Yesterday I went for a Group Interview for a major Shopping Centre who is about to open their remodelled complex with over 110 specialty stores and loads more for the budding shopper.
The position was for a Part-time/Casual Sales Assistant/2IC/Store Manager position in one of the centre's new Fashion labels. This was my third group interview. When I went for my first two last year, each one was slightly different and at the first one I went to for David Jones, I remember how much I did not know such as: what to expect, what I should wear, what I should bring etc.
This time round I was more than prepared. The following I hope will help others wishing to enter the Fashion Industry through Retail and how to be prepared for a group style interview.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
1. Do your research. I cannot stress the importance of knowing who you want to work for, a brief history of the company, what they sell, how the sell, through what avenues are their products available e.g. in store, online etc.
2. Based on your research, you can do a little recon as well if you like. Go online, go in store and see if this environment is one you see yourself working in, would you shop here yourself (unless you're like me and know the store inside and out, due to countless spending) and most importantly, can you deliver the same if not better first impression/sales techniques than the sales assistants already working there?
3. So after the research and the recon, you should have a fairly good idea of what's expected of you. I found that it is helpful to "Google" what you should wear to an interview. You can get industry advice, fellow interviewee's advice and recruitment agency advice on what the do's and don’ts are on clothing and making that great first impression.
For Fashion, I found that the following blogs/posts were very helpful:
• http://www.39thandbroadway.com/wtf-wear-fashion-interview/
This blog is devoted to fashion insiders who work in New York’s garment centre and the fashion industry and need a place to gossip, vent and network. This article even has images to assist your decision on what you should wear, depending on the position you are applying for e.g. Designer, Sales Assistant, Merchandiser etc.
• http://womens-work-wear.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_to_wear_to_an_interview_in_fashion
This blog answers the questions that first come to find for any interview. Do you wear a suit? Are Jeans to informal? Are labels the key?
4. Finally, make sure you arrive 10-15 minutes early and know exactly where you are required to attend the interview, be it an office, in store, centre management etc. No one is sympathetic if you cannot park your car on time. and arrive 15 minutes late and plus it looks un-professional and they may assume you are unreliable.
1) Birth Certificate (Original) and one other form of ID such as a Drivers License, Student Card. A passport will cover both these forms of ID as well.
2) A copy of your resume, regardless of whether or not the interviewer has a copy. It doesn't hurt.
3) Any references, qualifications you may have that are relevant to this position.
4) Pen and Paper. For any information you might gather during the interview or if you're required to complete a writing task.
The position was for a Part-time/Casual Sales Assistant/2IC/Store Manager position in one of the centre's new Fashion labels. This was my third group interview. When I went for my first two last year, each one was slightly different and at the first one I went to for David Jones, I remember how much I did not know such as: what to expect, what I should wear, what I should bring etc.
This time round I was more than prepared. The following I hope will help others wishing to enter the Fashion Industry through Retail and how to be prepared for a group style interview.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
1. Do your research. I cannot stress the importance of knowing who you want to work for, a brief history of the company, what they sell, how the sell, through what avenues are their products available e.g. in store, online etc.
2. Based on your research, you can do a little recon as well if you like. Go online, go in store and see if this environment is one you see yourself working in, would you shop here yourself (unless you're like me and know the store inside and out, due to countless spending) and most importantly, can you deliver the same if not better first impression/sales techniques than the sales assistants already working there?
3. So after the research and the recon, you should have a fairly good idea of what's expected of you. I found that it is helpful to "Google" what you should wear to an interview. You can get industry advice, fellow interviewee's advice and recruitment agency advice on what the do's and don’ts are on clothing and making that great first impression.
For Fashion, I found that the following blogs/posts were very helpful:
• http://www.39thandbroadway.com/wtf-wear-fashion-interview/
This blog is devoted to fashion insiders who work in New York’s garment centre and the fashion industry and need a place to gossip, vent and network. This article even has images to assist your decision on what you should wear, depending on the position you are applying for e.g. Designer, Sales Assistant, Merchandiser etc.
• http://womens-work-wear.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_to_wear_to_an_interview_in_fashion
This blog answers the questions that first come to find for any interview. Do you wear a suit? Are Jeans to informal? Are labels the key?
4. Finally, make sure you arrive 10-15 minutes early and know exactly where you are required to attend the interview, be it an office, in store, centre management etc. No one is sympathetic if you cannot park your car on time. and arrive 15 minutes late and plus it looks un-professional and they may assume you are unreliable.
**As a given, I assume you will bring the following documentation to your interview**
1) Birth Certificate (Original) and one other form of ID such as a Drivers License, Student Card. A passport will cover both these forms of ID as well.
2) A copy of your resume, regardless of whether or not the interviewer has a copy. It doesn't hurt.
3) Any references, qualifications you may have that are relevant to this position.
4) Pen and Paper. For any information you might gather during the interview or if you're required to complete a writing task.
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