How to ace your next job interview - Part 1

Job interviews can be awkward, stressful, nerve-wracking…or, depending on how you look at it, they can be exhilarating experiences that can drive you forward in your career. Every job interview is an opportunity. Even if you don’t get a job offer, every interview gives you a chance to learn about yourself, introduce yourself to a new company and new people, and enhance your presentation and interpersonal skills.

Whether the thought of sitting through another interview makes you cringe, or whether you’re a natural interviewer who actively looks forward to the experience of “selling yourself,” every job interview should ultimately get you closer to your next job.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your next job interview:

Pre-interview cosmetics: Start getting ready a week before the interview. Get a good haircut about a week before (give your hair some time to grow; you don’t need to look too freshly coiffed; that will make it look like you’re trying too hard). Consider going to a day spa (whether you’re a woman or man!) to get a manicure and dry skin treatment, and get a massage so you feel relaxed and refreshed – you want to go into that interview looking and feeling your best. (Even if you don’t go to a day spa, at least spend some time on your hands with some good lotion or moisturizer – you’re going to be shaking hands with new people for the first time, so you want your hands to be smooth and in good condition.)

Clothes: There’ s an old saying: “Dress for the job you want.” Make sure you’re wearing a well-fitted professional looking suit with a well-chosen tie (men) or scarf, jewelry and accessories (women). If your “interview suit” hasn’t been worn since your cousin’s wedding three years ago, it might be worth investing in a new suit – or even a couple of new suits, in case you’re invited to a follow-up interview. What color of suit should you buy? Men often have fewer options than women, but one bit of advice is to avoid wearing a black suit, as your interviewers might assume that this is the only suit you own. Instead, try charcoal, modest pinstripes, olive, chocolate brown, or gray, depending on what looks good with your complexion. Talk to the staff at the clothing store and ask for recommendations. Bring a trusted friend or family member with you to help you shop – and get it tailored to fit your exact proportions. The outfit you wear to a job interview should reflect your professionalism and good taste – nothing flashy, overbearing and overstated.

Shirt and shoes: Get your shirt professionally cleaned and pressed so that it’s ready to go well in advance of your interview. And get an extra shirt to have as a backup, just in case – you don’t want a last-minute lipstick smear, breakfast crumbs or coffee stains showing up on your way out the door to the interview. Make sure your shoes are shined and spotless. If you buy new shoes for the interview, break them in and get your feet accustomed to them first, before you arrive at the interview – you don’t want to get a blister or have other issues with wearing new dress shoes for the first time.

Coming soon: How to ace your next job interview (Part 2) – more tips on how to get ready for your interview, how to rehearse what you want to say, and how to follow up for best results.

Ben Gran is a freelance writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. He is an award-winning blogger who loves to write about careers and the future of work.
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