But if you're like the usual me, and can manage to stutter and mumble a little at times when you're nervous, a phone interview can be to your advantage.
There is no law that states that you cannot write your answers down ahead of time! Most employers ask the majority of the same questions, so even if you are dealing with a tough face-to-face interview, it's good to study up on some questions so that you are not totally blind-sided.
For those of you that haven't interviewed before, it really isn't as rough as it sounds! If you prepare the correct way, it'll be a piece of cake.
Before any interview, I always type up a set of questions that I should expect from the employer, and then I answer them. I study, read them over and over, have a little Q&A in front of the mirror, and try to stay as calm as possible even a couple days prior to the interview.
Below is an example of one of my interview guides!
This idea has helped me so much over the years. It allows me to never look surprised when I'm asked a question, while giving my answers a steadiness that only comes with a little rehearsal. Enjoy :)
Interview Preparation: Q&A (WARNING: A few typos may appear. Notes are not meant to be 100% formal. Just make sure you know what you mean when you make a mistake on a question!)
1)
Why do you want this job?
a.
I want
this job because fashion has always been my heart. To being voted best dressed numerous times to
styling my friends and their friends, it has always been a talent of mine. I feel that I can incorporate my degree of
Sociology into fashion because it has taught me how to interact with a plethora
of personalities. I have interacted and
worked with so many different groups of people, and I believe that this will
help me work with people in the fashion industry. From human resources to the fashion itself,
I’m your girl.
2)
Do you have any questions?
a.
When
would I start this internship?
b.
When
would I need to be in New York?
3)
Describe a situation in which you lead a team.
a. I have been a president of multiple clubs.
My biggest leadership role was Student Council President, where I helped speak
at and plan assemblies, gave the morning announcements over the intercom,
brainstormed fun and safe school activities, and set up all of the
dances/formals. I have also been
involved in the cheerleading squad at my college, where we all work together as
leaders to promote school spirit and involvement. Also, I am Vice President of my college’s
Sociology Club. Through this, I help
officiate club events and contact sponsors for the club.
4)
Where do you expect to be in five years?
a. Hopefully graduate with my Bachelor’s
Degree in Sociology/Social Work Emphasis and working on my Master’s Degree in Social
Work. I have recently started looking into programs for fashion and fashion
merchandising, as I now realize that my dream could turn into a reality. LIM
has a Master’s program that I am looking into.
My overall long-term goal is work in the fashion industry, either in
retail or styling. My other option is to
work in the HR department for a fashion company. My Sociology qualifies me to work in human
resources .
5)
If you were to have a problem with the customer,
what would your reaction be?
a. The customer is always right is a common
phrase used in this situation, and I would try my best to make them feel
authoritative for the moment. After they
have expressed their feelings, I would give them all of the answers that I
possibly could (only the ones I have the answers to). Overall, I know to listen
to the customer’s complaint and help them to the best of my ability. If my help
and knowledge isn’t good enough, I would likely get a manager or team leader to
help the situation.
6)
What are your weaknesses?
a. Being a perfectionist comes with faults. I
ask a lot of questions, but it is mainly so I can get the job done correctly. I can seem shy at first, but it does not
affect my job.
*Always spin your weaknesses into positives!
7)
What are your strengths?
a. My drive, passion, and punctuality. I enjoy
learning new things and get a huge thrill out of being productive. I can
probably count on one hand how many times in my life I have been late for
anything. I am extremely organized, in
all areas of my life. I handle stress
well, as I can take on a lot of work at one time and accomplish it all
efficiently.
I know the value of hard work, as
I have worked in several offices and the college in which I intend is centered
around work ethic.
8)
What are your hobbies?
a. I enjoy a lot of common things such as
shopping, swimming, and hanging out with friends. Making outfits, accessorizing, reading Teen
Vogue, Seventeen, and InStyle. The more out of the ordinary things consist of
reading, future planning, and organizing. I do a lot of cleaning because I
enjoy straightening things up.
9)
What is your greatest achievement?
a. Being salutatorian of my class is likely my
biggest achievement. I fought hard for it all four years of high school,
competing with two other girls constantly because our GPA’s were always so
close. Being able to make a speech in front of everyone in town was probably
one of the most invigorating experiences.
I have also maintained a 4.0 GPA the last three semesters of college,
with an overall 3.91 GPA (making the President’s List).
10)
Who do you look up to the most, i.e. hero?
a. As cliché as it sounds, my mother. She is
the most independent person I know, and she has been the most encouraging to me
through this internship process. She has
pushed me to dream, and she has been the disciplinarian in my life. With her strong personality and will to push
me to succeed, she has given me the strength to be the woman I am today.
11)
Describe yourself in one word.
a. Driven.
Everything I have ever done I have always put my all into it. I like the
feeling of accomplishing something, it never gets old. The thrill, the love for success. It makes me happy.
b. Other words: Organized, Efficient, Loyal,
Dedicated, Professional, Perfectionist, Creative.
