Sat. Feb 23rd, 2019

First Impressions at Job Interview

Do you dread going to a job interview? You do not know what to wear? Are you worried about saying the wrong thing? Whether you like or not, your appearance is going to be the first thing people notice and this is applicable to any place you visit. Of course, the first impressions created in the minds of the hiring managers will play a major role in his/her decision towards your hiring. So, what should be worn for your next job interview might be the question that is running your mind now after having received the interview call letter from a popular corporate out there? Here are some tips that will help you:

Calming Down Your Upset nerves:

Being nervous before, during and even after a job interview is normal. All you have to do is to keep this level of nervousness at low point so it does not paralyze you and you can give the best possible impression. Besides the normal techniques to manage stress, it will help a lot to have a prepared script of what you are about to say. So, you should have everything you need to help you gain confidence without appearing to improvise.

Related: Communicating Confidently

You may have heard the statistic that first impressions are made in the first three seconds of an interaction. That is what a confident communicator shows. If you don’t know how your presence communicates, ask a credible source for feedback. You may not want to ask someone who knows you, but someone who just met you. Another technique is to record yourself while you open a speech or kick off a meeting. In addition, the interviewer is used to dealing with people who are going through the same as you, so few signs of nervousness will not shock him. In fact, if you find yourself in a difficult state, a smile is much more natural and helps to relax the atmosphere.

 

Thorough research to create solid first impressions:

You might be surprised to know that should we research for dressing too. But, this should be done for making the best first impression. Do a complete research about the company’s culture and their typical dress code before the date of interview. If you know anyone, who is working in the organization in which you are planning to attend an interview, you can gather details about the environment and the culture of the organization. If you do not know any such person, the best thing you can do is to call up the receptionist or the HR department and can ask about their recommendation with respect to dress code. Even though, some companies might be having a laid back dress code, they will expect their job seekers to be decently dressed. The thing to remember is that you cannot go overdressed for an interview.

Invest in a power outfit:

It is believed that before the day of the job interview, you choose what you’re going to wear. Well, it is not quite true. Pretty much all your clothes is probably good to wear, but one must know what to choose wisely. Look at the kind of workplace you are going and the profile of people they are hiring. This will give you valuable clues to use for making a good impression on a job interviewers.

On the basis of the industry you are in and on the basis of the company to which you are attending interviews, it is better to purchase a few outfits that are professional and appropriate and most importantly that are comfortable to you. Also, it is recommended to purchase two or three such outfits because you might be called for second or third interview by the same organization. Experts are of the opinion that it is better to invest something extra on the outfits that look great and they can be used for tons of purposes. It is better to take this extra step because people do not necessarily notice when you are dressed well, but they will notice you when you are not dressed well.

Invest in a comfortable work-appropriate pair of shoes:

Even though, many candidates search for common interview questions and prepare themselves for the interview well and they focus on their dress, they forget about their feet. But, you should never do this mistake. Your shoes will also play a major role in making your outfit look good. When your shoes are uncomfortable or tattered, even when your costume is good, it will affect your overall appearance to a great extent. It is not essential that you will have to spend a fortune. But, remember that you will likely to get a lot of use of these shoes when you start for your new job.
Have your interview outfits tailored and dry cleaned: When you opt for tailored costume, you will feel more comfortable, which in turn will boost up your confidence to a great extent. Even, when your outfits are old, you can just get them dry cleaned to give them a fresh and tidy appearance.

Test drive your outfit:

You might have tried the clothing before purchasing it, but when you make the purchase online or after getting home from the shop, it is better to try it out. Ensure whether you feel comfortable walking and sitting and you can also practice answering in front of a mirror to find whether your body language is suitable for an interview.
For a formal place, choose clothes in neutral colors, elegant but not too casual at the same time. If there is nothing like it in your closet, sure your parents or siblings can help. It is important that you feel comfortable and you give the impression of being a formal and trustworthy person. If you do not have fancy clothing created by famous brands, it is something that should not matter for a job as long as you are well prepared, responsible and have a correct image.

Do not use perfume or fragrances:

There are great chances that your interviewer might be allergic to perfumes and scents and can get irritated. Remember that you should not let your perfume enter the interview room before you even enter.

Focus on accessories:

Even though, many men feel that accessories are something related to women alone, men too have certain accessories like shoes, belts and watches. It is better to ensure that the shoes and belts are polished well. Also, the watch should not be too flashy and it should not be disturbing for others.
Finally, you should be careful about your posture and body language, which should never show you up as too much confident. A solid handshake is important as soon as you enter the interview room.

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