I need help with my job interview?

Question

I am moving to a better area, so naturally I need a job closer to my new home. I applied at a clothing store called Cato. They said they needed a manager and did I want that job. I went in for an interview with the manager,(there was a sign on the door that said full time position inquire within), I was there for 2 hours talking with the manager and taking a couple of test. Then she said she needed me to come in for another interview, only this time with the district retail manager.(when I got there the sign for help wanted was down) I think that interview went well, she told me during the end that she was impressed with my attitude and that she was crabby that day and I cheered her up.( she also said I am tough as nails) So now they want me to come in Monday and speak with the vice president. She warned me that the vice president is very professional and very strict. That I need to act, speak and dress professionally.

Now what I need to know is does this sound right to you? How should I deal with the vp? I also am only 18, will that make it harder to get the job? What is business casual, and does anybody know a site that can help me with putting together an outfit?

Answer 1

You need to dress to impress. Don't dress like your in the search for the next P*ussy Cat Doll, but think like your on the show Apprentice. Here's what business casual will look like for women, but there are more contemporary versions of the suit than this picture I've googled: http://www.richmondabwa.org/business%20women%20group.jpg You can wear a skirt, but make sure it's not a risky short skirt. Be professional, so lean more on the conservative side. If you think your youth could be held against you, dressing uber-professional will at least counter that image somewhat. Here's another site you may want to browse through: http://www.ehow.com/how_49_dress-business-casual.html

In terms of how to act and speak, try to anticipate some questions they are likely to ask you before hand. If a question catches you off guard, it's okay, just don't look panicked. Give a good handshake, speak with confidence knowing that you are right for the job, sit with good posture (don't lean back away from the interviewer or slouch) and make eye-contact with the interviewer/s.

Like I said earlier, anticipate the kinds of questions they'll ask. Put yourself in their shoes and think what kind of a person they want to be the store manager. They'll likely ask you situational questions (what would you do if this or that happened, customer service, teamwork), behavior questions (How do you handle stress?).

Oh yeah, and one of the most basic questions you'll get off the bat is "Tell me about yourself". Knock this one out of the park if you get this first. Your a saleswoman, and you're selling yourself! I've used the past, present, future approach in answering this question, but always make sure you don't ramble and that you craft your response in telling the interviewer how you fit position (ex. I grew up loving fashion and always shopped at your store, or something like that). Here are some common questions that are used, and they typically some variation of: http://careers.usc.edu/docs/handouts/Interview_What_Will_Ask.pdf

I recommend practicing. Have a friend interview you using the some of the questions I linked you to. If you don't have anyone available at the time, practice out loud in front of the mirror in your interview clothes. You need to be very comfortable, and that take some practice/rehearsal if you want to make sure you stand out among the other candidates. When I received this advice, I practiced in my head, but sometimes what comes out of your mouth isn't as coherent or articulate as what you thought. I use to use a lot fillers such as "like" and "ums" when I was nervous or caught off guard, so it's certainly worth the time to rehearse out loud, even if you have to do it in front of the mirror or your stuffed animals. Practice at a job interview you have no intention of taking, like at your McDonalds or Walmart. Don't let them know that, and you don't have to dress business casual.

There are so many books and website about interviewing, and I've learned a little bit from everyone, experience, and college. So I hope I've helped you a little. Though there are a million more tips you can use. Check out these two handouts from the USC Career Center (my alma mater! Fight On!) as I've found them helpful and they cover a lot of the basics, especially for your upcoming interview:
http://careers.usc.edu/docs/handouts/Interview_Get_Ready.pdf
http://careers.usc.edu/docs/handouts/Interview_What_Will_Ask.pdf

Here's the directory of their handouts that you may find helpful, although I don't know if you'll have to deal with phone interviews, lunch interviews, or anything like that for now, but you might get a few tips: http://careers.usc.edu/resources/docs.html

Oh, and before I wrap up, remember to not be late. Be early. Being late puts you in a hole before you even say anything. Be early, and be pleasant to everyone you meet, because you never know who will have a say in the decision making processes, even Ms. Secretary or Mr. Security guard.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Don't wear jeans. Wear a smart pair of slacks, a nice white shirt, maybe a cute little jacket. Easy on the jewelry, nothing over the top. You want to be trendy, because that's your market at a store like Cato. Good shoes Nice purse. Neat hands and feet. Look her directly in the eye when she asks a question. Don't stammer. Take a moment to consider your answers. Read up online about Cato and be ready to show the VP you have good office and managerial skills. Know something about the company and let the VP know you are pleased about the opportunites the company offers, etc. Let her know you love retail and meeting the public. Don't chew gum!! Don't take a friend. Show up at least ten minutes early for the interview. I think it's in the bag!!

Answer 3

Ok, you want to imprese the vp right and your 18, in order to get a managerial position or any job for that matter, you have got to present what you can offer to the company, how you having that job will turn that place around and that you will be a hard worker, even if you dont intend to work that hard!!

dont come across as cocky, extrememly over confident or someone that could take ther job, because you so amazing if you know what i mean

come across as likeably fun, but not to fun and approack all questions confidently and maturely.

for dressing, i wouldnt wear grey, it is very dull
If i was you i would either try black trousers, will small healed black shoes, a white fitted shirt and a black suit jacket, manager look great in this one, or change the trousers for a skirt!!

good luck, i hope it goes really well for you x x

Answer 4

You survived two levels of interviews, now the big one.

Re"dress. What did other employees wear?? What does Cato sell?Let that be a guide,

OK, so he's strict and very professional.
First , relax. Answer directly, not a lot of BS. Look him in the eye. It's "mister, unless told otherwise."
Don't slouch.

Hey,he's a VP, his time is valuable. They wouldn't waste his tme on you unless you were worth his time.

Good luck., Go get "em.

Answer 5

So you're going for a job in the clothing retail market and you want advice on "business casual" clothing?
Dress for a job interview.