23 September 2022

4 Ways to SLAY a Luxury Retail Job Interview

You have secured an interview. This will be the final hurdle before securing your job. You did great, the Hiring Manager must have seen...

You have secured an interview. This will be the final hurdle before securing your job. You did great, the Hiring Manager must have seen something exemplary in your resume, and you’ve been shortlisted for an interview. The interview is probably the most nerve-racking part of the job process. We’ve prepared four tips that will give you an edge during the interview. After all, many candidates whom are qualified have failed the interview.

How to score that luxury retail dream job?

1. Personal Grooming

First impression lasts. Instead of the basic and usual dress for success and look sharp advice, you should amp up your formal wear. Candidates applying for luxury retail jobs should take their attire game to the next level to stand out. Head down to the retail store and pay attention to what the staff in luxury brands are wearing.

Do make an effort to get your personal grooming in check; expectations are significantly higher when applying for a job in luxury brand. Hiring Managers tend to uphold and expect high level of grooming standards. If you have applied a job at a company that is famous for their perfume. You should consider applying the brand’s fragrance to score extra points.

For heavy smokers, avoid smoking before the interview. Spotting a strong cigarette smell during the interview is a big turn off for Hiring Managers.

 

 

 

2. Do Your Homework

Take time to research and understand more about the company you have applied. Impress Hiring Managers with your effort. Do visit the store as a customer to see how they speak and service clients. You may also talk directly to employees to gain valuable insights as they have passed the interview before.

Familiarize yourself with their products using product catalogs and understand who their clientele is. In addition, you should visit the company’s website and brands under their umbrella. For information such as salaries, company reviews and interview process, you should check out Glassdoor.

3. Sell Yourself

The irony about retail job seekers is that they may be good at selling a product or service but when it comes to selling themselves, many struggle to do so. This is a common problem in Singapore or Asian culture, whereby applicants avoid discussing about their strengths because it might come off as bragging. There is a difference between bragging and sharing. You should discuss your skills and achievements you’ve accomplished previously. Let the Hiring Manager know what you can bring to the table. A good way to go about this is to prepare a quick summary of your achievements and memorize them.

4. Know Your Body Language

A decent interview duration usually lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour. Inevitably, you’ll display nonverbal signals that will be picked up by the Hiring Manager. To maintain composure, do observe how you sit and gesture. Practice in front of the mirror and pay attention to your facial expression. I suggest asking your friends’ help by role-playing as the Hiring Manager. They will be able to give you feedback and this helps you be mindful of the mistake you’ve made. Lastly, always enter the interview with a positive mindset and expect positive results!

Apply these 4 advices and you’ll be able to differentiate yourself with majority of the candidates. Ultimately, whether you’re currently in luxury retail staff or looking to enter the role, I highly recommend speaking to me or my colleagues from Luxury Careers. We’ll be able fine-tuned your interview skills help you get a placement.