it’s nicer to wear a trouser suit with a smart blouse to keep yourself a bit warmer. It’s not a crime to wear a dress in the winter but I recommend wearing tights to keep your legs covered, a tan or light pair would work best and still look elegant. One final tip: keep your perfume light, nobody wants to choke on a person’s cloud of floral scent—keep it minimal.
By Zoe Skerrett
Dressing for your Shape Tall
Simple, structured clothes that are bold, have striking colours or large patterns complement your height.
Horizontal lines across your body can help to diffuse your height and try wearing neutral tones against brighter colours.
Wearing heels can give you an extra confidence so don’t be afraid to wear them!
To flatter your proportions try wearing large accessories, such as oversized bags and chunky necklaces.
Slim fit jackets can create dramatic angles and break up your tall figure.
Apple
Rather than wearing baggy trousers, go for some boot-cut or straight trousers and show off your lovely legs! Wide waistband can draw attention away from your stomach.
Use structured tailored jackets to give definition to your upper body. Look out for versions with one or two buttons.
Wrap dresses look great on apple bodies, as they fit nicely over a nice bust. A side tie on dresses can draw attention away from your stomach. Athletic
Wear A-line skirts to add definition to your waist, you can experiment with different lengths, if you want to show off those lovely legs then get yourself a skater skirt.
Ruffles on your tops or blouse will work wonders and give your body some feminine details.
Hour Glass
A peplum top worn with a skirt can help to exaggerate your curvy hips.
Bootcut jeans can help balance your curves, especially if you wear dark colours.
High-waisted and wide legged trousers can emphasise the hip without making the rest of your bottom half look big.
Wear fitted clothes as that will show of your hour glass figure but make sure they’re not too tight.
Petite
Dresses will look great on your body, try and go for ones with one colour from shoulder to knee.
Wearing stripes, patterns and block colours can help to elongate your bottom half.
By Tammy Chowdhury
My Fashion’s Top Five Interview Tips When you’re going for a new job it can be very daunting. You must be friendly, confident, well dressed and articulate. Here are our top ten tips on how to achieve this: 1. It is absolutely essential to get your possible future employer to like you - smile, be attentive (make eye contact) and show an interest by asking relevant questions. 2. You must dress to impress an employer! It is important to know how much to dress up, however. You must look professional, therefore smart clothes are an essential and it wouldn’t hurt to keep the make up and jewellery toned down as much as possible.
3. It is particularly important to remain completely focused when answering questions. Be aware of what you’re about to say so that you don't ramble. If you aren’t sure the answer of a question put forward to you, say so! It shows initiative and confidence. 4. No matter what happens throughout your time being questioned, do not fall out with the interviewer, if you feel uncomfortable with the statements made by any of the people interviewing you, it may be that this company is not for you. 5. You must, must be prepared! Take the time to do your research, look at the company website if possible and find out for yourself what the company values and aims are. The key word in all of this is preparation. As my Dad always reminds me on a regular basis… Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. So go out there, be confident and go and get that job you know you’d be so great at! By Beth Henderson
Beware: Of the 8 Mistakes Most Women Make in Job Interviews Did you know the decision to hire is made in 15 minutes or less? Scary, or what!? With that in mind, My Fashion have put together a list of the jobhunting sins you may be making.
"This Is My Dream Job" Even if you mean it, don’t say it! Almost 70% of recruiters will think it’s a cliché they've heard far too many times before. Make sure to steer clear of the phrases "I'm a team player" and “I think outside the box”- come up with your own way of describing how fantastic you are! You Criticize Past Bosses Even if your old boss makes The Office's Ricky Gervais seem like the most professional person alive, you'll be the one who looks bad if you dis them or your former company. If you are negative in an interview, it sticks with you. You Ask About Holiday You may think you're being straightforward and honest by telling your potential boss that you and your girls have a 2 week trip to Greece in the horizon. However, most recruiters agree that the interview is a bad time to start asking when you can take time off from the job you don't even have.
You Talk Money Money is no doubt on your mind when you're searching for a new job. But unless the interviewer brings it up, wait until the offer is on the table before you discuss.
