What to Wear to a Retail Job Interview Teenage
Have you been considering a career in fashion?
If so, the best way to get started is by working in a retail store. It will help you see how a retail business runs and decide if this is a career path for you.
Even if you aren’t interested in a retail job as a long term career, every job you get is a stepping stone toward your next job. It’s important to put your best foot forward starting with the interview.
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In this article, we’ll cover what to wear to a retail job interview if you’re a teenager applying for one of your first jobs.
Before the Interview: What to Wear When Applying for a Retail Job
Before we get into the actual interview, you’ll need to fill out an application either in person or online. You may even be required to submit a resume.
For how to create a resume if you have no experience, check out this article from Monster.com.
If you’re filling out applications online, easy! You can do that from home wearing pjs.
However, if you need to visit the store and ask for an application, it’s important to make a good impression.
Having spent years in the retail industry, I’ve had hundreds of people ask for applications. I’ll let you in on a little secret:
Asking for an application is actually your first interview!
You probably don’t realize it, but when you make a really good first impression when filling out an application, you’re much more likely to get an interview!
Retail sales success depend on making a good first impression to customers. Think of stopping in to fill out an application the same way. You are, in essence, selling yourself.
I’ve had numerous sales associates working for me that met an applicant and the applicant made a great first impression on them.
Then the sales associate hands me the application and helps sell you.
For example, “Here’s Susan’s application. She was really friendly and seemed like she’d be a great addition to the team. She was even wearing one of our shirts!”
You don’t need to be dressed up when going to fill out an application, but make sure your overall appearance is clean and pulled together.
If you want to make sure you get called in for an interview, follow these simple dos and don’ts.
Applying for Retail Jobs Dos and Don’ts
Do wear a nice clean outfit that isn’t ripped or torn.
Don’t wear sweatpants, hoodies, or shirts with big logos.
Don’t bring your friends with you to ask for an application. If they are with you and you decide to apply, ask them to wait outside the store.
Do speak professionally to sales associates and ask to speak to the manager.
Do smile, be cheerful, and enthusiastic.
Do be sure to shower and groom ahead of time. Make sure your hair is clean and styled, nails are clean, and makeup is minimal.
Follow these dos and don’ts and wait for the calls to start coming in.
What to Wear to a Retail Job Interview
So you’ve lined up a job interview at one of your favorite retail stores. Most likely, this is one of your first job interviews, so let’s talk about what to wear so you land the job.
While dressing for a retail job is more fashion forward than a corporate interview (aka. you don’t need to wear a suit), that doesn’t mean you should dress too casually either.
All of the same dos and don’t apply that I mentioned above.
In addition, you’ll want to up your game a bit more for interview day.
Do wear a skirt, dress, or nice pants.
Don’t wear athletic clothes or shorts.
Do wear accessories that show your personality and style, just don’t overdo it.
Don’t wear jeans. You may be able to wear jeans when you get the job, but avoid wearing jeans to the interview.
Do make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and pet hair/lint free.
Don’t wear leggings. For more on that, read this.
Do smile and be interested in learning more about the job.
Don’t wear sneakers or flip flops.
5 Outfit Ideas to Wear to Your Retail Job Interview
Wear a cute patterned dress that you feel good in and layer it with a simple cardigan and pair of flats.
Wear a pair of high waisted pants with a blouse. Don’t be afraid to wear color!
Here a navy and white striped button-down shirt is paired with a printed skirt.
Have fun with printed pants, too. A pair of wide leg pants goes well with a coordinating solid color top.
A pretty printed shift dress like this one from Lilly Pulitzer is always a win.
Good luck in your interview - land that job!
