5 Tips For Perfecting Your Interview Image
Whenever it comes time for an interview, one of the most common initial questions one will ask is “How should I look for a job fair or interview?” While professional attire should represent your personality and preference, here are five tips for perfecting your interview image.
1. Interviewing is Visual
People naturally have a more positive reaction to meeting someone who is similar in appearance standards than someone who is dissimilar. In other words, matching the dress code for a targeted company gives you a better chance of making a great first impression. For example if you’re looking into interviewing with a consulting firm, check out the employer bios on their website as well as profile pictures of key leaders in the company on LinkedIn to determine if the business has a conservative, fashionable, or a more business casual environment. Prior to your interview, you can also ask an employee about the preferred attire.
For most individuals, you don’t have to be obsessed with fashion in order to be successful at the job you are applying for. However, paying attention to the visual details of your look may convey preparation, planning and respect for those you meet. Make sure to avoid details that can damage your appearance such as stains, wrinkles, iron marks, smells, unkempt nails, worn out belts, weathered/mismatched socks and scuffed shoes. At least the day before an interview, try on your outfit – head to toe. Do your clothes fit right and are there any undergarments showing? Are you able to comfortably move in the clothing, extend your arms for a hand shake, sit down and stand? It also helps to look into the mirror and sitting down. Does the outfit still look professional and portray you well? If you have an issue in any of these areas, make a change. The right ensemble will make you feel comfortable and allow you to focus on the interview questions and not the coffee stain on your blouse.
In order to make a good impression, minimize the distractions that may pull focus from you and your conversation. A common distraction is the result of wearing perfume or cologne. If your scent is too strong, it will be hard for them to want to spend time with you. Also, try to keep the makeup to a minimum. Not only do you run the risk that the interviewer prefers a more conservative look, but heavy makeup has a greater chance of smudging, smearing, bleeding and sticking to your teeth when nervous. As for jewelry, you don’t want the interviewer to remember you as the girl who jingles every time she moves. This is also a good time to remove any plastic, string and rubber jewelry and optional piercings – relax, you can always put them back in when you leave.
If you can leave your oversized purse, backpack or briefcase behind, do. Baggage is not only distracting and bulky, but it can wrinkle your clothes, make it hard to have a free hand for shaking or present a tripping hazard. A disorganized bag, may reveal something negative to the interview and allow them to jump to conclusions about your organizational skills. Instead, aim to bring a clean simple folder or portfolio with cover letters, resumes, prepared questions, blank paper and pens. If you must have a bag with you, make sure it looks clean and can be zipped shut.
You would think it’s common knowledge, but never enter a professional networking event, career fair or interview with a drink in hand. If you if you are sincerely concerned about your hydration, a closed water battle tucked away in your purse or briefcase is an option. Often times, if you’re in an extended interview, an employer will offer you a water. Plus, you will eliminate the possibility of spilling on yourself or your interviewer.
Making a strong first impression is necessary for successfully landing a job. Take extra time to avoid making simple errors in your professional attire. A good first impression is easy to obtain by carefully preparing and arriving with a professional appearance.
