- Carry nothing in your jacket, skirt, or trouser pockets. Bulges are not attractive, and people under stress tend to fidget with items in their pockets.
- Never take your suit jacket off unless you absolutely must. When you're trying to make a good first impression, it can weaken your executive image.
- Have all buttons, hooks, and snaps in place and secured properly.
- If you have been traveling, change to a fresh shirt or blouse before the interview. If your clothing is wrinkled or rumpled, either change it or use a portable steamer for quick touch-ups.
- Your clothes must fit well. Nothing mars a first impression more quickly than bulges. If you are overweight, have your clothes tailored to fit.
- Adjust your tie or scarf properly before you walk into the reception area.
There are several personal matters to consider if your first impression is going to be as positive as it needs to be. These tips will help you complete the look:
- Your clothes must look as though they just came from the cleaners.
- Check to see that your hair is neatly combed or brushed. Scissors or hairspray used discreetly in a restroom can take care of that wisp of flyaway hair that won't stay down at the last minute. Use an unscented spray.
- Women can have their hair done before an interview but should not experiment with a new hairdo. Men should not get a new haircut within 3 days of an interview unless they get just a light trim. On the other hand, men should never appear to need a haircut. Beards or mustaches must also be well-trimmed.
- The heels and soles of your shoes must not appear worn, and the uppers must be well polished.
- Your nails must be neatly manicured. Polish colors should be muted. Makeup should be appropriate for daytime wear. Cologne or aftershave also should be subdued.
- Try to schedule your interview in the morning, before a new beard growth overshadows your appearance or makeup begins to fade. If you must interview after midday, you should shave again if you’ve a man and reapply makeup if you’ve a woman.
- Carry breath mints or sprays, and use them appropriately.
- If you know that you look your best before the interview, you will reduce your stress levels considerably.
Eat a high-protein breakfast. Take a multivitamin tablet or caplet. Take a B-complex vitamin. Do whatever you can to help your body get the nourishment it needs to put forth its best effort. An interview takes a lot of energy; have some reserves so the experience doesn't drain you. Avoid heavy, starchy, or carbohydrate-laden foods before an interview. They tend to let you down shortly after you eat them. Also avoid any foods with excessive roughage. Natural cereals, whole-grain muffins, nuts, and berries can stick in the throat and pose problems when you interview.
Your Voice
Job seekers sometimes experience fatigue and stress, which can bring on allergies or colds. Don't wait for this to happen to remind yourself that you need to stay and sound healthy if you are going to do well during your interviews.
If you need to reduce the symptoms of a cold, allergy, hay fever, or sinus condition, avoid medications that contain antihistamines unless they are absolutely essential. They can dry you out. Use products that will help keep your throat moist. Avoid alcohol-based products. This is not the time for a brandy cure for your cold, and alcoholic beverages won't help you get the job.
Stress also takes its toll on your vocal cords, so monitor your thoughts and actions at all times. Do whatever will be most helpful—and healthful—to you in taking the edge off your reaction to the stressful events you encounter, particularly during a job search.
If you get into the interview and find that nervous tension or a cold has left you with a dry throat, use a glycerin -based cough drop. If you don't have one, you may be able to produce some moisture by nipping the tip of your tongue between your teeth and by thinking of sucking on a juicy lemon just as you nip your tongue. If you are having more serious difficulties, ask for a glass of water. No harm will come of doing so. If the interviewer is a smoker and the smoke is giving you problems, let him or her know this. Most people are considerate.
