#magandi

Disclaimer: this guide does not guarantee the reader a job seeing as we are both still unemployed as of writing (despite passing several rounds of interviews, submitting assignments, doing contribution work, etc. for the companies we’ve applied for... But whatever, right?)

One of the most obvious things to pay attention to when going for a job in the fashion industry is your outfit. You want it to be professional, sure, but still full of personality. Remember that you don’t need to wear a full-on corporate suit to impress your prospective employers. Rather, you’ll need something sensible yet memorable.

For this post, Andie and I are wearing a foolproof silhouette: the high-waisted pencil skirt + crop top combo. It’s comfy (which is very important) and somewhat unassuming but it’s a strong enough silhouette to be taken seriously -- to know that you mean business. With a good pair of  heels, a power bag, and the proper accessories, something as basic as a shirt and a skirt can work for an interview. Feel free to explore your options, though. We’ve worn dresses, leather jeans, blazers, booties, midi skirts, and so many other pieces to interviews (ok that makes it sound like we’ve been to a ton of these things... we may or may not have gone to at least 5 each). Have fun with it but remember to keep things appropriate.

There are other things to consider besides your outfit, though. We listed ten tips we have for entering the industry based on the interviews we’ve been to so far:

Confidence is key. You need to believe that you’re the best for the job (or at least fake it) so that they believe in it, too. Speak up, sit straight, walk tall. This is also why comfort is important. You don’t want to wear anything that’ll shift too much when sitting and standing nor do you want shoes that you can hardly walk in. 

Punctuality’s not dead. Always arrive at least ten minutes before your scheduled time for interview. The more lead time, the better! Always leave as early as possible for your interviews. Remember guys, walang tiwa-tiwala sa EDSA.

Know the industry. If you wanna be in fashion you have to know the industry’s history, its present, and its possible futures -- locally and internationally speaking. Read designer biographies and back issues of magazines. Stay up to date with the latest trends and fashion news. Think about the next big thing. 

Know the company. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to an interview as a back-up to your back-up job. Even if it isn’t the company of your dreams, you have to know what it stands for, who runs it, what their projects are, how it’s different from other companies, and how you can apply your strengths to help it grow. They will ask you what you know about them -- don’t be the doofus that thinks you’re above the place where, y’know, you’re actually applying! (???!!!!)

You are never overqualified. In line with the last sentence of the last number, do not act all hoity-toity and entitled. Please. Job descriptions overlap. You will be getting coffee if it’s your first job, you will be running odd errands -- it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s part of the process.

Always bring physical copies of your resumé and portfolio. Whether or not they ask for physical copies, bring them. It’s good to be prepared. Plus, it shows initiative. Bonus: make sure youre resumé and portfolio look pretty + organized!

Your worst nightmare in question form is, “What is your weakness?” Such a sadistic little trap, isn’t it? Choose a weakness that you can spin into a strength or that you can prove you’ve somewhat corrected already. Andie usually uses the fact that she zones out when she’s really into her work -- this weakness can be translated into passion and concentration. My fallback weakness? Inexperience. I usually salvage this by saying I’m a fast learner and a willing mentee.

Know what to ask. When talking to the HR representative, some of the most important things to as are: how much the salary will be, what are the benefits of the job, how long the contract will last, what is the official job description, what are the work hours like, and whether or not you can still do freelance/other kinds of work elsewhere. These are crucial. When speaking to the bosses (editors, directors, designers, etc.) ask them to describe their ideal candidate for the position, what the work is really like, or what they think the company needs at the moment -- questions along those lines!

Don’t be afraid to do a follow-up. It’s been three weeks and they haven’t gotten back to you, huh? Jafeel, bro. The worst part of unemployment is the idle waiting. If you feel like it’s been too long since you’ve heard from the company, don’t be afraid to follow up with HR. At least that way, you’ll know if you’re still in the running to become Asia’s Next Top Model for the position. Usually, if you haven’t heard back after several rounds of interviews, they’re still deliberating (purgatory-feels, I tell you).

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Keep the big picture in mind. Know your “why.” Know where you want to go. Make sure to pursue jobs that bring you a step closer to where you want to be ten, twenty years from now. Follow the path that will lead you to the dream job. You won’t get it as a fresh graduate, sure, but you can get something that will eventually lead you to it. Never ever forget where you’re headed. Use your heart as a compass.

And with that, we wish you all (and ourselves) the best of luck in job-hunting! May the odds and #OOTDs be ever in our favor!

Stay Gold, Mags P.S. Sorry for the delayed posts. Tumblr’s been giving us hell.

On Andie: White crop top from Bershka | White Pencil skirt from H&M | Booties from Bershka | Bag from Charles & Keith

Hola! We're Mags and Andie -- two seemingly extremely different best friends that actually share the same slightly corrupted soul. Welcome to our latest endeavor as a duo, Rak & Rose!

Over the past few years, we've worked on mini theses, actual theses, photo shoots, and art projects hand in hand. We've been told countless times that we should make our tandem an official thing -- di lang nila alam kami na, chos -- and this blog is our way of doing that. We've always been a team, we're just sort of formalizing it.

At the same time, we've been known to have some of the most passionate stances, funniest wisecracks, deepest insights, and ditziest (sometimes literally) blonde moments in our circle of friends. We hope to share our knowledge, thoughts, and humor with the world -- even if we aren't quite sure if y'all are ready for this jelly.

Get to know us more by visiting our about section.

Stay tuned to catch some of our crazy adventures, our unpopular opinions, our interesting fashion choices, our favorite people, and our unapologetic selves. We'd like to believe that we're entertaining enough to keep an audience interested (please prove us right).

Without Wax / Stay gold,

Andie & Mags

On Mags: Thrifted "Whatever Forever" sweater + Forever 21 tennis skirt | Mesh dress (brand forgotten, will update once it’s back from the laundry place hehe)

On Andie: H&M crop top + Forever 21 floral skirt | H&M lace dress