Style Suite: How to Ace an Interview Before Saying a Word

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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Margaret Batting, Image Consultant and Personal Brand Strategist

Thanks to the internet, you can search for a job in your bathrobe. But when you get called in for an interview, it’s a whole different story. Your resume alone won’t get you the job. The way you present yourself can make or break a job opportunity. Your image should enhance rather than distract from your qualifications. Unfortunately, you only have 17 seconds to make a first impression. If you want to make it a good one, re-think how you present yourself by following these tips to a more successful interview.

- Dress appropriately. Search the company’s web site or online annual report to learn the company culture. Choose a suit that fits the business culture and complements you as well. If the business environment is more casual, select separates such as a tailored jacket and pants rather than a suit.

- Smile. Always smile when you meet someone for the first time. Positive facial expressions leave a favorable first impression. Maintain eye contact and a naturally pleasant look on your face throughout the interview.

- Manage the shake. When meeting a potential employer for the first time, give a firm handshake. Web to web. If it’s limp, it immediately communicates that you lack confidence. It can be a deal breaker!

- Avoid low quality fabrics. Wear a suit or career separates that are well-made. You don’t need expensive designer career clothes to look good. But if you’re wearing a low quality-looking suit, it’s distracting and makes you appear like you don’t care about yourself or the position. Wait for a sale and invest in a well-made suit in higher-quality fabric.

- Wear the right color. Women should wear suits in navy, charcoal or black and stay away from red, large prints or pastels. Men should stick with suits in navy or charcoal and avoid black. A fitted light blue or white dress shirt with a coordinating tie looks great with both suit shades. Keep in mind, the culture of the company still plays a role. A bank environment is different than a retail one. Dress accordingly.

- Stay well-groomed. A current and professional-looking hair style is a must when searching for a job. Women, if you can’t afford one, pull it back, away from your face. Think Melanie Griffith in the movie Working Girl. Unkempt hair makes you appear unprofessional. As for men, facial hair should always be well groomed before an interview.

- Pay attention to the details. Attention to detail in your image translates to attention to detail on the job. Shine your shoes and tailor your clothes to fit you better. (Jacket sleeves, trousers, skirt hems.) And groom your nails.

- Skip perfume or cologne. The interviewer may not like it or worse, they may be allergic. I am!

- Try it on. Try the outfit on a few days before the interview to make sure it works.

- Keep jewelry simple. Leave noisy bracelets and necklaces at home.

- Wear make-up. No matter how good you look without it, a plain face is not polished or professional looking. Tinted moisturizer, mascara and lipstick can work wonders. Studies show that women who wear more make-up earn higher salaries.

Margaret Batting is the president of Elevé Image Consulting.  She serves as a national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder and serves as the style advisor liaison for Dress for Success Rhode Island.  www.eleve-style.com.

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