Ladies, Tell me your Interview Do'

[Doctora Foxy]

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I have long hair and I hate to wear it back in a ponytail, and it's too thin for a bun. How do you chicas wear your hair on interviews?

I found this headband-flexible-comb-thing and if I push it all the way back, my hair's out of my face and down in the back (it's past my shoulders, recently cut, so doesn't look straggly or anything). I like this look better than plastering my hair back into a pony. Is this ok? Someone in the chatroom said it would look too spring breaky like those braids people get.

opiniones, por favor

and how do you wear YOUR hair??? 🙂

Another question: makeup. I love this stuff and wear eyeliner everyday. I haven't on interviews, and I think I look tired without it. Would it be ok to wear a little?

I want to make a good first impression!

 

[oldman]

that all sounds good to me. i just comb my hair...ahh lucky to be a guy.

 

[SMW]

Your hair sounds fine. Mine's thick and kind of unruly if I wear it down, so I wear it in a bun, with a chopstick through it (figured my usual pencil wouldn't cut it!!). I would wear your usual everyday make-up -- you'll feel more yourself and more confident than if you do something different. Just make sure that Dra. Foxy ebulliance shines through!! They'll love you!!!! 😀

 

[megkudos]

Hmmm...
I know the comby things you are talking about...it might be a little too "informal" or something. It also might be a little "distracting" to look at--just a thought. What if you pulled you half your hair back just so it's out of your face? Or is it too thin to do that and have it look right?

Actually better idea maybe you could get just a plain black headband or plain circular elastic headband and use that instead to keep it out of your face.

I just wear my hair down, but it is only a little above my shoulders so it doesn't get in the way that much. I usually just tuck it behind my ears when it gets in my way 🙂

I would wear a little makeup if it's how you feel comfortable. Just keep it light and kinda natural looking. I wore a little at my interviews cuz it is pretty damn early.

 

[Doctora Foxy]

Thanks SMW! You're always there when I need you! 🙂

Thanks meg, I know what you mean about the headband--kinda the hoochie style from high school too. My hair's too thin for half up and down. I would LOVE to wear my hair down, and I can put it behind my ears and it'll stay put--what do you think? I want to look professional, not like I just came from the beach! (My hair is down in my pic in my profile so it would look like that). So, what's the concensus?

 

[MorningLight2100]

Hi Foxy,

First of all, be mindful of the fact that as soon as Watcha sees this post, he's going to moan and groan about how much women worry about such details. He does every time. 🙂

But to get down to the nitty gritty...honestly, I would do whatever makes you feel most comfortable, and I'm not being cliche! I wore mine down, and just made sure I styled it nicely, because I thought that particular style made me look older and, to be honest, I just prefer it that way. For makeup...I definitely know what you mean. 🙂 I don't see any reason why you still can't wear it, but maybe just make a point of going conservative? For instance. . . I used to go w/ black or brown eyeliner, but for my interviews I just went with a neutral taupe. I toned down my lipstick too. . . I used a lip pencil and then a gloss, so that I had enough color to prevent me from looking GHASTLY PALE, but not too much to look vampy. 🙂

Honestly, though, what do YOU think looks best? I'd go w/ whatever makes you feel most confident. It can be remarkable, how much little details like this can boost your confidence level...you go in thinking, "Well, okay, at least I LOOK professional...now I just have to play the part!" <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

Good luck Foxy! 🙂

 

[Badgerbabe]

I would go with wearing it down, or get a nice headband (I'm thinking of some of the leather or snakeskin looking ones I've seen recently). I have long naturally curly hair, and for interviews I have straightened it and then curled the ends under with a curling iron, simply because I feel it's more "in control" this way. But like the others have said, do what you're comfortable with. Personally I would stay away from the plastic comb-type headband because it tends to look trendy. A nice leather (or subtle fabric, even) headband looks very classy if you need one, otherwise, go without.

Good Luck!
Shannon

 

[Doctora Foxy]

Thanks everyone. By the way, have you guys ever tried the saphire hair iron? It's a miracle worker! I bring a hair iron with me on all interviews, but not a clothing iron! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

I've been playing with my hair for the past half hour. Now I'm thinking maybe a pony tail that's a little higher up or wearing it down. Forget the plastic headband, no hoochie mama style for me 🙂

ok it's now almost 3:30 am and I still have to do the paper that was due last Friday! senioritis sucks; playing with my hair is more fun than writing a dumb paper!

