What to wear (and say and do) for a retail group interview? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

What to wear (and say and do) for a retail group interview?

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm thinking of going out to a group interview for Anthropologie this week.... what is appropriate to wear? My gut says that my suit is not appropriate and that I should try to wear Anthro brands. Or is that dumb - will I look totally silly wearing a dress that is still on sale in the store? Like a poser who bought a dress just for the interview? I have the two below, which feel the most "interview-ish" to me. I also have my grass print dress and the orange B44, but those don't seem appropriate for either the event or the weather.

Also, I've never done a group interview! What does that even entail? Anyone know?

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

deb

Veteran

I think #1 works. And I think wearing the Anthro clothes is fine. My step-daughter worked at bebe and one of their requirements is that the sales people need to wear bebe or bebe-looking clothing.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Love the outfit Rae - unfortunately I have no wisdom regarding group interviews so will leave that to others. Good luck!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Rae, I searched and found this (read the second post and others on down) about Anthro's group interviews.
http://www.glassdoor.com/Inter.....241754.htm

I was going to make the same basic suggestion -- wear something Anthro but make it your own. Wear very polished shoes and carry your best handbag. You look amazing in this shade of blue (both the jacket and that dress). I'd say a jacket is probably a good idea.

Anonymous

Just coming out of moratorium to wish you best of luck on your interview !!!! We can use an Anthro insider

Little Zap had a group interview for a clothing retailer a while back. What I recall from what she told me is that they asked her the standard questions, i.e strengths and weaknesses, what's the best thing a teacher or employer would say about you etc. I think you carry yourself amazingly well. I would not have any worries on that front!

I do LOVE your idea of wearing Anthro clothing especially with the Rae twist on styling. I love the striped dress. That would be my pick.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

YAY!!!

Okay, onto the business. You look amazing. I like the idea of wearing some Anthro for sure. You always make everything your own, so no worries there. My pic of these two would be the striped dress outfit. It looks fun, comfortable, yet professional.

I have never had a group interview. But somebody on here went through a series of Anthro interviews a while back. I am sorry, but I"m blanking on who it was. But if you go into the archives and search, I'll bet you can find it. She wore very artsy outfits, Anthro inspired for sure.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My thumbs are up big time for #1!

Anthro really likes their SA's to dress and look "the part" - you look perfect. Wear a little make-up maybe?

Good luck!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Texstyle, that site is awesome! Thank you so much; I will be practicing the interview questions that are mentioned there.

Zap, that is great to know - I'd never heard of group interviews before.

Angie, I always wear a "little" makeup, lol. I will step it up for the interviews - maybe a brighter lip? something on the eyes? I have a feeling I would need to wear more in general for this line of work.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I find the thing I notice the most about the SA at Anthro is their stand-out makeup. The SA from yesterday, all I remember about her is rather purple-pink lips. They looked good on her, but my sister and I called her "purple lips" all day ... :p

christieanne

Veteran

I have been the interviewer at many a group interview session. THE trend in retail hiring so getting used to the format is a must. Not sure about Anthro specifics but here is what I have looked for in three other companies.

Confidence and self assurance. The setting is uncomfortable but we are trying to see who are "people people" and can hold their own in a strange situation. I also look for politeness, graciousness and natural ability to make eye contact and converse with other candidates.

Sometimes you will be set up in pairs or small groups in "selling" exercise or to introduce each other to the group. Just go for it - you want to look like a team player here and try to make everyone in your group succeed with this. It will show leadership and teamwork if you promote others.

You can't go wrong with picture #1 outfit! Best wishes for you!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

A big good luck from me - love the first outfit.

rachylou

Veteran

Just wanted to wish you luck, Rae!

Thistle

Veteran

So, I am not I retail or anything close to it. I work in Accounting for an OEM of heavy machinery.

However, we group interview, usually 2-3 people in the iterview. We do it for a couple of reasons. First, it keeps the interviewers on track and they don't get sidetracked. Tis is really important as they have only an hour to get to know the candidate.

Second, we interview for culture,. It may sound odd, but we can usually tell based on the resume if the person has the toolbox to do the job. But to really succeed, they have to fit the culture. The group interviews help us narrow that down. Most of the questions we ask try to figure out the candidate. Our goalis to be able to make a hiring decision at the end of they interviews and not have to call back for a second.

marianna

Veteran

I once interviewed (and was hired) at Anthro. I worked there very briefly.

I vaguely remember the group interview, but I think they want to see how you interact with people and if you are quick on your feet. They also send you out on the floor to put together an outfit based on some specific assignment they give you.

The want you to be dressed up, definitely. It's not necessary to wear all Anthro but they want you to look Anthro, if that makes sense. Outfit #1 is perfect!

Anonymous

For a group interview, it's a good idea to wear and say at least one thing that is memorable/different from everyone else and will make you stand out. Also I agree that you should *help* the other people in your group, almost as if you were already hired. If you make them feel at ease (and you're so good at this) it won't go unnoticed by the interviewers and hopefully that's something they look for in their sales force. Good luck! This is so exciting!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Wearing Anthro items doesn't look like poser to me... it says, I respect your brand. And like the brand.

While I was in SF a few weeks ago, I noticed a hiring sign at the Gap. One of the sell points was "individual style" -- and the (male) SA's did indeed have great individual style, at that Gap. I thought it was interesting that it was not only desirable by the employer but also as a reason to come work at the Gap -- you can dress how you like.

Mellllls

Veteran

I like both of your outfits. I'd wear something thats Antholike for the interview. I think purposefully buying a new Anthro outfit might be too obvious.

MsLuna

Veteran

Rae, I'd definitely go for #1! You look great!

But as for retail interviews - well it's been a while since I've worked in retail, but confidence is key (as with any interview). I think you'll rock it!

Keep us posted!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, everyone, SO much! There is a gold mine of information here!

I just got home, so I will have to re-read and practice all of these tips tomorrow. Group interviews for one location are on Wednesday, and "open interviews" for the other location are on Thursday. I will also have to have some interesting things ready to say, to hopefully stand out.

However, if there's one thing I learned from the last job, it's that the culture does matter. I will be myself, and if they don't like me, they don't like me. It won't help me to get a job somewhere where I don't fit in.

Lyn D.

Veteran

Best of Luck Rae!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Good luck, Rae

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Rae, best of luck! I'm sure you will outshine everyone else at the group interview! Of course they will love you. Hopefully they will be what YOU are looking for, that is the most important thing. Agreed that if you don't feel like you fit in, you won't be happy.

Suz, are you thinking of Turkey Vulture? I remember because I used her Anthro interview outfit as inspiration for my own lemon liftoff blouse:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....intervew-3
She never did post back whether she got the job or not!