You’re Too Laid Back Having chemistry with your future boss is without a doubt essential when it comes to acing your interview, but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down. Talking to a interviewer as you would to one of your friends is a definite no-no for almost 90% of recruiters. You Don't Turn Off Your Phone An unexpected call or text message could easily kill your chance of moving up in your career. So make a mental note to turn off your phone beforehand, otherwise this little slipup will make recruiters forget about ever hiring you. You're Late Recruiters have heard every excuse in the book. If you're the type who is ‘always late’, try to predict what could delay you and nip it in the bud before interview day.
With all this in mind your interview should be a breeze. Good luck and make sure to steer clear of these interview sins!
By Clara Lonsdale
Good Luck! Happy Interviewing!
Designs by Chorley Wood
Editor’s Letter The Fashion team at MyStudentStyle.co.uk have joined forces with Dress for Success. Our mission? To help promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by supporting Dress for Success as they provide professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. My team of writers, supported by our experts, have put together a guide of tips ands guidelines to support you before and after your appointment with Dress for Success.
Good luck ladies! Yours, Clara Lonsdale Fashion Editor
Chorley Wood Beth Henderson Zoe Skerrett Tammy Chowdhury Fashion Sub Editors
What to Wear to an Interview You may be surprised to know that what you wear to an interview can tell the interviewer a lot about you before you’ve even sat down! The right outfit could set you aside from the rest of the candidates. Here we are going to give you some clothing tips to show potential employers that you are the person they have been looking for. First impressions are important and your appearance is a key indicator to your personality. You must dress smartly, look approachable and act confident but not everybody knows exactly how to achieve that. Well you needn’t worry: by the end of this booklet you will be ready to take interviews by storm! Colour
It’s important you pick an appropriate colour to suit the type of job you are going for: pale or pastel colours work well for a more laid-back and casual job, whereas bold and dark colours suit a more formal job. Black is a popular colour choice when it comes to interviews - it looks smart and connotes power and authority, however it could make you look unapproachable. To wear black without being too overwhelming it’s nice to use it as an accent colour in a scarf or tie. Grey conveys a similar message to black, however it’s not as dominating when it comes to power. A grey suit or dress would look smart with a coloured shirt underneath will look sophisticated but also neutralised. Navy blue suggests calmness along with authority and confidence. White is another common colour, especially for shirts, it implies trust and is bright but not too overwhelming. The colour red is nice and bright to wear, especially as an accent to an outfit; it suggests energy and passion.
Style Depending on whether your interview is in spring/summer or autumn/winter, your outfit may change, but there are a few things that will be the same all year round. Your personal appearance should be flawless: this includes clean, trimmed nails and neat, tied back hair to create a smart and fresh statement. Heels are not necessary but if you do pick a pair, make sure they aren’t too high and you can comfortably walk in them. It’s also nicer to have a pair with a closed toe rather than an open one. Whether you choose a briefcase or a portfolio it’s important that it looks clean, professional and is neatly organised. Spring/Summer
In the summer it’s really not nice to be sat in a hot and stuffy interview room wearing a tight, smart outfit for a couple of hours— so make sure you dress according to the temperature. There’s nothing wrong with wearing a sleeveless shirt as long as it’s not too tight and there are no bra straps on show. Autumn/Winter
In the colder months it’s nicer to wear a trouser suit with a smart blouse to keep yourself a bit warmer. It’s not a crime to wear a dress in the winter but I recommend wearing tights to keep your legs covered, a tan or light pair would work best and still look elegant. One final tip: keep your perfume light, nobody wants to choke on a person’s cloud of floral scent—keep it minimal.
By Zoe Skerrett
Dressing for your Shape Tall
Simple, structured clothes that are bold, have striking colours or large patterns complement your height.
Horizontal lines across your body can help to diffuse your height and try wearing neutral tones against brighter colours.
Wearing heels can give you an extra confidence so don’t be afraid to wear them!
To flatter your proportions try wearing large accessories, such as oversized bags and chunky necklaces.
Slim fit jackets can create dramatic angles and break up your tall figure.
