What NOT To Say in An Interview

As I mentioned in my post yesterday (See: Exploring the City: Part 3), I recently had an interview with Sephora. And, as should go without mentioning, although I have proceeded to mention it anyway, I LOVE SEPHORA!

Obviously, I’m not the only Fashion student, or the only girl, period, who loves Sephora. That said, there are many, many, many, many, many girls who would LOVE to work at Sephora, as I found yesterday. But, before being hired at Sephora, or any other self-respecting company, you must go through an interview. Most likely, this will be a group interview, as the interviewer will not want to waste their valuable time interviewing interviewees who should not be hired, on a one-on-one interview. So, they hold a group interview.

If any of you have ever been on a group interview, you understand that it can sometimes be intimidating if your fellow interviewees are older/taller/smarter/prettier/hotter than you. But, no matter who the competition is, it is always important not to get nervous, and to answer questions to the best of your ability, without sounding like a complete and utter idiot.

For those of you who have never been on a group interview, here are some things you shouldn’t say:

If the interviewer asks, “What do you do in your free time?”

Do not say, “In my free time I like to go on Sephora.com and research the new products and see what’s out and what’s online. I like to go on the blogs and YouTube and read all about Sephora and the new lines so I know everything about them. I love Sephora and Sephora is my life and I do nothing else!!”

Why not? Because, this makes you look extremely desperate and boring, not to mention fake. In school, my major is makeup (Cosmetics & Fragrance Marketing), and even I have more of a life than that.

If the interviewer asks, “Why do you want to work at Sephora?”

Do not say, “Oh, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Sephora! I’ve always wanted to work here, and I’ve applied so so many times but I never got called back and I’m so excited I finally did! I told my husband and I told my kids and I told my mom and I told my friends, and my one friend said ‘Don’t tell anyone! Or the Evil Eye will ruin your chances and take your life and curse you!’ But I couldn’t help it, I picked up the phone and called everyone else and I was like, ‘OMG, I GOT AN INTERVIEW FOR SEPHORA!’”

Why not? Again, completely desperate, pathetic, and needy. Of course, they want you to like their product, maybe even obsess over a new line for a week or two, but this is simply psychotic. No one wants to hire a crazy person.

If the interviewer asks, “What are your long-term career goals?”

Do not say, “Well, I quit my job as a receptionist after 6 at the YMCA to pursue my true passion which is makeup, but I know have to start small before I can do anything big, so that’s why I’m applying here, at Sephora. ”

Why not? First off, how do you work as a receptionist at the YMCA for 6 YEARS and not get promoted. And, if makeup is your “true passion”, than why were you content at the YMCA? Maybe they have a beauty section I’m unaware of, but honestly, there’s not much of an excuse for that. Oh, and above all, DO NOT INSULT THE COMPANY. You see Sephora as “starting small”? Fine, just don’t tell them that.

If the interviewer asks, “Do you currently have another job? If so, would you resign in order to work at Sephora?”

Do not say, “I have another job as an intern to the assistant to a Fashion Stylist at a small magazine. I work all the time, like 40 hours a week, but only for like 2-3 weeks a month. That’s my true passion. I don’t plan to leave but it’s cool cuz I still have a week or so each month to work and make money, cuz you know, you gotta do what you gotta do.”

Why not? Because, you have no time to devote to the company you’re working for! And if fashion is your “true passion”, that’s fine, get a job at Express. If you want to work at Sephora only to make money and “do what you gotta do”, then again, don’t tell them that.

If the interviewers ask, “Are you comfortable wearing makeup to work?”

Do not say, “I’m comfortable wearing a little bit. I like a natural look, not anything crazy like the girls who work here wear. I could never wear that. They look like crazy drag queens.”

Why not? WHY would you insult their employees?? Most likely, the person interviewing you hired those “crazy drag queens”! You’re supposed to identify with the current employees, not differentiate yourself from them. Oh, and Sephora is All. About. Makeup. If you don’t like that, why are you here?!

If the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions?”

Do not say, “Do I have to wear Sephora makeup? Because I really like MAC.”

Why not? This one should be a no-brainer, but if you’re applying with one brand, make sure THAT brand is your favorite! And if you like MAC, go work at MAC.



Believe it or not, all of these exact questions and answers were from my group interview yesterday, and no, none of those answers were mine. These answers were said by the other three girls in the group interview. And no, I’m not kidding.

Some other tips:

1. Use proper grammar. No gonna's, gotta's, or cuz's.
2. Wear black. Chic, professional, and the main company color and uniform.
3. Wear makeup. It should go without saying, but you'd be surprised how some people overlook this. they shouldn't judge on looks, but honestly, this is the beauty industry. They sell makeup, so wear some.