Preparing for a Job Interview: Appearance Matters

Posted by Ivan Dimitrijevic
3
Feb 14, 2017
183 Views
Image

Let’s be honest – people judge others by the way they dress. It is usually the first thing you notice about someone, so appearance really does matter a lot in regards to making first impressions. More often than not, the first impression is also the last impression. Therefore, your attire and the overall way you look will almost always determine the image you portray about yourself.


When it comes to the business world, the situation is completely the same. Your appearance will greatly determine whether or not someone will consider you for a job. It can help you stand out from a number of other candidates at a job interview, besides the necessary job requirements and work experience, of course.


Whether or not you have already landed a job interview or you are still searching for a job, you need to prepare for it upfront, so that you don’t end up choosing the first presentable outfit you see in your closet right before you go to your interview. Therefore, take a look at the most important tips that will help you swipe your interviewers off their feet and win your next job interview.


Dress to Impress



First impressions are everything. In order to make a lasting impression, you need to make sure that you look professional. Not only will that show your interviewers that you know what is necessary for the occasion and that you actually put an effort in preparing for the interview properly, but it will also show that you are a professional who is completely capable of doing a great job. You will paint a picture of someone who is organized, well-prepared and ready to take on any task in front of them.


You need to conduct research before your job interview and learn about the corporate culture of the particular company where you’re hoping to get the job, so that you can dress appropriately and make sure you don’t make a mistake that could cost you your job. If their work environment is casual, you will probably not go wrong with something casual, but not too casual, of course.


On the other hand, if the company is a large corporation where formal attire is required, make sure you wear an appropriate suit. However, no matter the dress code, you should still always go to an interview formally dressed, as that will certainly help you hit the bullseye. Also, it’s always a good idea to dress one layer above what the people in that particular company usually wear to work.


Tips for men


In order to dress for success, the best, if not the only option to go for is to suit up. Buy a good and possibly expensive suit that you will always keep clean and ready. A black suit will certainly do the trick and make you stand out from the crowd, and it can come in pretty handy at corporate dinners or meetings with clients.


A white shirt is your best bet for the black suit, as well as a professional-looking tie that goes perfectly with the combination. Make sure everything is ironed and your shoes are clean and polished. Speaking of shoes, they should be black as well. Also, a good watch will play a great part in making the best first impression at your job interview, so make sure you invest in one that ideally tops off your outfit.


Tips for Women


If you are a woman, you should also wear a suit at the interview. Go for something conservative and classy and avoid bright and flashy colors at all costs. Wear a blouse or a shirt that perfectly blends with the suit and coordinates well with its color. Once again, go for classy and professional, even if your personal style is a bit excessive. It is fine to express your personality with your attire, but you can do so by wearing a neutral-colored scarf or a watch, or even a tie, if that’s your cup of tea.


As far as jewellery goes, a minimal amount is the key, because you should not distract your interviewers with something flashy or too big. Make it classy and professional. Wear low-heel shoes and a minimal amount of make-up. In order to stand out, you need to show your skills and expertise, rather than trying to make a statement with your clothes, so stick to these appearance tips that will always do the trick.


Don’t Forget about Grooming and Personal Hygiene


Your appearance is a lot more than just the way you dress. Grooming and personal hygiene are also very important for the overall image you portray, so you need to make sure your overall look is completely impeccable. It goes without saying that you should definitely not skip the shower before your interview and remember that getting up earlier in the morning will help you look fresh, instead of looking like you just rolled out of bed.


If you are a man, make sure you get a clean cut before the interview. You need to get a good haircut, shave or trim your facial hair and clip your nails. Your after-shave and perfume need to be light, so that you can make the best impression.


Basically the same rules apply for women. Make sure your hairstyle is simple and classy and your nails are neat (forget all about extremely long and flashy nails, but instead get a manicure with a polish of conservative color). Also, go for light perfume and avoid putting a too strong body lotion.


Win Them Over with a Million-Dollar Smile

q


Last but not least, you need to have a smile that will swipe your interviewers off their feet. This means that you need to have a healthy smile; that is, healthy teeth. This is something that not everyone considers when going to a job interview, but it is definitely something that interviewers pay a lot of attention to.


Therefore, if your teeth are not as white as you know they could be, or if you happen to have some other problems with your teeth, make sure you do something about it as soon as possible, not only because of your job interview, but also because of your personal health. Regular dental checkups are important and they will give you a gorgeous smile that will win people over. Most importantly, they will provide you with a healthy smile.


If you need teeth whitening, dental implants, or some other cosmetic dentistry service, make sure you contact a reliable dental clinic to help you out. A good example are dental implants Frankston, specialists who can give you the most beautiful smile ever, so make sure you check them out.



Hopefully, these tips have helped you understand just how important appearance is when it comes to job interviews and, if you follow each and every one of them, you can be sure you will ace your next interview and land the job of your dreams.

Comments
avatar
Please sign in to add comment.