Whether it’s your very first job, or you are looking for a career change, the most stressful part of the job search process has to be the face-to-face interview with a potential employer. Although you may have an above average GPA, or years of experience in your field, it’s always uncomfortable to find yourself in the hot seat. The truth is, you can have all the education and experience and then some, but if you don’t make a good impression on the interview, then chances are you will be passed over.
Any potential employer is no doubt very busy looking for who they feel is just the right candidate for the job, and sees many prospective employees during the interviewing process. Therefore, it’s important to make a good impression. Here are some tips on putting your best foot forward.
Keep hair and makeup simple. Make sure your hair is clean. Nothing says I don’t care like dirty, oily hair. I would suggest pulling the hair back into a simple style, as overly-styled hair is more of a distraction. If you wear make-up do use neutral colors on the lips and eyes. a little liner on the lower lids is fine, and be sure to use mascara sparingly. The “smoky eye” is a huge trend in makeup, but it has no place at an interview, along with fake eyelashes. Be sure your fingernails are clean, and wear a neutral colored polish.
Many people are allergic to perfume, so it is always better to wear no perfume at all…just in case.
Jewelry should be understated. A pair of stud earrings, or moderately sized gold/silver hoops are great choices. A simple small chain, or strand of pearls works.
When choosing what to wear for an interview, several factors will determine what kind of message you are sending. The first thing you need to ask yourself is what kind of image you want to convey and dress accordingly. A suit ( skirt or pants) is something that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Navy, grey, and tan are great choices. Navy represents sensibility, grey says sophisticated, and tan says stability.
Since black conveys authority, and red is associated with passion, it is always best to use these as accents such as in scarves or belts. A classic white blouse is a safe bet, but a blouse with a small conservative print is also acceptable. Avoid shiny materials, and be sure that the neckline is not revealing too much cleavage. Remember, your there to get a job. It is also important to make sure that your clothes fit your body. There’s nothing worse than a job candidate who spends the duration of the interview tugging at her clothes.
If you opt to go with a skirt, make sure the hemline touches the knees or lower. Your not going to a club, so leave the mini-skirts at home. Do wear nude pantyhose instead of tights. Shoes should be clean, free of any wear, and polished. Peep toes and slingbacks are a no-no, and the heel should be no higher than 3 inches.
If you have any tips not mentioned here, please feel free to leave feedback, and please by all means…share!