 

[drjo2002]

I know what you mean about the thin hair!! mine is a few inches past my shoulders and SO THIN!! can't do much with it at all! I've worn it down for most of my interviews because that is how I feel most comfortable. I've worn a "natural-looking amount of make-up to most of my interviews also. Good luck!

 

[Scooby Doo]

Uh!

My hair is just as unruly! I have tried everything! I tried yelling at it! I tried punching it! Nothing seems to work!

 

[KyGrlDr2B]

I wore my hair down. I think you saw my website and my pictures, well that's how I normally wear my hair. I think most of the girls had it down as well. I hardly even noticed that though, so don't worry too much. Good luck. 🙂

 

[Astrid]

just a thought but when i wear my hear down i tend to run my fingers through it or play with it... and you definitely dont want that kinda nervous twitch in an interview. for what it;s worth i just pull mine back in a low braid. good luck!

 

[nebula7]

I wore mine in a low ponytail. Everyone says that makes me look more sophisticated, and since my hair is long and thick, I think it was best for me. Kept it out of my face all day at least! I also tend to play with it when it's down, so like that other person said, if you do that too, it would help keep you from getting that nervous-twitchy look.

BUT, I think you should wear it however you feel most confident 🙂

 

[nebula7]

oh yeh, don't forget to consider how windy it may be...right now it's pretty windy down here, and I would look like I came through a wind tunnel if I wore mine down this time of yr

 

[praying4MD]

I just wore mine down, even though it is quite long. But it is layered, and usually stays put so it wasn't a big deal. I tried to wear it up once, but I was so uncomfortable, I quickly took it down right before my interview. I'm glad I did because I'm much more comfortable with it down. However, be careful not to let it get you into nervous habits. There's nothing worse than an applicant who is constantly flicking with her hair. Makes you look unprofessional too.

Wear light makeup, and in both cases, make sure that neither is distracting or too "different" because adcoms tend to be on the conservative side. Also, if you have an afternoon interview, CHECK YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW. Lunch can wreak havoc on some girls' appearances. I have no idea why, but I've seen it happen a million times.

Good luck.

 

[amp]

I think that whether up or down, as long as you spend a couple minutes taming it in the morning, you'll look fine. Thin hair might actually be a good thing if you decide to wear it down; thicker hair tends to get frizzy or windblown by the end of the day. Just blow dry it straight and maybe use a good conditioner. I have a little bottle of this clear stuff that smoothes your hair and leaves it shiny but not sticky (not into the helmet hair or gooky feel). For my first interview I just did my typical plain clips on the side to keep hair out of my face (can't stand it), but then I realized this might make me look younger than I wanted, and I started wearing it up as best I could (my hair never grows past shoulder-length), which is actually useful for walking around outside on tours and such. As for makeup, I think everyone was right about not piling it on, but you don't have to go looking like Janet Reno either. I say highlight one feature and go with it. I picked a red-brown lipstick (again, the older thing): it's fast and had some staying power, no smearing or whatnot. Just make sure to check your teeth if you're a lip-biter.

 

[Aggiemaj]

I wore mine half-up, held by a small clip, and I used rollers to I curl the ends. I've never been very good at putting my hair in French twists or anything fancy like that. The half-up/half-down is a common business look for women with longer hair.

As far as makeup goes, don't cake it on like you're going out for the evening, but you don't have to go so subtle that YOU can't tell it's there.

 

[Doctora Foxy]

bump, I want more! 🙂

And thanks chicas--I'm gonna wear my hair down and neutral makeup (with a little eyeliner, I have to!) 😀

What kind of purse/bag/folder do you bring? I carry a big black purse (I have a navy suit though), and I have a maroon leather folder in it (they were out of black and navy, but I think it's ok).

 

[Bevo]

hrmmm I think Ive seen you before doc fox. you friends with the sammy boys?

and for the question, got me! I guess which ever is more comfortable.

