So you finally decided to look for a job and now you have your very first interview. Like most people, you probably want to make a good first impression if you’re planning to work for that company. You should always focus on your interviewing skills first, as well as do a little research before going into the interview. But what a lot of people omit from their pre-interview prep is their appearance. Believe it or not, first appearances are extremely important when it comes to getting that job because it tells a lot about who you are and how you hold yourself. So here are ten important tips that you must remember before going for an interview.
TIP #1
The first and most important thing you need to do is be groomed and clean. That means no messy hair and no beards (for the guys). Make sure you take a shower either the night before your interview or just before. Make sure you hair is properly in its place.
TIP #2
Brush your teeth. Don’t have a smoke and walk right in- it will smell! If you must have a cigarette, bring some breath mints with you. Make sure you brush your teeth before you leave and don’t overpower yourself with perfume. Just one spritz is enough- you’re going for a job not for a guy/girl!
TIP #3
Make sure your shoes are clean! I cannot stress that enough because so many people disregard the appearance of their shoes when it is equally important that your shoes are clean, just like your teeth or your hair. So make sure you check that over before you leave!
TIP #4
Do not wear crazy nail polish colors. Stick to regular colors such as peach, red, white, and neutrals. Don’t leave your black nail polish on, it’s just very unprofessional.
TIP #5
Dress appropriately! A lot of people don’t know how to dress the right way for an interview, so it’s important that you look the part. Wear something that makes you feel empowered and ready to take on anything. By that I mean any professional business attire such as a suit, suit pants and a jacket, pencil skirt with a blouse, etc. Make sure the attire is appropriate and that you don’t show any unnecessary skin such as cleavage, thighs, or any other part that you interviewer might not want to see.
TIP #6
If you decide to wear a skirt, do wear pantyhose. Don’t ever go to an interview without pantyhose or stockings. Bare legs in a business environment is a big no-no. Also, don’t wear any patterned pantyhose. Stick to either your basic skin color or black.
TIP #7
If possible, avoid wear open-toed shoes. Again, this is not a professional item to wear to an interview. If you must, make sure you wear pantyhose with that. No one wants to see wiggling toes unfortunately!
TIP #8
Do wear a little bit of color. Wearing all black at an interview can make you look to serious and might come across as amateurish. If you’ve already been to a few interviews, you know that although it is serious business, you don’t need to be super strict in your attire. If you’re wearing a suit, wear a bright colored shirt underneath to give your outfit a little bit of spice.
TIP #9
Try to stay away from accessories. A couple of rings on your fingers, a soft, thin necklace and maybe a pair of small earrings is just enough. But don’t whip out your colorful bangles or your chunky necklaces. Keep your accessories simple and to a minimum.
TIP #10
And your final tip is to stand up straight and be confident. Your attire and your resume won’t help you if your posture is not straight and you’re not smiling from the second you meet your interviewer. Just relax, be happy and have confidence- that’s all there is to it!
