#BlackGirlsMiniGuide #TheInterview Part I
/Today for #MoneyMondays we are hearing from one of our “Fluffies at heart”, Kira. She is going to give a few pointers on how to prepare for a successful Interview. Enjoy!
A Black Girl’s Mini Guide to Interviewing
I remember preparing for an interview, not sure what to wear, not sure what to do with my hair, and whether or not my Swarovski nail art would be doing too much! Well, think no more (actually that is terrible advice – never stop thinking). Going to an interview can be stressful but let me share a few tips to achieve a great first impression.
Since I sit on the other side of the table, I will give you a few of the things that I notice the most. None of the things I mention should prevent you from getting a job, but just little quirky things that go unnoticed that HR Professionals notice immediately!
#1 Neutral/Pastel Nails
Depending on the industry this may not be an issue for some, however, stick to a neutral/pastel color scheme for your interview. I promise you fluorescent nails (or anything) can be distracting. Go ahead and rock your coffin, stiletto, almond, or whatever shape you desire, but keep the color neutral.
#2 Natural Glam
Now may not be the time to show off how litt your cut crease game is sis. You can definitely hit them with the highlight after you get the job and even go ham at the annual holiday party! The interview isn’t really the place for that; less is more! Play with neutral colors and throw in a wing (more Adele, less Amy Winehouse – may she continue to RIP).
#3 No Fashionnova Suits
A lot of boutiques and other retail companies call themselves selling “work attire”. The lie detector determined, that was a lie! To be honest, as an avid online shopper, many of those “hip” retail stores miss the mark on work attire. Skirts should still come to your knees (especially when you thick and things ride up), shirts should still cover your cleavage, under garments should still be hidden. You get the point! What do I recommend? Zara, Kosmios, and Macy’s to name a few.
#4 Natural Hair vs. Everything Else
*STOP PUTTING AWAY YOUR NATURAL HAIR FOR INTERVIEWS!* I cannot say this loud enough for the people in the back. OWN IT! You do not have to wear a wig, press it out, or anything. ROCK your natural tresses! As long as you are well kept, you have nothing to worry about. I know sometimes we feel pressure “to look corporate” but don’t feed that stigma, the right employer is not worried about your twist out or wash n go.
#5 Show up and SHOW OUT!
This is the time to put yourself in the position. Make sure you have reviewed the job description. Learn some information about the company (take a peek at their Instagram). Identify, in advance, why the position and company are a great fit for you! Operation GO AWF is in full effect during the interview. I am always impressed when an interviewee drops knowledge on something about the company that captured them. Do not overdo and recite what you saw on their website, but make the interviewer recognize that you have done your homework about the position and the company.
Now lets get that job!
Meet our Guest Writer!
Kira Bascombe is an HR Professional and Entrepreneur. She was born in Barbados and currently resides in South Florida. Her educational background includes a Masters in I/O Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, another MS in Applied Psychology from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill; and a BS in Psychology from Howard University. She has worked in the Human Resources field for over five years.