How To Shine At Your Next Job Interview

First impressions are never more important than when you are attending a job interview; perception plays a vital role when attempting to make a powerful impact and impress your future boss.

Taking time to put some thought and effort into your image will benefit you throughout your career. Here are some things to avoid when preparing for an important meeting.

Your perfume should not arrive before you do. The lingering scent of any fragrance is not an excellent first or last impression. It comes across as if you have something to mask and can cause headaches to those around you. One client said an interviewee wore so much fragrance; she was nauseous by the end of the interview. The otherwise perfect candidate lost the job because of a simple, avoidable choice.

Leading etiquette expert and modern manners authority Diane Gottsman shares six tips on how to shine at your next job interview.

Inappropriate Clothing

You may love the way your form-fitting sweater hugs your great body, but too much of a good thing is not your goal. Take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself if you fit the corporate image of the company you are applying to. Dressing in layers is a safe bet. If the weather is hot, you can remove your jacket at a meeting when everyone else is rolling up their sleeves.

Distractions

For the job interview or office, understated is always a better choice. If your multiple bracelets are drowning out your verbal message, you may not be the right candidate for the job. Chipped, half polished, or unkempt nails show a lack of motivation and will alert your boss; you may take care of the client in the same manner. Too much makeup is also a deterrent and appears as if you slept in it. Jewelry, makeup, and nails should be carefully thought through before you walk through the office door.

Gym Clothes

The weather may be frigid, and a great pair of leggings and boots with a chunky sweater is excellent for the weekend, but not for “casual Friday” when you may need to meet with a client. Comfort is not your first goal 1 when you choose your clothing for the day. Stay professional, even in a relaxed work environment. Change into your workout gear at the gym or after hours, before you leave the office.

Blingy Shoes

You are attending a job interview, not going dancing! You may think your high heels are fashion-forward, but if they look as if they belong on a date, rather than a staff meeting, reach for the mid-heel pump instead. Avoid satin, sequins, multiple straps, and zippers when choosing your work footwear.

Dress Up Not Down

Like it or not, one of the main ways we are perceived is by the way we choose to present ourselves to the world. The same holds true in the office. If you strive to dress your best, even when your colleagues are not giving it theirs, you will send the message of a true professional. It’s a subtle sign you take your job seriously and care about your appearance. Your boss will take note and so will your clients.

Be Informed

Do your research before your interview; a glance at the website may give you a good indication of the formality of the company. Establish a work clothes budget. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of conservative. After you get the job, you can review the corporate dress policy and observe how your boss and colleagues come to the office. While dress codes vary from one business to the other, some things will never become outdated: clean, well-groomed, and an adequately maintained image will guarantee you get noticed in the best possible light.

You may also like 6 Questions To Ask At A Job Interview. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.