14 Tips on How to Dress for an Interview

Are you hunting for a new job? Your appearance, from head to toe, matters more than you think!

I chatted with a woman who was interviewing people to fill a job opening. She commented on one particular applicant's appearance. She said the job seeker was wearing worn open toe shoes with unpolished toe nails. The interviewer didn't even consider hiring her. Why? Lack of attention to the details in one's appearance implies the there may be a lack of attention to details in one's work.

This may not really be the case at all. The unpolished toe person could be an excellent employee, but the first impression doesn't say that at the interview. The business world is competitive. Like it or not, you must polish up for a job interview. Taking care of your appearance really does matter! Employers really do check out the details.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to polish up your look. For example, do a little bargain shopping at the mall for your interview outfit. There are great finds in the clearance rack. Polish your own nails or stop at the salon and get a polish change on your fingers and toes instead of a whole mani and pedi.

14 Pre-Interview Grooming Tips:

1. Appropriate clothing
Start by wearing the appropriate clothing style for the job you are after. Research the dress code of the company and create a sharp clean look. Is the dress code formal, conservative or business casual? Save the short shirt and low cut top for date night. No flip flops either.

2. A Sharp Appearance
Your clothes, shoes, handbag, computer bag, brief case, etc. must be in good repair and look fresh and clean. No wrinkles, holes, stains, lint or pet hair. Remember that commercial that featured the talking stain? lol! Here's the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGghswQgAzE

3. Clothes that fit
Wear clothes that fit properly. Not too tight. Not big and baggy either.

4. Accessorize!
Add a bit of simple jewelry, a scarf or nice belt to show you attend to every detail.

5. Nice Nails
No super long nails or ragged uneven nails. Have your nails a shorter length, well filed and even.

6. Polish up!
Wear polish on your fingernails and also on your toenails if you plan on wearing peek toe shoes. Choose a classic color such as nude, neutral pink or red. No trendy blue or green! Don't like color? Wear clear.

7. Simple Nails
Save the glitzy nail designs for another day.

8. Fresh Polish
No chipped polish. It is sloppy looking and shows lack of attention to details.

9. Lotion up.
Moisturize dry rough hands. Be sure to massage the lotion into the cuticles. You most likely will be shaking hands.

10. Style your Hair
Your hair must be neat and clean.

11. No Over the top Makeup
Makeup always offers a polished look. Keep it on the conservative side. This is not the time for cat eyes and magenta lips.

12. No strong perfume.

13. Cover your Tattoos
You may want to hide any obvious tattoos and remove jewelry from facial piercings. Both can be distracting, plus the person interviewing may be judgmental.

14. Polish the Pearly Whites
Brush and floss your teeth. You don't want to have that dreaded piece of salad stuck between your teeth!

Have a Beautiful Day!

Jill

Licensed Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Makeup Artist