One of the most important things anyone can do to improve the odds of having a successful interview is to make a good first impression. While this is common knowledge in theory, in practice it would seem that there are a good many people, both male and female, who don't seem to really understand this.
In a professional office setting, there are a number of customs and courtesies that are expected and that new entries into the work force might not be aware of. As a culture, we have grown extremely casual in our manners and it can be a bit of a shock to have to clean ourselves up and behave like a consummate professional.
Personally, I've always found it to be a challenge to make it to the interview while still looking clean, well rested, neatly pressed and energetic. Usually, I spend so much time stressing out and making sure that everything is perfect that I am exhausted and relieved just to make it to the appointment on time and in one piece.
If you, or someone you know, struggles with this problem, here are a few tips for staying classy and making a great first impression:
Use talcum or other powder – It's so hot outside and, depending on where you live, the humidity can leave you feeling drenched before you make it to your car. If you are relying on public transportation to get to your appointment, the problem is worse. No one wants to show up for their interview all red faced and covered in sweat. To avoid this, be sure to use some type of powder to help keep you cool and to keep your clothes from sticking to you, digging in or chaffing.
Carry a lint roller for pre-interview tidiness – Lint rollers come in all sizes and shapes, so you're sure to be able to find one that can slip inside your bag. Before going in to your interview, be sure to give yourself a once-over with it. Even if you don't think that you're especially linty, a lint brush will make your interview outfit look crisp and tidy.
Don't smoke – Before your interview, try not to smoke. The smell will cling to your clothing, your hair and will make your breath stink as well. When you're trying to make the best impression possible, smelling like an ashtray isn't a good thing.
Wear comfortable shoes – This isn't the time to try to break in a new pair of shoes. If you don't typically wear dress shoes, you should start wearing them for a few hours everyday if you know you're going to need them for your job search. When you're traveling to your interview, you won't want to have to cope with sore feet. Also, if you aren't comfortable walking in your shoes, you will appear uncomfortable all the way around.
Avoid rush hour – If you possibly can, schedule your interview during the morning part of the workday, but late enough that you won't have to be traveling during rush hour. If you're driving to the appointment, rush hour makes it difficult to be sure that you won't be delayed and end up running late. If you're taking public transit, you'll run the risk of being squished, wrinkled and even getting dirty. Even if you don't get messed up or arrive late, traveling during rush hour is bound to raise your stress level and put you on edge.
Well begun is half done, according to the old saying. With job interviews, this is especially true. While arriving late, being sweaty and stressed might not cost you a job, it certainly won't help. Hopefully, these tips will help you arrive, looking confident and cool.
What do you do to avoid looking frazzled at an interview? Please share your tips in the comments.
Image Source: Your Highway ABC Guide - 1935
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