I'm going to have a group interview with Banana Republic!

Question

I'm nervous about the whole thing because I've never worked in retail before but I'm going to be studying for fashion design and merchandising for college. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Don't worry about it. I never worked in retail before, and I got a job there. When I asked what traits they look for when hiring new employees, they told me that it doesn't necessarily depend on your past experience because they can teach you to fold clothes and work a cash register. What they look for is a friendly personality that is able to provide outstanding customer service. So, if you are friendly and can provide professional customer service, you will fit right in. For you interview, make sure to speak clearly, use intelligent and fully thought out sentences, and look your interviewer in the eye when you talk to them. It is also good to go prepared with some questions for at the end of the interviewer when they ask if you have any questions. Just make sure they didn't already answer it earlier. I have been to group interviews where everyone just stares blankly at the interviewer when they ask for questions. It looks much better to be eager and ready with a good questions. Dress business casual-- slacks or a skirt and heels or some cute flats will do. Just kind of go to the Banana Republic look. If not, just look professional and well put together. Just be YOU. That is Gap Inc.'s motto: You be you.

Also, you might want to play up that you are going to school for fashion and merchandising. That fact you are accepted into a school for that (if you are) will show them you have already been chosen by a college and so you are obviously not dumb.  

Answer 2

dress safisticated; the worse thing you can do is show up w/ a stain on your shirt or wear pants.  Also yes, do a background check on fashion; since Banana Republic is a very high end fashion store and everything is expensive; pick something about the store and dress appropratly to fit in.  B/c of the standards BR has make sure your vocabulary is sharp; be friendly too.  In my opinion, if i was interviewing you, I'd ask you questions such as," If there was something in this store that you don't like what would it be?"  A simple but complete answer to that would referr to customers.  Maybe you should say, " It's not something that I don't like, it's more the fact about what the costumers do and misplace where the clothes/jewerly origionally came from, than have to go back and fix it."  hope that helped!