Apple
Rather than wearing baggy trousers, go for some boot-cut or straight trousers and show off your lovely legs! Wide waistband can draw attention away from your stomach.
Use structured tailored jackets to give definition to your upper body. Look out for versions with one or two buttons.
Wrap dresses look great on apple bodies, as they fit nicely over a nice bust. A side tie on dresses can draw attention away from your stomach. Athletic
Wear A-line skirts to add definition to your waist, you can experiment with different lengths, if you want to show off those lovely legs then get yourself a skater skirt.
Ruffles on your tops or blouse will work wonders and give your body some feminine details.
Hour Glass
A peplum top worn with a skirt can help to exaggerate your curvy hips.
Bootcut jeans can help balance your curves, especially if you wear dark colours.
High-waisted and wide legged trousers can emphasise the hip without making the rest of your bottom half look big.
Wear fitted clothes as that will show of your hour glass figure but make sure they’re not too tight.
Petite
Dresses will look great on your body, try and go for ones with one colour from shoulder to knee.
Wearing stripes, patterns and block colours can help to elongate your bottom half.
By Tammy Chowdhury
My Fashion’s Top Five Interview Tips When you’re going for a new job it can be very daunting. You must be friendly, confident, well dressed and articulate. Here are our top ten tips on how to achieve this: 1. It is absolutely essential to get your possible future employer to like you - smile, be attentive (make eye contact) and show an interest by asking relevant questions. 2. You must dress to impress an employer! It is important to know how much to dress up, however. You must look professional, therefore smart clothes are an essential and it wouldn’t hurt to keep the make up and jewellery toned down as much as possible.
3. It is particularly important to remain completely focused when answering questions. Be aware of what you’re about to say so that you don't ramble. If you aren’t sure the answer of a question put forward to you, say so! It shows initiative and confidence. 4. No matter what happens throughout your time being questioned, do not fall out with the interviewer, if you feel uncomfortable with the statements made by any of the people interviewing you, it may be that this company is not for you. 5. You must, must be prepared! Take the time to do your research, look at the company website if possible and find out for yourself what the company values and aims are. The key word in all of this is preparation. As my Dad always reminds me on a regular basis… Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. So go out there, be confident and go and get that job you know you’d be so great at! By Beth Henderson
Beware: Of the 8 Mistakes Most Women Make in Job Interviews Did you know the decision to hire is made in 15 minutes or less? Scary, or what!? With that in mind, My Fashion have put together a list of the jobhunting sins you may be making.
"This Is My Dream Job" Even if you mean it, don’t say it! Almost 70% of recruiters will think it’s a cliché they've heard far too many times before. Make sure to steer clear of the phrases "I'm a team player" and “I think outside the box”- come up with your own way of describing how fantastic you are! You Criticize Past Bosses Even if your old boss makes The Office's Ricky Gervais seem like the most professional person alive, you'll be the one who looks bad if you dis them or your former company. If you are negative in an interview, it sticks with you. You Ask About Holiday You may think you're being straightforward and honest by telling your potential boss that you and your girls have a 2 week trip to Greece in the horizon. However, most recruiters agree that the interview is a bad time to start asking when you can take time off from the job you don't even have.
You Talk Money Money is no doubt on your mind when you're searching for a new job. But unless the interviewer brings it up, wait until the offer is on the table before you discuss.
You’re Too Laid Back Having chemistry with your future boss is without a doubt essential when it comes to acing your interview, but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down. Talking to a interviewer as you would to one of your friends is a definite no-no for almost 90% of recruiters. You Don't Turn Off Your Phone An unexpected call or text message could easily kill your chance of moving up in your career. So make a mental note to turn off your phone beforehand, otherwise this little slipup will make recruiters forget about ever hiring you. You're Late Recruiters have heard every excuse in the book. If you're the type who is ‘always late’, try to predict what could delay you and nip it in the bud before interview day.
With all this in mind your interview should be a breeze. Good luck and make sure to steer clear of these interview sins!
By Clara Lonsdale
Good Luck! Happy Interviewing!
Designs by Chorley Wood
