Once the stressful phase of the job search is over, another one immediately arrives. Even if in the beginning you’re happy and excited because you finally got the call you were waiting for for a long time, when you realize that it is face to face moment, you could go into panic and anxiety asking how to behave during the job interview with a fashion company to give your best to get that job. We’ve all been there, don’t worry!
In this ebook, I’ve written exactly everything to do to prepare for all the steps of a job interview with a fashion company, and today I want to talk about what NOT to do instead.
Don’t forget to practice your elevator pitch
Although it is necessary to avoid the gaps of silence and always answer all the questions, talking too much is not a good option too, especially when they ask to introduce yourself. With this initial but critical question, make sure you sell yourself as the perfect fit for the company. Prepare your elevator pitch in advance to kickstart the interview. Practice it at home to exactly fit that company and job. Just as your CV and cover letter must be personalized, your elevator pitch should also highlight previous skills and experiences that are related to the role you’re interviewing for.
Don’t speak negatively about your previous boss, team or job
Even if your former boss was the worst, the recruiter doesn’t know the truth. They only hear your version, so avoid any negative comments about your old job and team. The company does not want you to talk negatively about them as well or that you don’t know how to work in a team because you have quarreled with all your colleagues. Instead, be neutral and mention what you have learned and above all what you would like to learn now.
Don’t be late
Needless to say, don’t be late for your interview. But not too early as well. 10 minutes earlier is ideal. To avoid this, foresee unexpected events such as traffic or public transport that could stop during the journey. Check from Google Maps how long it takes to get to that address and leave at least 30 minutes in advance to avoid unexpected events. At my first interview, I found a car accident that closed the road and I was stuck for half an hour! Having enough time will prevent you as well from arriving at the job interview stressed out and sweaty after a run!
Don’t be unprepared
Visit the brand website, social media, subscribe to the newsletter and read all the articles you find online. Write down on a notebook when the brand was founded, who is the creative director, the CEO and the names of the people with whom you have the interview. Study the brand to be ready to answer questions such as: What is your favorite collection? What do you like most about this brand? Where the competitors are doing better?
You will be able to answer all these questions only if you have studied the company before the job interview.
Don’t mention only one brand
When they ask you who your favorite fashion brands are, obviously don’t forget the brand you are interviewing for, but also mention others and be ready to express your opinions on the differences between the brands.
Don’t talk about money
Especially in the first job interview, never talk about money. Of course, if the person in front of you asks about it then answer, but don’t be the first to start talking about your compensation. I know it is obviously an important detail that you would like to know, but wait until you get to at least the second / third round of a job interview with a fashion company before kindly starting to talk about money.
Don’t be too nervous
Being nervous is normal, but do not show yourself too nervous during your job interview with a fashion company. Be confident about your competences, but be careful not to result in presumption. A great way to look confident is to always look the person you are talking to in the eye, so rather than looking down or looking around, always talk looking the person in the eye. Being able to contain anxiety also serves the recruiter to understand how you react in stressful situations when you are under pressure, which often happens in fashion.
Don’t forget a copy of your CV
Some recruiters print your CV and bring it to the interview, others forget it and in some cases, they have only one copy and then someone else joins the interview, so print 2-3 copies of your CV, it will also be useful to you when you have to start talking about your experiences.
Don’t forget to smile and keep your gestures under control
When we are nervous we tend to make some movements that we may not notice at the moment, such as drumming with one leg, moving on the chair, rubbing hands. Body language says a lot about your personality and recruiters notice what you do in addition to what you say, so be careful to check these nervous movements and don’t forget to smile, people want to work with those who are kind and in a good mood so smile but obviously in moderation.
Don’t forget to mute your phone
Even if you have warned friends and family not to call you during the interview, always set the phone to mute or turn it off to avoid embarrassing interruption from a random call or any notification sounds.
Are there other things you would recommend to NOT do during a job interview with a fashion company? Leave your comments below
