How to Dress for Job Success
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Here at Pour Moi, we celebrate every aspect of a woman’s life. We are there with you through your first date, a girl's holiday and that all important job interview. We know how nerve racking an interview can be at the best of times. From preparing for answers to picking out an outfit there’s a lot that goes into getting ready for a job interview.
Deciding what to wear for a job interview can be a daunting task. But we’ve made it a little easier with Smart Works, a UK charity that provides high quality interview clothes and interview training to unemployed women in need. It harnesses the power of clothes and confidence to provide a woman with the self-belief and practical tools required to succeed at an interview and the ability to transform her life.
We are proud to partner with Smart Works by providing the charity with women’s clothing suitable for job interviews. At Pour Moi we know that good fitting and comfortable clothes make you feel good and if that helps on your journey to job success, we’re all here for it! We spoke to Group Head of Wardrobe at Smart Works, Victoria Mullin Gorelik about the charity and how to dress for job success.
Explain the work that Smart Works does and how it helps women?
Smart Works helps women prepare for upcoming job interviews by giving them the perfect interview outfit as well as amazing support with interview preparation.
What is the inspiration behind Smart Works?
Smart Works is based on a very simple concept; women helping women.
What are your top tips for dressing for an interview?
Dressing for a job interview can seem very intimidating, so my top tip is to keep things simple and dress how you feel most comfortable. Fidgeting, adjusting, and pulling at your clothing will distract your focus from the questions.
What do you love most about your job?
You may think I'm exaggerating but I truly love everything about my job, and I consider myself incredibly lucky. My background is in design and my personal love of clothing and organising, coupled with our phenomenal volunteer team and amazing clients, make what I do such a joy.
How does the way you dress positively impact your interview?
It would be naive to think that we are not judged partially on our appearance. By dressing in a way that builds your confidence and draws attention, in a positive manner, you allow the interviewer to focus on your skills, experience, and of course your personality.
How has the pandemic impacted the work that you do?
Our team was incredible at the start off the pandemic, we never missed a single day of helping our clients by developing a virtual service. Clients are able to have their dressing consultation and interview preparation via zoom, and their complete outfit parcel is delivered to them in time for their interview.
How can people get involved with the charity?
There are so many ways to support us and the work that we do whether it be financially, participating in our events such as Cycle for Smart Works, becoming a volunteer or donating nearly new interview appropriate clothing to one of our eight centres across the country.
What interview tips would you give to women?
I think my top tip is to be prepared and to be yourself.
What advice would you give to women on their interviewing journey?
The road to employment can be a challenge but you cannot get discouraged, you are your own best cheerleader, so you need to stay positive and enthusiastic. Most importantly don't ever be afraid to ask for help.
For more information on Smart Works and how you can access or support the charity, visit its website here.
Shop interview ready looks from our clothing collection. With dresses, jumpers, skirts and jeans to suit any type of interview.