Work Advice | Ten Things to do During an Interview

Last week I started a month series around the interview process. In week one I shared Five Things to do Before an Interview. This week I'm sharing 10 things to do During an Interview. 

1. Dress Appropriately - if you're going to a formal interview, I'd recommend wearing a blue, black or grey suit. This all depends on who you're meeting with and what type of company. For the corporate world, wear a suit.

2. Bring Your Resume- it's important to bring several copies of your resume. Give your resume to anyone you speak with during the interview. Make sure you have your resume memorized. Make sure you don't use your resume as a crutch. The resume is for those interviewing you, not for you. Keep your eyes off your resume.

3. Always be Professional - As soon as your get on the company's property, act as if anyone could be the CEO or President of the company. Imagine if you got in an elevator with the CEO of a company, unknown to you, and you're on Instagram or you're talking to a friend on the phone really loud. I'd say your chances of getting the job just went down by 60%.

4. Stay off your phone - to go along with the #3, stay off your phone till after the interview. The only reason to check your phone is if you're looking for the address of the company. I'd recommend writing down the address, number and names of those you're meeting with during the interview. It will keep you away from reaching for your phone.

5. Breathe & give yourself a peep talk - it's that easy. Take ten deep breathes and give yourself a peep talk. remind yourself of all your success in the past and that you're the most qualified candidate for the position.

6. Eye contact & body language- this is standard advance, but make sure that you sit up straight, make eye contact and speak clearly. Don't be too stiff. I've noticed that if they offer me a glass of water, I'll take sips of water throughout the interview. It breaks up sitting there for 1+ hour talking across a desk.

7. Answer questions with supportive information- if asked a questions a closed ended questions (yes/no questions), answer the question and then give facts to backup your answer. If asked an opened ended questions (where you have to elaborate on your answer). Answer the question in the first sentence and give supportive information in the next few sentence. Try to not drag on your answers.

8. "Strengths" & "Weakness" question- this is my least favorite question during an interview process, but the most necessary. Make sure you've rehearsed your answers. Don't be thrown off by this simple question. Good examples of strengths, "when put under stressful scenario, I'm able to stay focused and calm and help others during these situations". A good example of a weakness, "I'm competitive in any situation, I always give 110% on any project and this can be exhausting. However I want to know I put my best foot forward."

9. Ask insightful and through questions- this goes back to doing your research. Ask questions about the company's background. Ask the person who's interviewing you about their experience at the company. On thing about these questions is that you should know most of the answers to your own questions. Read about the background of both the company and those who interviewing you prior to  interview.

10. Ask about the next steps- this is also known as closing the interview. Ask about the next steps. What happens after this? How many more candidates are you interviewing for this position? If I were to get this position, when would I start? How long does the hiring process typically take from beginning to end? Get the person is interviewing visualize them hiring your for the position.  During interview, I also like to give my "closing statement". I give an overview why I think I'm a good fit for the position and flat out tell the person, "I want this position."

One thing to keep in mind, it's important that the person interviewing you is also selling you on the position and the company. As important as these are for the person interview, it's also important for the person who is interviewing you. Keep that in mind. Do you want to work with someone who's on his phone, doesn't make eye contact, asks irrelevant questions? Probably not. Be sure to evaluate the entire process before you decide if the position is right for you.

Office Style | Powder Blue Pencil Skirt

H&M Sweater old (similar here & here) | Zara Skirt (love this skirt) | Vince Camuto Bag | Zara Heels (similar heels & love these) | J.Crew Necklace (love this one)

Good morning! Hope you had a good weekend. Today is a big day, I have my first dress fitting for my wedding dress. I'm both excited and nervous. It's strange to think it's been almost five months since I last saw the dress. Once every two weeks I find a pictures and fall in love with the dress all over again. I will admit that I've seen other dresses since and questioned my decision. Thank goodness for my best friend who reassures me I made the right decision with the dress. If you follow me on Instagram I'll be sure to post a photo of the dress (not the entire dress :) ).

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Office Style | Orange Dress

BR Dress | BR Sweater on sale! | Zara Heels | Coach Bag (LOVE here & here)

As most of you might know, Banana Republic and J.Crew are two of my favorite stores. So last week when I found out that Banana Republic hired Marissa Webb as the new Create Director and Head of Design, I was thrilled! Marissa was the head of womenswear and accessories at J.Crew for over a decade. In 2012 she launched her own line, which has so many unique designs and pieces. I'm looking forward to seeing what changes she makes to the current BR collection. 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Office Style | Pleated Midi Skirt

Express Top on sale! | Zara Midi Skirt | Zara Heels | Vince Camuto Bag | Banana Republic Earrings

One of my favorite brands, Zara, has made my favorite midi skirt in a light peach color. It's the perfect color to update for my spring wardrobe. What I love most about this skirt is that it can be work appropriate (like I wore here), but it could also be worn to your weekend outfits..especially a Sunday brunch. This skirt looks great with a white blouse, but I'd also wear it with leopard blouse (like I did here).

