Step one to scoring your dream job: look the part! Your bag needs to compliment your ability to tackle your responsibilities and close the deal while fitting your resume neatly inside. Leave your clutch and cross body at home, for an interview you need to have what I like to call your "big girl work bag." Today I'll show you my interview bag, what I keep inside, and some interview tips that will help you land the job.
Pictures: Lauren Rader
Styled by: Mercedes Kennedy , Nordstrom Trunk Club
Kate Spade Bag | Skirt | Top | Earrings | Shoes
The Bag:
After searching through an array of bags, I think I found the perfect one. It's large enough to fit a 13" laptop, but sleek enough to keep you organized without feeling like you're compromising on style. Choosing your work bag shouldn't be like reinventing the wheel. Keep it classic and simple. Kate Spade's Cameron Street Audrey bag has interior and exterior pockets that make storing your interview essentials (see these below) second nature. Plus, you can get this bag initialed! How civilized!
What to Put Inside:
Let's face it, no one want's to look like Mary Poppins when pulling your resume out in front of the hiring manager. You need the bare necessities. I keep the following in my interview bag at all times:
Copies of your Resume kept in a plastic sleeve so they don't bend
Padfolio ready with questions/notes
Pens & pencils
Mints
Interview Advice:
Now that your'e bag is ready, here's some final tips on being prepared for the big day:
Plan Your Route
Test Your Outfit
Treat Phone Interviews Like You're In Person (I do mine in front of a mirror)
Ask Smart Questions - do your research
You're ready for anything the interview brings. Don't forget to smile, you've got this!
The lovely earrings in this post are by the amazing designer, Kent Dallas. You can grab your own pair or another item from his collections on his Facebook page.
Good luck!
-mms