Today is the day when you have to feel your best and look your best, so give yourself a treat. Spending a little extra money on yourself today will add to your personality and confidence and the investment will be well worth it.
Here are some guidelines that will help create the ideal first image the interviewer will carry for the rest of the time you are working together.
- Trim your nails, remember you have to shake the interviewers hand. If she is a female, she will, most likely have well manicured nails, with nail polish and your chipped nails will be a vivid contrast that will be easily visible, so invest in that nail cutter.
- Don't have that disheveled straggling bearded look. Go to a saloon; get a neat haircut and a shave. By presenting yourself in a professional manner, you are showing respect to the interviewer and your job.
- Wear a navy blue or gray suit, classic cut and preferably two buttoned. Wear a white shirt if the suit is navy and a blue one if it is gray. Your tie should be neatly knotted and should not be too loud. Remember it will be one of the first things that your interviewer will notice.
- Wear black ankle length black socks that do not slacken. Don't wear loafers or sports shoes. Wear black shoes with laces and they should be neatly polished. If your shoes are new, break them in a few times, otherwise they may pinch you and that could cause pain and disconcertion.
- Your attire should convey a sense of corporate culture and professionalism and do wonders for your image. Look the part and your interviewer will visualize you in that position. Looking the part is half the battle won.
- If you smoke, you probably become immune to the nicotine smell oozing from your clothes and body that pervades the atmosphere. No amount of cologne or perfume can mask it. It is best to stop smoking for a few days before the interview.
- Jewelry is a strict no-no, as are tattoos and piercings. Many companies have a policy of not hiring people with visible body art.
- Leave your mobile in the car or if you don't have one keep it switched off. If it goes off during the interview so does your job.
- There is usually sometime between when you are given the call and the actual date of the interview. Don't start feeling nervous and spending sleepless nights. Instead anticipate the questions that could be asked and keep the questions ready. Do your homework.
- Conduct mock interviews with family and friends and ask them how you fare. If you have the facility, record the interview on video and play it back and review your performance.
- The importance of speaking clearly cannot be emphasized enough. Speak slowly with a well modulated voice. Nothing is as jarring as listening to someone without understanding because they muddle or mumble their words. If the interviewer says, “I beg your pardon,” assume you are not speaking correctly.
- Avoid slang and use proper vocabulary and most importantly, listen more and speak less and never, I repeat, interrupt. By listening you are conveying a message that you are interested and giving him respect.
- Never hog the limelight. Let the interviewer be the center of attraction. Talking incessantly about yourself and what you did for your last company, may sound arrogant and boastful. You will create the wrong impression.
- Answer questions like, what do you think that you have, that sets you apart? What can you offer the company? Keep answers and proof ready. Don't make tall claims that cannot be substantiated.
- Research the company and ask a few pertinent questions regarding the company. It shows that you have made the effort to know about the company and are interested in working here. However, do not ask more than one or two questions.
- Nobody is perfect and many interviewees are stumped when suddenly asked, what is your weakness? Don't say that you don't have any. But don't mention any drug or alcohol addictions if you have them. Say something minor like, you love movies and it's hard for you to resist that hamburger. But mention that you know that they are weaknesses and you are taking steps to overcome them.
- Your image will rise if you assemble your portfolio, neatly, in order and in a nice handy folder. You should not be caught fumbling for a document when asked for a specific one.
- Your handshake should be firm. If your interviewer is a lady, is bad courtesy to offer your hand first. Wait for her to do so. Always maintain eye contact and wear a smile.
- Thank the interviewer and tell him he has been kind and courteous. Ask him about himself and let him soak in the spotlight. You will come across as well mannered and courteous
