To think your skills and experience are the only things an interviewer notices is misleading, as it is almost never the case.
Potential employers may judge you on appearance.
When you have little information about a person, it is human nature to make assumptions based on presentation and body language.
Employers can be particularly judgemental because they are about to make an investment in you, so presenting yourself well for the role sends a message about your personality and professionalism.
Here are some tips to ensure that you look appropriate for your interview:
- Avoid heavy make-up. Think simple, sophisticated and professional. Focus on making your skin look clean and fresh and don’t try to create your “going out” look. Don’t suppress your personal identity altogether, stay true to yourself and apply your make-up thoughtfully so you appear chic, with a few compromises here and there if necessary.
- To keep make-up flawless, apply a primer before your foundation and carry touch-up tools on the day. If you get a bit hot or sweaty under pressure, have a pressed powder compact and mirror on hand so you can quickly touch up your base before you’re called in.
- It is also advisable to get a manicure prior to the interview. Freshly painted, nicely shaped tips in a neutral colour like pale pink or beige will work every time.
Adopt the attitude “less is more”. When deciding which products to use, less is definitely more; don’t feel you have to wear extra because it’s an interview.
Aim for natural, fresh and glowing skin. A subtle swipe of blush on your cheeks, a lick of mascara and a touch of lip colour will always impress.
For hair, well-maintained strands project professionalism, so make sure your dye job is fresh and your hair is clean.
When choosing your hairstyle, go with a neat, unfussy look that’s out of your face.
If in doubt, a sleek ponytail or fresh blow wave will always work.
As for fragrance, it’s safest to skip the perfume. Everyone has different scent preferences and if your interviewer takes offence to yours, it will shift the attention from your skills to your scent.
Too much perfume, make-up and noisy jewellery can be very distracting in an interview setting. Do your research. Keep in mind that the rules do change depending on whether your target workplace is corporate or creative.
If you’re unsure, check the company’s LinkedIn or social media profiles for hints on how employees present themselves. Your overall look should match the role and demonstrate that you understand their culture. Make it easy for your interviewer to visualise you in the role and you are halfway there.
