“Either you’re the one erasing or you’re the one being erased.” – Jim Carrey
How much time and thought do you put into your overall appearance preparations when you go on a job interview? If the answer is little to none, then there is a good chance that you are still looking for a job. You see, appearance, including clothing and grooming, does make the man or woman in many cases when they step foot in someone’s office for a one-on-one interview.
The Suit Does Make the Man
When I first relocated to the West Coast some 16 years ago, my first interview at a weekly newspaper caught me a little off guard. I showed up for the meeting wearing a suit and tie, only to have the editor catch me off guard with an unusual comment when we met.
He asked me if I was originally from the East Coast, to which I answered yes. He then stated that most “locals” did not dress up with suits and ties; I guess in a way complimenting me on doing so. Granted, most job interviews do not start off that way, but needless to say, I did find it a tad bit interesting. In today’s job search world, it is always best to fall on the side of caution and make yourself as presentable as possible.
Do You Appear to Know the Keys to Looking Your Best?
That being said, what are some keys to looking your best and enhancing your chances of getting that job you want? Among the things to remember are:
- Dress codes vary – There is not one “fit all” dress code that blankets the job world. Before you go in for your interview, take into account what the position entails and how you would best represent yourself. If you’re interviewing for a retail job, overdressing may come across as you being overqualified for the position. In the event you interview for an executive position, underdressing may show that you are not serious for the post and would not be a good representative of the company;
- Look the part – In the event you are interviewing for a sales position, keep in mind that if given the job, there is a very good chance you will be meeting with clients on a regular basis. Your potential employer will want to make sure that you dress the part, thereby doing a good job in representing the company when out in the field. If you come to the interview underdressed, hair a mess, not cleanly shaven, wearing too much makeup etc., you can be setting yourself up for not getting the job;
- Use that toothbrush and razor – Just as the clothes are important, it is also critical that you make sure the toothbrush, razor and any other needed accessories are put to use before going to your interview. While it may seem a no-brainer, you would be surprised how many candidates go to an interview and forget to brush those pearly whites or run that razor down their face. Improper grooming habits tell a potential employer that they are not a priority in your life, something that can lead to being passed over for the position;
- Don’t overdo the makeup – While this advice is primarily for the women, it holds true for some men too. Yes, you want to look appealing for your interview, but don’t show up with an extra pound of lip gloss, mascara, hair gel, toner and more. Remember, this is a job interview, not a precursor to the Miss America pageant;
- Make the interview interesting – It is safe to say that many people find job interviews to be a job in and of itself. Many people find the process to be taxing and at times very stressful. One of the ways to ease the tension is to go into the interview full of confidence, looking your best, and most importantly, being you. If you’re not comfortable in a three-piece suit or designer dress, then wear something comparable where you can look good, yet be yourself. Most importantly, demonstrate your interest in the job and why you want to work for this company.
As we head into 2012, there are still millions of people searching nationwide for jobs. For those who make a little extra effort in their appearances, the odds appear higher that the coming year will bring them more opportunities to snag their desired job.
Dave Thomas, who covers among other items background checks and home-based jobs, writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.
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Good luck in your search.
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