 

[Doctora Foxy]

lmbebo:

I used to be in D phi E and I guess I hung out with them a few years ago. The seniors and people who graduated a few years ago would probably know me by the name Foxy if you ask them. My boyfriend used to live with some of them too. 🙂

 

[SMW]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Doctora Foxy:
•What kind of purse/bag/folder do you bring? I carry a big black purse (I have a navy suit though), and I have a maroon leather folder in it (they were out of black and navy, but I think it's ok).•••••I used to carry a very conservative charcoal grey purse (black pantsuit with red shell), but I found a killer red purse my last trip to NYC, so that's what I carry now. Looks great with the red shell!! I dispensed with the leather folder a long time ago. Too heavy/bulky and not really necessary -- all the schools give you some sort of folder anyway. I now carry a very tiny notebook for any notes I want to make. Hmmmm. I should have made this post all past tense. I had my last interview today. YAY!!!!!!!! 😀 Maybe I'll burn the suit. I think I feel about it the way I imagine new mothers feel about their maternity clothes after they've given birth!!! 😀

Good luck, Foxy, with all your interviews. I'm sure you'll knock 'em dead with your professional poise and understated elegance!! 😀 😎 😀

 

[Doctora Foxy]

Thanks SMW 🙂 So are you in Boston? It was such a dreary day today! I hope your interview went well 😀 Thanks for all your help

 

[vyc]

i carry a Jones NY black purse and a black leather-bound folder.

god i feel ridiculous in my interview outfit!

 

[Dr. Kermit]

I wear my hair down. It's only shoulder length, black, and nothing but straight! I haven't had any problems with my hair flying around during interviews either. Most of the girls wore their hair down too.

I don't wear makeup, so that wasn't too much of a concern for me 🙂

For my first two interviews, I carried a small black purse (my suits are black and black with little white specks) and a black leather portfolio with my alma mater's emblem on it. For my last three interviews, I lost the purse and just carried a courier bag. It was easier for me since I was flying and with all the air rules, I had to lose the purse because some airlines considered a purse and bag two personal items already. I didn't want to risk checking my suit!

Good luck Foxy, I'm sure you'll do great!

 

[BushBaby]

I rocked an afro to most of my interviews...........I never forget my stilettos and always wear lots of blue eyeshadow.......if you want to make a lasting impression. I find it more convenient to carry my brother's duffel bag(instead of the basic note pad and hand bag) with me because everything fits in there and I can always leave in the admissions office while touring the school. As far as my outfit I like my suits black and strong.....oh wait....no that's how I like my men....or is that how I like my coffee??? I always confuse the two.
I like my suits short and snug. I try to schedule my interviews on Fridays that I can invite my interviewer (if male) for afterwork drinks.

And oh for the Fellas....don't forget yo' pimp mack daddy hat and cane! If your interviewer is female....offer her the higher paid position of trickin'/prostituting at the corner grocery store. If she knows a good thing when she see's it, she won't turn you down....how do you think i got started?

 

[Doctora Foxy]

haha LMFAO! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> 😛 😀 <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[Optimistic]

Hey ,I was just wondering ,what other color suits beside black ,grey and blue did you wear or saw others wear (that actuall y looked nice) .

 

[Doctora Foxy]

At my last interview, a girl was wearing a dark olive green pant suit with a long jacket. It was a cool style, but I feel more comfortable in my conservative navy blue skirt suit. 🙂 And everyone says navy is so common, but at my 2 interviews so far, I was the only girl in it! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[NubianPrincess]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Mellow:
•I rocked an afro to most of my interviews...........I never forget my stilettos and always wear lots of blue eyeshadow.......if you want to make a lasting impression. I find it more convenient to carry my brother's duffel bag(instead of the basic note pad and hand bag) with me because everything fits in there and I can always leave in the admissions office while touring the school. As far as my outfit I like my suits black and strong.....oh wait....no that's how I like my men....or is that how I like my coffee??? I always confuse the two.
I like my suits short and snug. I try to schedule my interviews on Fridays that I can invite my interviewer (if male) for afterwork drinks.

And oh for the Fellas....don't forget yo' pimp mack daddy hat and cane! If your interviewer is female....offer her the higher paid position of trickin'/prostituting at the corner grocery store. If she knows a good thing when she see's it, she won't turn you down....how do you think i got started?•••••Ok, so I know this is a joke, but it brought up a question...do any women wear an afro-puff or twistouts to their interviews? Or, when my time comes, should I just go silky straight?

