Seriously, You Got The Job!

 By B. Lee Cash

Here's how a job interview and first date are similar: During the meeting you answer a lot of questions about yourself, and hopefully come off as intelligent. "The job interview is a situation when neatness counts but stiffness -- in your look or your attitude -- can take you out of the running," says Kris Wick, owner of Beehive salon in Long Beach, California. "This is a time when your hair, makeup and outfit is as important as your handshake." Well said. Now let's get serious and get you the right look for the kind of work that was meant for you.

Creative Industry: Art, Music, Advertising and Media
"People in the creative fields aren't all that concerned if you don't own a suit, but they do want you to look clean and put together," says Wick. "You can keep your hair down, but the employer needs to be able to see your eyes -- eye contact is so important. Tuck your hair back or even use a cute bobby pin, but less is more here." Be sure there are no flyaways or frizz. "If you want to put it up or back, keep it simple, like a low ponytail."

Style Sessions Tip: Dark, tailored pants say you mean business. Pair with a closed-toe shoe that isn't scuffed. Avoid a white top -- it's too formal and with the dark pants screams "food server." Makeup should be clean, and not too heavy.

Noncreative Industry: Sales, Science and Legal
"Go for big-time professional but not like you're channeling the first lady," says Wick. Definitely pull the hair back into a casual chignon. Start with a low ponytail, then hot roller it so the hair is smooth. Take a small strip of the hair from the underside of the pony and wrap it around the holder to hide it. Next, tuck all the hair securely under and into the ponytail, then fan out the tucked tail in a wide, fan-like shape. Spritz with a light-holding spray.

Style Sessions Tip: Suit up! Go for something flattering and fashionable. Some suits are too stiff, like anything with gold Mrs. Bush buttons or anything in navy blue that looks like you should be serving peanuts before the flight takes off. Keep makeup and jewelry minimal, and give yourself a manicure in a neutral color.

Part-Time Gigs: restaurants, retail, and front office
"You want to look like you're already hired and about to give terrific service to a customer," says Wick. "I suggest you do a drive-by to gauge the current employees' look." If it's a stylish establishment, Wick suggests two low ponytails. Start by making a stick-straight center part from forehead to the base of your neck. With a brush, smooth each side of the hair into matching ponyholders. Says Wick: "You can tuck the hair into the underside of each pony to create cute loops, or even braid each ponytail for a funkier look."

Style Sessions Tip: "The worst things you can do is look sloppy," says Wick. Avoid rows of bobby pins or, worse, putting your hair up in one of those giant clamp-claw things -- way too soccer momish for your age." Avoid jeans and wrinkled clothes, and by all means stay away from any looks that are see-through, skin-baring or at all sexy. Good luck!