Your Appearance at The Interview
How You Look is as Important as Your Resume
Getting the interview but not getting the job? Read on for some tips on what may be going wrong - and how to make it right!
Lately, Career Advice has been receiving very similar questions from readers - with regards to participants actually passing all hurdles and getting that important interview. However, these readers state they see some type of disappointment upon greeting the interviewer, or during the interview itself. Even though they feel they have the necessary skills to do the job - they are not called back for second interviews nor are they offered the job. This article will address the main issues that can be happening in employment consultations.
Dress For Success
You've heard it before, and it is true. Clothes DO make the "man" - but it must be appropriate for the career and job interview. Take the time to scope out the potential employer - what seems to be the dress attire? Check out the company's website - what do the pictures of employees show you? Match that style and you'll prove to the interviewer you fit into the culture.
If you are unable to find any website, and there is no time or an unobtrusive way to check out the company's preferred style of attire - go with the basics: dress for a basic office. This means a basic suit or jacket/slacks for men, and women should still follow the basic rule of skirt/pants with jacket or suit. Not comfortable in a suit? Just ensure you have dress slacks and dress top.
More important is for the clothes to be properly pressed and clean.
Body Hygiene
Just as your clothes must be clean and pressed, so should your body exemplify godliness. Shower the day of the interview: ensure your hair is clean and neat and your face can be fully seen. Pay attention to nails - get rid of any dirt in the fingernails and use a lotion to have them look and feel smooth. Don't use too much or your hands will be slippery, though.
Careful on the scented sprays - this includes your deodorant. Try not to mix scents or to use more than one. Even better - other than your deodorant, don't use any scent. Many people are allergic - and your interviewer or potential boss may just be one of those people!
Watch The Ornaments
Use jewellery as an enhancement, not as the main event. Keep earrings close to the head - refrain from the dangling of earrings and the clanging of bracelets. This is an interview, not a date. If your potential employer is known to be conservative, leave some of the body piercings at home (or at least fully covered).
Attitude/Body Language
Even more important than the above information is how you hold yourself, how you look at people, and if you show you are happy and confident.
Keep your shoulders back and straight - this helps to pull your head up. Posture IS important, as it says a lot about how you are feeling, often about yourself. Tired shoulders means tired employee - and who wants that?
Are you smiling? This does not mean you should be smiling at all times - but you should not be frowning at any time. Try to keep your face relaxed and happy. A slight smile helps you to do this.
If you walk in thinking you won't get the job, chances are you won't - it will show somehow in your mannerisms and attitude that you feel you are not the best candidate.
So keep a positive attitude at all times: after all - you did get the interview - so show that you are the right candidate!
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Copyright December 28, 2007. Paym Bergson & Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
