I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Chanel (Tokyo) in Feb 2022
Interview
I had a very smooth interview experience with Chanel. The interview commenced in Japanese, but to my pleasant surprise, we seamlessly transitioned to English. The interviewer exhibited flexibility, openness, and engagement throughout our conversation. While providing a concise overview of the company, the interviewer tailored the discussion to my specific interests, particularly in the jewelry and watches sector, which I found highly accommodating.
The advertised position, described as a 4-6 month hybrid role, seemed perfectly suited to my circumstances as a university student studying abroad. However, it was only towards the end of the conversation that I learned the role required on-site work and was specifically targeted towards students based in Japan for that year. It would have been beneficial to receive this information earlier, either via email or at the outset of the interview.
Nevertheless, despite this slight miscommunication, the interview provided valuable insights and was a positive learning experience. I appreciated the encouragement to stay connected and reapply the following summer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was the most difficult challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
I applied through university. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Chanel (London, England) in Jun 2023
Interview
It was very short, they did not ask any questions, just flipped through my work. So it felt unusual and quite confusing. If I didn't speak they probably wouldn't have asked about that either. Pretty underwhelming. Almost as if they had made their decision and they looked at my work for courtesy. If that is the case I would expect feedback or a review of some sort or at least a conversation about something other than my language skills. I was happy to talk about my final collection concept and process which they were only interested to look at pictures off and nothing else.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Where are you from? You were born and raised in Dubai but can speak English? Was schooling in English?
First-round interview: The focus was on evaluating my design skills and experience, as well as my ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. Portfolio review: I was asked to present my design portfolio and talk through my process and design decisions. Second-round interview: The focus was on evaluating my fit with the company culture and my ability to work independently and manage deadlines.
Know about the house's history, clientele, and savoir-faire. Must dress nicely. Natural appearance. Have to have a first experience in fashion in order to get hired. English is a must if retail.
