Makeup for job interviews

[megz196Member]

Just wondering if anyone has suggestions! I have been applying for office jobs since I’m graduating from university this spring, and I’m trying to decide what type of looks woud be appropriate for interviews (hopefully I’ll actually get a few!)… I’m thinking even skin, not too much contouring, a little blush and maybe some liquid liner with a pretty light neutral eye… Any other recommendations?

[pamelaMember]

I think it depends on the vibe of the company, if its a place that is more laid back and not so conservative then you can get away with more…. But play it safe and use neutrals, nothing too dramatic. Something you can try out is maybe using a moss or brown liner thats a staple in my work makeup, also wear a good mascara they will be making a lot eye contact with you in the interviews so no clumps!!!

Hope this helps a little

[ssh1958Member]

Let me give you my background and then you can evaluate what I say: I owned my own consulting firm for 15 years, prior to that I work at multi-billion dollar companies.

(1) your makeup and clothes should be tailored to the industry. An office job in a fashion house will allow for more creativity in clothing/makeup than one in a bank or law office. I was called on the carpet one time for wearing a gray sit with burgundy pinstripes, burgundy shirt and burgundy leather pumps. Too ‘flashy’ for the company.

(2) Dress for the job you want 5 years from now – not the one you are interviewing for. Companies like to see ‘potential’ in the people they interview. Answer to the question where do you see your self in 5 years — In the job above the person you are interviewing with (doesn’t apply to an hr interview unless that is your area).

(3) Makeup – neutrals all around, little if no liner (again depends on the company).

(4) what did you major in?

[megz196Member]

I majored in Sociocultural Anthropology, which means I know how to write a lot of essays and have no discernible job skills besides the ones I’ve gained through other jobs! I am applying for administrative jobs at this point, just to get a foot in the door in the non-profit sector

I just bought a darker gray skirt suit for interviews, but I’m hoping to find a nice top in a brighter colour to wear under it and some nice heels to give a little personality… Definitely was planning on a neutral makeup look, I basically just want to look fresh and professional (I’m 28), without trying to be too trendy

[r4chel77Member]

my opinion on this is that the world is pretty misogynist and that women need to be appropriately feminine. this means that as women, our abilities and worth are judged so intensely on our attractiveness. simultaneously, we can’t be too attractive or too feminine because that’s also associated with lack of determination/drive/perseverance, reliability, intelligence, reputability, etc… looking for administration jobs, you need to have the appearance of someone that can command respect. studies show how men are always listened to more frequently and more seriously than women… that all being said, i think you’re totally on point with trying to look fresh. I would skip liquid liner. Go for lightly filled brows, a dab of blush, a couple neutral matte shadows, regular pencil liner on the lid in dark brown or black but none on the water line, and a clean coat of mascara on the lashes. definitely do a sheer layer of foundation with concealer under the eyes so that you don’t look at all tired.

[ssh1958Member]

r4chel77 is right on point. It is much less today than when I started out. I was conducting a class for engineers in our sub-divisions, had spoken with many but never met them face-to-face, 3 came in as I was arranging the breakfast goodies and I asked how flights and accommodations were – after responding they asked when “I” would arrive. They expected a dowdy, bespeckled “me”. I guess my point is be yourself but don’t go extreme. I so feel for the CEO of IBM (denied membership at Augusta National because she is female) as she is my age, we have similar degrees, and I know how well she had to perform to get where she is. The sexism is still around – only way more subtle today.

What about a peach or very subtle pink shirt for the suit? Or liven it up with a bright coral shell (and complimentary subtle makeup). Heel height 2-2/12 inched (no stilettos) and preferably black. NOTE: good handbag and shoes always lend class to even a mid-price outfit. Not sure they are available in Canada – Kasper ASL coordinates are fab – I get mine from Burlington. You will need at least 2 interview suits – there is in most instances a second interview sometimes more depending on the job. I would suggest Navy for the second suit (all tops I suggested will also work with it). Clothes are second nature to me – makeup is more challenging which is why I stick with 2-3 basic looks.

Totally off the makeup topic but:

I think you may be selling your skills short – sociocultural anthropology gives you great insight into the working of cultures including today’s culture. What about PR firms, advertising firms, lobbying firms, etc not just non-profits?

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