12)
How do you steal with staff issues?
a. I don’t usually have conflicts with
co-workers, as I am not a huge fan of drama, but if this were to occur I would
explain that we need to keep our issues out of the workplace and to remain
professional. It isn’t necessary to
fight in a place where we are supposed to be working.
13)
What is your availability?
a. I am available as of the third week of May. If you need me sooner, I will can do whatever
you need me to do.
14)
Tell me about yourself.
a. Well, I am a junior at College of the
Ozarks. I am a cheerleader, office assistant at the Registration Office,
Sociology Club Vice President, and a member of the Rotaract Club. I am on the President’s Honor List (4.0
GPA). I love fashion, as anyone who
knows me know that. Moving to New York
or spending time there has been my dream since middle school. My heart for clothes started when I realized
that my greatest joy came out of the outfits I put together. I started styling my family, eventually
venturing out to friends and even aquaintances.
My happiness, heart, and soul would go into every outfit, and everyone
began to notice. Ever since, I’ve been
known as a “fashionista,” and I would have it any other way. I enjoy being busy, having fun, and growing
spiritually.
Here is a few topics that you may be asked about if you're interviewing for a fashion-based opportunity:
1)
Favorite Fashion Brands/Designers:
a. Michael Kors
i.
The
Metallic bags from last season are my absolute favorite. I have a brown one right now that I cannot
let go of!
ii.
My
go-to bag is my black-leather MK satchel. It has gold accents, and it is
timeless. I can wear it for a day that
is professional business, business casual, or just a night on the town. It is definitely my go-to bag!
iii.
I
wear my Michael Kors watch every day. It
is a classic piece of jewelry. I do not
wear it every day, but I could.
iv.
My
black-leather Michael Kors boots are my favorite. I can wear them with cute skinny jeans or I
can dress them up with a skirt.
b. ShoeDazzle
i.
Designer
styles for a price the average consumer can enjoy.
ii.
Runway
inspired styles, professional for a better price.
iii.
Most
of my shoes come from this site. Fashionista on a budget!
c. Ralph Lauren
i.
I go
to Ralph Lauren for my professional/chic looks.
From turtle necks to polos, when I am needing to look like the
President’s Daughter, Ralph knows what’s up.
d. Betsey Johnson
i.
Her
quirky style brightens my day! I own a
few of her handbags, and I get so many compliments on how unique they are. From funky patterns to bright colors, Betsey
has it going on.
2)
Favorite fashion blogger:
a. Cassandra Bankson
i.
Ever
since her YouTube debut for her foundation routine, I’ve learned to be
comfortable in my own skin. She was so
open and honest about her true beauty; it inspired me to look past my
insecurities, and that it is okay to wear make-up to enhance your look. I have had similar struggles with complexion,
but I have managed to combat them over the years. It was so great to watch someone with the
same struggles that I had go on with life with such grace. Her collection of Louboutin’s is phenomenal!
3)
Favorite Oscars looks:
a. Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace. It’s Kate
Hudson, she’s beautiful no matter what, but that dress was perfection. The
low-cut front was a classy yet scandalous touch!
b. Ireland Baldwin in Burberry. Ugh! This one might be my favorite. I LOVE the red lace, and the detailing is so
unique.
c. Lupita N’yongo in Prada. The ice-blue silk
tone of the dress was so innocent and beautiful.
d. Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Reem Acrea. Her post-baby bod rocked this dress! From her
dark, sultry to the gorgeous beading of this dress. Overall, stunning!
4)
Style Icons I Admire:
a.
Blake
Lively: She is my all-time
favorite. I have followed her style ever
since she started Gossip Girl. I grew to
love Blake’s individual style, not her character’s. She styles herself and never fails!
b.
Lily
Collins: Her dark, bold looks are daring
and chic.
c.
Suki
Waterhouse: She always looks fabulous.
She chooses British brands, including Burberry!
d.
Sarah
Jessica Parker: Sex and the City is my
guilty pleasure. I love how she is more
than her character, Carrie Bradshaw. She
is a fashionista herself, and I love her colorful choices!
5)
Favorite current trends:
a.
Word-tees:
I love a shirt with a bold state (appropriate of course)
b.
Nautical,
professional looks: I love a nautical outfit of reds and blues. Very Ralph
Lauren!
c.
Metallics:
From shoes to handbags, metallic is my go-to for dressing up or just for
sprucing up a laid-back look.
d.
Florals: I love mixed floral prints!
6)
Decade of choice:
a.
The
roaring 20’s. I love classic looks;
pearl and lace is beautiful and charming! A little flapper scandal here and
there.
7)
Music:
a.
Jimmy
Eat World, The Shins, Trespassers William, Imogen Heap, Demi Lovato, Keane, The
Wreckers.
b.
Kid
Cudi, Norah Jones, Erin McCarley, Rihanna, Lifehouse, The Script.
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