By now, everyone's pretty aware that the job market is b-l-e-a-k. You don't have to turn on CNN to know that new positions are hard to come by, and companies are downsizing left and right. Therefore it should come as no surprise that searching for work is more competitive than ever with a ton of talented people vying for the same jobs. Because of this unfortunate fact, word on the (Wall) street is that employers are so inundated with highly qualified applicants, that they look for the tiniest slip-ups to make the process of elimination easier. Yikes.
If you've been hitting the proverbial pavement looking for a job because you've been laid-off, want to jumpstart your career, find a new career path or have decided to head back into the workforce after baby number two, you're not alone. And because of how "not alone" you are in your job search, just getting an interview is hard enough. For that reason, it's imperative that on the big day, you not only have the right chops for your desired profession (that's all on you btw), you also need to look like the best candidate for the job. That's where we come in.
We believe that beauty products (especially makeup) were put on this earth to help us all look fab. (It's amazing how the right makeup and hairstyle can give you immediate confidence.) Plus, there's no doubt that the way we look dictates how people perceive us. Remember the old saying, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression"? Well nothing could be truer of the interview process, which is why now is the time to up your game so that potential employers have no excuse not to hire you. One makeup shade too bright and it could be "thanks, but no thanks."
To find out what looks can help and hinder your chances of landing your dream job (or even that basic job to pay the bills), we went to the experts: Dr. Lois Frankel, author of "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office," Jerami Brown from the Paul Labrecque Salon in New York City and celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic. They explain how to do your hair, makeup and more for any interview. With their expert tips you won't be counted out because of your makeup or hairstyle choices.
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Accessorize your way to success
First, choose an outfit that means business. Dr. Frankel, our career expert, says your no-fail option is a navy pantsuit, conservative dress, or dress/skirt with a jacket that covers any tattoos or body piercings. Frankel says navy is a "sincere color, that's not dour like black or too 'look at me' like red," making it a good neutral that works on just about everyone.
Once you have your professional base of an outfit, get a little creative to set your look apart from other interviewers. Just like in your cover letter, your own personal flare is important here to make a lasting impression. Frankel says accessories are the best way to do this. A cute, yet conservative headband (like Goody String of Pearls Headband, $4.99) can add a touch of personality to your look without going too over the top. Up the ante by choosing an accessory that has a story behind it, so if asked, you can give a tidbit about it which will instantly make you seem more friendly, human and likable.
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Don't get accessory crazy
It only takes one too many bedazzled hair pins to turn your flare into folly. Though it's easy to get excited and pair your favorite hoop earrings with a vintage jeweled barrette or to try a new trend like feathered headbands (seen here on Eva Mendes), resist overdoing it. While it might look great for a night out, it's definitely not appropriate for the board room. Frankel suggests that before you walk out the door, stand in front of a mirror and quickly turn around once and look back in the mirror. Whichever accessory you notice first, remove -- it'll be too distracting to your interviewer. While you want to show your personality, you don't want to do anything that will eliminate you from the hiring process.
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Choose a hairstyle that works for you
Frankel's very-important hair advice: DO NOT sport a hairstyle that will allow you to play with your hair. Any twirling, flipping, fussing or touching of your hair in general, makes you appear fidgety, unprofessional and insecure. Basically, the opposite of what most employers are looking for in a candidate.
Most women don't realize they are touching their hair in everyday situations, so naturally in a high-stress situation (like a job interview), they will be more likely to perform this habitual action. The simplest way to avoid playing with your hair: wear it back.
Next: Celeb hairstylist Jerami Brown shares an elegant style how-to that follows Frankel's rule.
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Try this job interview-approved ponytail
Try this polished look for a simple, fuss-free look:
Step 1: Apply an anti-frizz product (try Paul Labrecque Curly Style, $24) to your hair, whether it's straight or curly.
Step 2: If your hair is straight, blow dry it with a round or paddle brush for extra smoothness. If your hair is curly, apply a curl-enhancing gel or cream (like Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme, $27) and either air dry or blow dry with a diffuser attachment.
Step 3: Secure hair into a ponytail. It doesn't have to be super-tight, but you don't want a lot of loose strands falling out either.
Step 4: For an extra-polished finish, take a strand of hair and wrap it around your hair elastic neatly, then bobby pin the ends under the pony.
Step 5: Run a smoothing product or shine serum over your hair if you have any remaining frizz or flyaways. You can also slide on that pearl headband we mentioned previously.
Next: If you truly can't bare to wear your hair up, the next slide is for you
By now, everyone's pretty aware that the job market is b-l-e-a-k. You don't have to turn on CNN to know that new positions are hard to come by, and companies are downsizing left and right. Therefore it should come as no surprise that searching for work is more competitive than ever with a ton of talented people vying for the same jobs. Because of this unfortunate fact, word on the (Wall) street is that employers are so inundated with highly qualified applicants, that they look for the tiniest slip-ups to make the process of elimination easier. Yikes.
If you've been hitting the proverbial pavement looking for a job because you've been laid-off, want to jumpstart your career, find a new career path or have decided to head back into the workforce after baby number two, you're not alone. And because of how "not alone" you are in your job search, just getting an interview is hard enough. For that reason, it's imperative that on the big day, you not only have the right chops for your desired profession (that's all on you btw), you also need to look like the best candidate for the job. That's where we come in.
We believe that beauty products (especially makeup) were put on this earth to help us all look fab. (It's amazing how the right makeup and hairstyle can give you immediate confidence.) Plus, there's no doubt that the way we look dictates how people perceive us. Remember the old saying, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression"? Well nothing could be truer of the interview process, which is why now is the time to up your game so that potential employers have no excuse not to hire you. One makeup shade too bright and it could be "thanks, but no thanks."
To find out what looks can help and hinder your chances of landing your dream job (or even that basic job to pay the bills), we went to the experts: Dr. Lois Frankel, author of "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office," Jerami Brown from the Paul Labrecque Salon in New York City and celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic. They explain how to do your hair, makeup and more for any interview. With their expert tips you won't be counted out because of your makeup or hairstyle choices.
