It doesn’t matter how qualified or experienced you are for a position, appearance plays a vital role during a job interview.
Within a few moments of you entering a room, your interviewer will have formed an opinion of you. If you are dressed too casually or haven’t made any effort with your appearance, this impression is likely to be a negative one.
Whereas if you look the part, the interviewer will take you more seriously and be eager to learn more about you. It may seem shallow, but these first impressions provide insight into whether you are employable or not.
So if you have an important job interview coming up, look your absolute best by taking a queue from a few of the ideas posted below:
When in Doubt, Dress Formally
While many industries are becoming relaxed with their workwear, many still value professional attire. So if you are even unsure what to wear to an interview, always dress more formally.
It’s always better to be overdressed than under as your interviewer will appreciate the effort you have put in. It highlights that you respect the company and take the process of interviewing with them seriously.
If you don’t think you own anything appropriate for a job interview, you need to make time to shop beforehand. A blazer over a white shirt or a pencil dress is standard attire that is accepted by most industries.
Always try these items on before you buy to ensure they fit well as this can boost your professional appearance. If you feel comfortable in what you wear, this can also help you relax during the interview.
Common Mistakes: clothes that are ill-fitting, too short (dresses and skirts), or too tight, excessive perfume, even showing certain body parts that can be inappropriate.
Get Your Smile in Check
Did you know that your smile can help you get a job? Research has found that people with whiter teeth are considered more employable. This is because they often make a better first impression and seem more confident.
So before your job interview, and after practicing your power stance (look up Amy Cuddy for that part) you may want to consider starting a teeth whitening regime.
This can be done at home using a whitening kit or by a dental professional. Another long-term option is to talk to your dentist about dental veneers which can give you straighter and whiter teeth.
Whichever move you decide to be best, try to plan in advance to ensure you get the incredible results you desire beforehand. It will hard to hide your new-found confidence when your teeth look so good. Always consult with a professional beforehand!
Always go natural
Remember that this is a job interview and not a night out with your friends. Too much heavy make-up can be off-putting as it causes a distraction. This can also prevent the interviewer from seeing the real you.
This natural rule also applies to your hair. Always keep your makeup and hair as simple as possible. Get a bit of help from a trusted friend, your stylist and even Youtube tutorials to help you create natural makeup looks that create a sophisticated image.
It’s a great idea to potentially head to see your hairdresser to get your hair styled and or trimmed. This will make you feel incredible while also ensuring the interviewer takes you seriously.
Unless you are informed otherwise, these rules will help you make the best first impression during your interview. You never know, the decisions you make with your appearance could help you get your dream job.
