Why I made sure to wear makeup to my online job interviews
I spend quite a lot on makeup. To exercise a sense of control, I limit myself to buying just two products every month (one per pay day). That’s why when my previous company succumbed to the pandemic, I instantly worried about the makeup I wouldn’t be able to buy. Talk about priorities, right?
Of course I still worried about the bills to pay and sending my younger brother to school, but on a personal level, I thought about makeup. We all have different ways to motivate ourselves. Mine are makeup and books! Anyway, as soon as I found out my company was closing, I dedicated time every single day to looking for a job.
Thankfully, I was scheduled for three online job interviews. Part of my preparation was to make sure to wear makeup in every single interview. Why? Here are my reasons!
It made me focus and kept me motivated
They say begin with the end in mind. Getting a job would mean that I’d be able to buy makeup again. Having makeup on reminded me of the light at the end of the tunnel. Okay, that sounds a bit dramatic, but it helps to picture and project what you want to make you chase it even more.
It made me look more presentable
Since my job interviews were online, I had more time to prepare for them. In deciding what makeup look to wear, I made sure to stick to a look I know I’m comfortable in and just change it up with lipsticks. I chose my lipsticks based on the industry of the company I was applying for. I love the fact that my research influenced the makeup I wore.
To be more specific, I wore three different lipsticks - the Issy & Co. Lip Mousse in Fiancee, the Kris Aquino x Ever Bilena Matte Matic Lipstick in Life, and the Sunnies Face Fluffmatte in Nudist. I wore Fiancee to my interview with a broadcasting company because I wanted an everyday look to represent that I’m easygoing and on the go. For the startup financial technology company, knowing that the culture is young and upbeat, I wore Life for a pop of color that mirrors my extroverted self. Plus, it’s a Kris Aquino lipstick so I channeled her, which definitely helped. Finally, I wore Nudist to the interview with a Fortune 500 company to show that I mean business. Nude lipsticks just make me feel more serious.
It gave me a personality boost
Having makeup on gave me confidence and allowed the interviewer to get an impression of how comfortable I am with expressing myself. My makeup even became a conversation starter, which immediately established the necessary rapport.
It was an excuse to wear makeup for other people
I wear makeup for myself but I must admit, there’s a satisfying feeling when people get to see my makeup, especially on a really good day. Also, I love the random conversations that makeup sparks. We need such conversations, now more than ever, whether to distract us or to keep us connected.
It… because why not!
To be honest, I used to be anxious about wearing makeup to job interviews. I was worried that the fact that I wore makeup might affect my chances in getting the job. As much as I want to express myself completely, I had to understand that I have to compromise.
One thing about makeup, which I’ve come to realize over the years, is its transformative power. You can instantly go from one look to another. Your mood and aura can instantly change based on what lipstick color you are wearing. Knowing these, all I had to do was research about the company and work my makeup look around it. After all, compromising doesn’t have to mean losing myself in the process.
Now, when someone asks me why I wear makeup to job interviews, the answer is always simple - why not?
Oh, if you’re wondering, I thankfully got job offers from all three companies. You know, if we had to give an acceptance speech for whenever we land a job, makeup would definitely be part of mine!