 

[Doctora Foxy]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Nubian:
•Ok, so I know this is a joke, but it brought up a question...do any women wear an afro-puff or twistouts to their interviews? Or, when my time comes, should I just go silky straight?•••••<a href="http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=006974&p=" target="_blank">I came across this thread doing my own hair search..check it out</a> 🙂

 

[serpiente]

"Hey ,I was just wondering ,what other color suits beside black ,grey and blue did you wear or saw others wear (that actuall y looked nice) ?"

I have long hair that I wear down with a side part. It does get in my face and sometimes I look like an 80's rocker. But my hair is my security blanket! I need it to hide behind. I think it looked okay at my interviews though. I also wear more makeup than most, but I have olive skin so I can get away with it.

I wore a red and black skirt suit to most of my interviews (yes the entire jacket was red and the skirt was black). I felt a little strange in it especially at some schools, but I was also glad to look a little different. At Albany, my interviewer (a male) commmented on how nice and unique I looked--ie not like I was going to a funeral. He said my non-conformism inpressed him and he was actually going to mention it in his eval!!! BTW my other suit was olive green. Guess I am a non-conformist after all.

Foxy, I agree with SMW, lose the leather folder. Of the eight interviews I was at, I was given a folder at all of them. It got kind of annoying to carry multiple folders around.

 

[BushBaby]

Nubian

I had braids actually when I went to my two interviews. I have another interview coming up next week at Howard which I will be sporting my twist out look. I assume you have natural hair? I do and i don't think it matters if you braid/twist/straighten it out, as long as it looks neat.

 

[Doctora Foxy]

Hey! I like my folder! I took notes in it last time. I carry a bag to hold it in anyway so it doesn't bother me 🙂 And BU never gave me a folder! I also bring my interview invitation and campus map in my folder just to have by my side for comfort. So I will not lose my folder.

hehe it's not even real leather 😛

And Nubian I replied to your post at the bottom of page 2 🙂

 

[nebula7]

One girl at an interview had on a dark red skirt with jacket, and I thought it looked nice. I also have seen a girl wear a bright blue blouse with a black jacket and pants, which looked nice also. I personally just wear a black dress, but I like black clothes anyway so it suits me fine. I'm glad to see there are some nonconformists out there though 🙂

 

[A. Caveman]

i like to pull it back real tight, so it sticks to my head really good. i have a beautiful cranium, and i like to show it off. i know i've pulled tight enough when my eyebrows are just over the top of my head. then i just tie it off with a cute scrungie and some rat traps to secure it in place, and head out the door.... 😀

 

[locitamd]

A Caveman just wandered into the ladies' dressing room... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[Optimistic]

Hello ladies,
what are some nice , not too strong perfumes or cologne to wear on interview.

 

[KyGrlDr2B]

Girlies, I just bought a hair straightening iron and it is awesome. I have straight hair so I thought it wouldn't make a difference, but I got my hair re-highlighted and my hairdresser used one on me. It makes it stick straight and takes out all of the frizzies and makes it super shiny. I didnt even need to use hair gel this morning. I am so pumped!!

 

[sz]

say KyGrlDr2B ... what kind did you get. I love the straight hair look but my hair never responds fully. I've never tried a hairiron before ... but I'm willing to give it a shot. 🙂

getting back to clothes now ....

I wore a dark plum colored pantsuit to all my interviews. At one of the school, my interviewer commented on how much she liked the look.

as far as hair goes, I have hair that's sort of wavey, prone to frizz and doesn't stay straight for too long. Since I'm really bad at doing hair, I alternated between a headband or a loose ponytail at the nape. Makeup was some light eyeliner and fleshtone lipstick.

all the other girls I saw were madeup pretty much the same way ... but most had on black or blue skirt suites.

