Happy Monday, friends! The start of a new year often sparks a desire for change within us–a new fitness routine, a new diet, or maybe even a new job.  If you find yourself heading to interviews, it’s important not only to prepare yourself mentally, but to prepare yourself physically as well.  Now y’all know that I believe that inner beauty is everything, but this is one of the times that you’ll hear me say it’s essential to look your best.  You want to put your best foot forward when meeting your potential future employers, so you’ll need to look professional, put together, and confident.  It’s a little like going on a first date.  You wouldn’t show up in your pajamas with messy hair, nor would you want to show up for coffee in 6 inch heels and a party dress.  Think of an interview as a first date with your future workplace.  You want to make a great and lasting first impression as you get to know each other and determine whether or not it’s the right fit for both of you.

My friend from Notre Dame (Woo! Go Irish!) works for Brightwing, a recruiting service in Michigan, Texas and Florida, and she asked me to do a guest post for their blog teaching women how to do their makeup for an interview.  I was more than happy to jump at the suggestion because I think this is a good tool for my subscribers to have as well.  While Brightwing focuses on finding you a job that is both professionally and personally a great fit, I’ll focus on how to get ready once they’ve helped you land an interview.

I’ve listed all of the products used in this tutorial in the description box of this video.  For super easy shopping, I’ve got links included too!

You want to keep your makeup simple and tasteful.  An interview is not the time to bust out your favorite smokey eye and red lip.

You also want your makeup to enhance your best features without being over the top.  Neutral and natural with a bit of warmth is definitely the way to go.

Now that we’ve got makeup covered, let me just discuss a few other things that will help you to look your best in an interview.

Hair – As long as it’s neat and clean, there aren’t too many rules to follow, but here are just a few suggestions.

• Try to keep it out of your face so that your interviewer can see you.  I’m not saying you have to wear it up or back, but if they can’t see your eyes, that probably won’t go over well.
• If you’re wearing your hair down and you’re handy with a curling wand, a few curls always look good.  Need help?  Here’s a curling tutorial just for you!
• If you are hot tool challenged, go for a simple but elegant updo like a sock bun.  If you’re not familiar with styling your hair with footwear, I teach you how to get in on this magic in this tutorial.

Nails – Neat and neutral!

• Stick to neutral colors like a pale pink.  A few of my favorites are Essie’s Limo-Scene, Adore-a-ball, Vanity Fairest, and Sugar Daddy.
• Keep them neat!  It doesn’t look very professional to have a manicure that is super chipped and messy.

Outfit – BE PROFESSIONAL!  Obviously your outfit will depend on the type of job you’re interviewing for, but here a few basic guidelines.

• If it’s too low or too high, skip it.  An employer does not need to see all that.
• An iron is your friend!! Don’t walk in to an interview looking like you just picked up your clothes from a heap on your floor.
• For an office job, I recommend picking up business wear if you don’t already own some.  It will never hurt you in life to own a nice blazer, a pair of dress pants, and some office-friendly blouses.  EXPRESS & The Limited are my go-to stores for affordable business wear that is completely work appropriate, yet still stylish.

I hope that you’ve found this helpful!! Don’t forget to check out Brightwing to learn about this amazing company and all that they have to offer.  And good luck in those interviews!

Best & Blessings,
Rachel