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How to make a good impression at
interviews
Most of us find interviews more daunting than root canal
treatment. An interview is like a sales pitch and the commodity on sale is you.
Here are a few tips to help you clinch the deal
What to wear
First impressions count. Nearly seven in 10 female interviewers say that
a woman's appearance is just as important as what she says in the interview. Do
some reconnaissance before choosing what to wear.
Check out what your potential colleagues are wearing
and go one step smarter - employers like to recruit people like them.
Shoes
- Those good old Pumas may be comfortable, but they
are a no-no.
Clean, polished, sensible black shoes only.
-
Grandiose boots on either sex are frowned upon, so are
excessively high heels.
Hygiene and grooming
Even if you are the sartorial embodiment of the
perfect candidate, this can let you down.
- Both sexes should be clean-shaven,
hair neatly cut and clean, and fingernails spotless.
- Avoid overpowering perfumes and aftershaves - ventilation in the
interview room may not be able to cope.
Make-up
Subdued is what they want, sadly. You can't go wrong with the natural
look.
- Avoid excessively bright red lipstick or other startling colours. No
70s sparkly disco eye shadow either.
- Make-up that looks like it has
been applied with a trowel will only confuse the interviewer .
Suit
Most interviewers expect both sexes to wear suits.
- Go for clean-cut, three-buttoned classics in subdued
colours such as charcoal grey.
- Avoid the shoulder-enhanced power
suit, especially in bright colours, unless you are Joan Collins.
Bag
-. Leave the rucksack, plastic bag
and clutch bag at home.
- Smart, chic and compact - but big enough to accommodate your CV .
Shirt
You'll need one, or a blouse to complement that suit. According to
. Pink: If you are a woman it says you're
unimportant and lacking confidence. Icy pinks on a man, however, give an air of
success and confidence. Shocking pink is definitely not management material.
.-Red: Signals that you are
exciting and confident. But it can also indicate a domineering, bossy and
threatening personality.
- Blue: Indicates a peaceful, trustworthy and thoughtful person. Mid
to pale blues give a reliable and methodical air.
-White: Classic, futuristic and optimistic. Wear with charcoal grey suit for
aura of maximum authority.
- Yellow: The least business-like option.
It can give the impression that you are impulsive.
- Green: Gives the impression
of being predictable and stubborn.
- Lilac: It makes you stand out from the
crowd. It indicates a confident individual who is diplomatic, selfless and
creative.
Definite sartorial no-nos
Avoid too many gold chains and rings. Remove facial
piercings.
Don't be tempted by comical socks and ties.
Body language
Research shows that our body language accounts for 55%
of first impressions - no wonder, with 700,000 unique movements.
- Men and women use different body language to communicate and create an
impression. For example, women lean forward when they are listening and men
lean back.
-To create a powerful impression that conveys intelligence and
credibility, keep hand gestures to a minimum. An interviewer may perceive
excessive gesticulation as someone lacking emotion.
- Always look your interviewer(s) in
the eye throughout. Don't ignore anyone on the interview panel.
None of the above
will help if you arrive late. To a recruiter this equates to a potentially tardy
employee.
- Aim to get to your interview half an hour early. It may be the most
anxious 30 minutes wait in your life, but a nervous candidate is better than a
late one.
- Research your route and check
parking availability or the whereabouts of the nearest station. Work out how
long it will take to get to the office, and always allow extra time for delays.
- An A to Z and a mobile phone are essential. But remember to switch
your mobile off when you arrive.
NOW YOU CAN GO ON TO THE EXERCISES