 

[Doctora Foxy]

Optimistic: Never ever wear perfume on an interview, it says so in all the interview etiquette books. You may smell good, but if your interviewer is allergic to you he/she won't be very happy. <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

KyGrl: I bought the blue saphire hair iron a year ago and it is amazing! Kinda expensive ($100) but they say it's the best. I don't even blow dry my hair anymore---I let it dry naturally and then just iron it. You guys should all go out and get one! 😀 But be careful b/c it damages hair. My hair is so dyed that it doesn't matter if I damage it a little more <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

And to everyone else: I wore my hair down on my interview at University of Florida on Friday, and I just want to say that EVERY girl had their hair down there! Floridians are just more laid back I guess. And I wore normal makeup (neutral) but with eyeliner and I think it made me more confident to just be myself and not tone it down too much for the interview day. 🙂 😎

 

[KyGrlDr2B]

My hairdresser told me about theirs, but it was $200 and with moving to a new apt and having to buy furniture, I didn't want to spend that much money. I went to Wal-Mart and bought a $20 Revlon one. There were 3 or 4 diff kinds, but this one has 20 heat settings (the hotter it gets, the better it works). I turned that puppy up to 20 and ironed away, AWESOME. But beware, my hair was really hot after coming out of that thing. Also, you should probably use lots of conditioner to keep it from damaging it as much.

It is raining today and my hair isn't fuzzy one bit!!! I'm going to save so much on hair gel!

 

[I got in]

Hey Girls
I have wavy/frizzy/long hair. I am also contemplating buying an iron. I read the posts above and am thinking of dishing out $100 to purchase one.
I have another question, I am looking for hypoallergic makeup. My skin breaks out if I use maybelline or even avon which I thought were good brands. Anybody in my shoes, please post if anybody does. 😕 😕 😕

 

[KyGrlDr2B]

If I'm not mistaken, Almay is one of the best make-ups to use. Just make sure EVERYTHING you put on your face says non-comodogenic and/or non-acnegenic. (I hope I spelled that right) I think Neutrogena (not the acne soap, it dries out your skin) is one of the best face soaps to use, as well. And don't forget you could look into department store brands for makeup--clinique, estee lauder, etc. I hope this helped!

 

[paige]

clinique is the best for very sensitive skin (origins is also pretty good)

hope this helps :wink:

 

[Lavndrrose]

Question: Instead of spending ~$100-$200 on a hair iron, wouldn't it be better to get your hair professionally straightened for the same amount of money? Wouldn't you save time in the morning and your hair would not have to suffer from everyday hair ironing damage?

I guess I just hate having to blow dry my hair every morning, it sucks! I'm saving up to get it straightened. 🙂

 

[Doctora Foxy]

but professionally will only last a day (or until you wash it) and then you will have to do it again. Your own personal iron will let you straighten whenever you want. Straightening your hair professionally costs AT LEAST 20 dollars, and I have used my iron WAY more than 5 times. So I think it was a worthy expense. 🙂 It even tames Florida frizzies.

 

[Lavndrrose]

Dra. Foxy,

I must apologize, I should have made myself clear. The professional hair straightener I'm referring to lasts about a year. I don't know if they offer it in other states, but in Cali, it's a new professional product developed from Japan and it makes your hair even shinier than before. :wink:

Since we're on the topic of hair...my hair is really long and I was thinking of cutting it when I start going on interviews next year. In case I don't, have you gals seen interviewees with really long hair? Or is that too unprofessional looking? thanks!

 

[Doctora Foxy]

oh, just buy the saphirre brand, it's great and lasts until it breaks!

I had really long hair when I went to my interview in December (i recently cut it a lil shorter). I wore my hair half up and down to that interview and I felt like it was overgrown. I wore my hair down last week with my past-shoulders length and felt a LOT better about it. But DO NOT cut your hair just because of interviews! Just put it in a bun or a ponytail. I saw lots of girls with long hair down---but actually when it was really long, I thought it did look unprofessional. Normal-long hair is ok.

 

[BlameItOnTheNurse]

I think this is a great post. now all the guys know all the women who are actively posting. nice.
I could not give you ladies any advice but I think school want you to be professional. Showing a lil body might get you somewhere but i doubt it. This old guys are so low on testosterone. thanks for the post

 

[Elysium]

I was just thinking about the interview thing: as far as make-up is concerned, it might be cool to go to some department store like Dillard's (no relation) or Macy's or Filene's or Nordstrom's or something and have one of the ladies at the make-up counter do a "makeover" with some of their products. If you tell them you want to look professional and not trampy, they will probably be able to hook you up with a good look. Even if you don't buy their products, it might give you some idea about what to do for makeup on interviews. Just a thought...