Yep, it’s that time of the year. Summer is coming up in a couple months! Let the end-of-the-year interviews begin! For undergrads this could mean summer jobs and internships. For upperclassmen this could mean interviewing for your career! The key to landing the job or internship is impressing your future employer and let’s be honest, first impressions are a big part of that. Depending on the type of job you’re going for, here are some ways to look the part and help you stand out above everyone else.
Corporate Job: Business, Finance, Marketing, Secretary, etc.
These jobs are often really competitive. They do rely a lot on your intellect but come on, who wouldn’t want to hire a girl with the brains and beauty?! Since these jobs tend to be very professional and conservative, showing up with neon eye shadow and hot pink lips will automatically make the interviewer think you won’t fit in. Instead of showcasing your amazing cosmetic artistry, go for a more toned down, natural look. Neutral palettes, such as browns, creams, navys and grays won’t
distract from all the great things you have to say.
Face: Try going with a light blush or bronzer (enough to give you color but not be obvious that you have any on). If you need to hide anything, concealers always are the best but be sure that they’re your exact match (the only thing worse than a red dot on your chin, is a white one).
Lips: For lips, a shade that is almost identical to your natural color is good. Stay away from the super shiny glosses because they can look too unnatural.
Eyes: Since you’ll be making such great eye contact the whole time, eyes are important. If you need eyeliner, go for a brown, navy, or lighter gray; black is too heavy and dramatic for this type of job. Compliment it with an eye shadow in the same color family (if you used a brown eyeliner, chose a light cream eye shadow).
Be sure to keep everything very light and natural. You’re going to an interview, not a club.
Creative Job: Advertising, PR, Production, Development, etc.
These jobs are great for being able to show your personality, creativity and individuality. Your makeup can reflect these traits, but in a professional manner. Choose the colors that compliment you the best and go off of that. Try to choose an outfit that goes with your makeup as well since these are “bigger picture” type jobs; interviewers will probably be looking at you as an entire package. Remember though, just because you have a little more cosmetic freedom, that doesn’t give you the
right to showcase how great you looked on Halloween.
Face: A light blush or bronzer is a great choice. Anything that can give your face a healthy glow is always good and will accentuate your features when you’re smiling (when they tell you you got the job, of course).
Lips: You have to choose your lip color wisely and coordinate them with your eyes too. If you have on more eye makeup, tone down the lips and vice versa. Light pinks, roses and subtle reds are always safe. Just be sure to check before you walk in that it’s still on your lips and not on your teeth.
Eyes: This is where you have the most liberty. You can choose a color that compliments your eye color and outfit choice but remember THIS IS NOT A NIGHTTIME LOOK! Go for the lighter colors that highlight your eyes. Be sure to keep it to a little pop of color. Just because you can be innovative in the workplace, doesn’t mean you should experiment on your face.
Service Jobs: Baristas, Waitresses, Retail, Front Desk, etc.
These types of jobs can get a little tricky. Depending on the business, some of these have a strict dress code and/or look that they are going for. Do some research and look at what the other employees wear and how they look at work. Use what they do and make it your own. Just because you might have to wear all black or a hotdog-shaped hat, it doesn’t mean you can’t still look hot!
Face: Since you might be doing a lot of manual labor and running around, keep your face super light and able to breathe. I would go for just a tinted moisturizer. It will give you a little color and make your face look soft, while also staying in place if you start to sweat.
Lips: Again, go for something you can swipe on quickly. A little chapstick might even do the trick. It will keep your lips soft and shiny but you won’t have to worry about smearing, fading and reapplying every 15 minutes (who has time for that?!).
Eyes: If you work the morning shift, I applaud you for even thinking about doing your eye makeup. But even if you work throughout the day, keep it to a natural shimmer and a simple highlight. The sun is already hot, add some hot coffee or plates, as well as running around grabbing or organizing things and your eyes won’t stand a chance. A light shade on the lids and inner eye is all you need to show off your sparklers while keeping your look from transforming after that grueling 8+ hour shift.
Photo:
coloronpro.com
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Sarah Felix is a senior at the University of Oregon, graduating in June. She is a double major in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in Communications. She also has received her Oregon Esthetician’s License and currently in the process of obtaining her Oregon Medical Esthetician’s License. She loves fashion, beauty and anything that makes her laugh. She’s a permanent Duck fan that “Lives GREEN and yells O!”