Everyone will have an interview at some point in their life. But because it happens so infrequently, most people have little experience with the process and are usually unprepared in some way. What to wear? What questions to expect? What body language to exhibit? How to follow-up? These are only a few of the many questions to figure out before your interview. For Part 1 of this blog, find out what you need to do before you even step foot into the office.
Pre-interview checklist. Your nerves will already be high on interview day, so don’t make it worse by being unprepared on the basics. Make sure you know where the office is and how to get there. We strongly suggest that you take a test drive at the same time you will make the actual drive (consider rush hour traffic!). Allow enough time to park, use the restroom to check your appearance, and calmly arrive in the office.
Wardrobe checklist. (Disclaimer: We are making the assumption that you are interviewing for a corporate position. If not, the rules may change, but it’s always better to be over, rather than under-dressed.) Try on your attire before the morning of the interview. Remember that you are the “star” and your clothes are “supporting cast.” In other words, don’t let what you are wearing distract from you. Colors that are too bright, large patterns, ill-fitting garments, and too much jewelry are all distracting. For women wearing skirts, wear pantyhose (we know, groan!). Consider cleavage a definite “No”, and make sure skirts reach at least the tops of your knees. As Kathryn likes to say, “The more skin you show, the more opportunities you blow.” To upgrade your outfit from business casual to a more professional level, incorporate the “third piece”. Unfamiliar with the “third piece” concept? Check out Connie’s blog here. Keep accessories to a minimum, avoiding large and/or dangling earrings, noisy bracelets, and anything too “blingy”. Men should wear a well-fitting suit over a wrinkle-free, crisp dress shirt. If a suit seems too formal, go with a sports jacket or blazer. Make sure your shoes are polished, you are wearing over-the-calf dress socks, and you have a belt in good condition. When it comes to accessories, stick with a watch and, if applicable, a wedding ring. No choker necklaces from your summer vacation, no ear or facial piercings, and no visible tattoos.
Grooming checklist. Ladies, consider having your hair trimmed and the color touched up a week or two before your interview. Your nails should be manicured and free of polish (although clear polish is OK). Gentlemen, your tasks include making sure you have freshly trimmed hair, manicured nails, and trimmed facial hair (BIG bonus points for clean shaven…why risk it?). For both genders, be sure to have freshly brushed teeth, and go easy on the perfume and cologne.
Now that you’ve completed your pre-interview checklist, what about the actual interview? Stay tuned for Part 2!