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Office Style | Red Dress

Banana Republic Dress | Valentino Heels | J. Crew Necklace | Fendi Bag

Last week while making my weekly visit to Banana Republic I saw this red dress, I immediately feel in love with the color and the structure of the dress. A few years ago I purchased a similar dress, but it was made out of cotton and not as durable. So I was thrilled when I tried this dress on and it fit me perfectly! As most of you might know, I love the color red! Especially when it comes to my work wardrobe. It seems like the easier feminine color to add to an outfit, while being professional and chic. I'd typically wear this dress with a black blazer (which I'm currently in the market to purchase a new one) or a cardigan while at the office. This style of dress is so easy to transition to a night out with friends. If you have a long day at the office and then you're schedule to meet your girlfriends out for drinks or have a date, opt for a red dress like the one I'm wearing. You'll get lots of compliments (which always makes the day go fast) and it's an easy piece to transition from day to night. 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens 

Five Things to do Before an Interview

1.First thing to do when you've secured an interview, find out who you'll be meeting with during the interview. Write down their first and last names and each person's roles and responsibilities at the company. Don't be shy about asking these questions. If you don't get all this information, you can typically find people on the company "About" section or look up the company on LinkedIn. Most hiring manager have profiles on LinkedIn.

2. Next, research the company. LinkedIn is one of your best resources during this process. You'll learn who works at the company, if you're connect to anyone who previously or currently worked at the company. If you know anyone who works there (or did), write them a quick email. Most people are more than happy to take five minutes to talk to you about a potential job opportunity. Also look for any recent press releases. Did they recently acquire any companies? Get a new CEO, President, or get a large sum of VC funding? Figure out how the company makes money and prepare to speak about how you can effect this bottom line.

3. Make a list of 20-30 questions that could possibility be asked during an interview. Most likely, 99% of them won't be asked, but you want to be prepared and writing down questions and answers keep you sharp during the interview process. It's 100% acceptable to over prepare for an interview. Do. Not. Swing. It. In my industry, year or year growth and quota earrings are two of the primary focuses. When I go into an interview, I make sure I can recite my quarterly, yearly and quota earnings for my entire career.

4. Pick out your outfit, in it's entirety. From how you're going to wear your hair to the shoes you'll be wearing. Iron & press all your clothes the night before. Also try on your outfit. Make sure the skirt isn't too short or the pants are not too tight. You don't want any surprises when you're getting ready in the morning.

5. Shut down the electronic early and relax your mind before going to bed. Of course, get a good night's sleep.  In the morning, if you have an early interview, get up an hour early than your normal schedule. Allow yourself to unwind in the morning and have breakfast. Limit yourself to one cup of coffee or switch to tea. Too much coffee + anxiety can led to perspiration and becoming distracted during the interview. If you're have a interview mid-day, try and prepare yourself to have a light schedule. If you have meetings, make sure you're not presenting or reschedule.

Easter Sunday | High Low Skirt + Blush Blouse

Zara Skirt | The Limited Top | Zara Heels | Vince Camuto Bag

Happy Easter! Hope everyone is having a good weekend. It's a beautiful day in NYC and looking forward to do a little exploring in the city.

Spring Outfit | Blue Stripes + Bucket Bag

Express Top | Zara Skirt | Zara Necklace | Zara Heels | Vince Camuto Bag

Good morning! Easter weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year. It's always signified spending time with my family and enjoying the beautiful flowers and fresh spring air. This weekend we're going to spending time in NYC. Tonight I'm being confirmed and tomorrow is Easter. We'll enjoy an early Mass and then head off to a new restaurant for brunch. Later in the day we're going to meet up with my gal pal, Hitha, and her husband. The four of us are going  to visit the Natural History Museum. Looking forward to checking off another New York museum off my list!

I'd also like to share a recent video I uploaded to YouTube. I'm sharing how to wear a bright color skirt to work. Check out the link here. My next project is to start working on more videos. I'll be uploading more videos in the new few weeks, so be sure to subscribe. My channel is youtube.com/corporatecatwalk

***you know me, I love wearing one piece several ways, check out how I wore this midi skirt two different ways here and here

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

My Favorite Work Pieces on Sale!

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |

This morning when I woke up my email was flooded with amazing sales at some of my favorite stores; Banana Republic, J. Crew, Express and Ann Taylor!  This is the perfect time to grab a few staple pieces for your wardrobe especially since most things are 40% off!After work I'm heading to J. Crew to check out the sale. Happy shopping! 

What to Wear the First Day of Work

Zara Pants | The Limited Top | Fendi Bag 

 Have you ever started a new job and wonder what to wear? I have! I set three different alarms, have someone call me, just in case I oversleep, have all my paperwork ready in my purse and spend the night before trying on my whole closet, trying to figure out to wear. The first day of work can be stressful and nerve-racking. You want to make a good impression, look professional and be comfortable...which are all possible. Here are a few tips to take the stress out of finding the "perfect" outfit for your first day of work.

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Black and white is a safe outfit. Not extremely original, but it's safe and you'll be comfortable. After the first day you'll have a better idea on what everyone wears to the office. Does everyone wear suits? Do they wear jeans on Fridays? Are sweaters acceptable? These types of questions you'll be able to figure out in the first day or so at work.

2. Find another woman in the office and talk to her about what's appropriate and what's not appropriate to wear at the office. Make sure she has similar style. You'll get a better understand for yourself, plus you'll make a new friend. Who doesn't like to talk about "what to wear"?

3. Wear comfortable shoes! You never know what they'll have you do the first day of work. Shadow someone, which requires you to stand up most of the day. Fill out paperwork, copy and scan all your documents, print out a lot of document...you might be running back and forth from the printer.

4. Take a blazer with you to work. You don't necessarily have to wear a suit the first day or work. If you think you're too underdressed, you can put on your blazer and you're ready to do business. However, during your interview you'll be able to assess if it's appropriate to wear a suit the first day at the office.

There are so many different outfits you could wear to your first day at work, here's a simple outfit, not the only outfit. However, it's simple with the black and white. The blouse adds fun details to the overall outfit and the red lips keeps you looking fresh and professional.