How to Upgrade Your Interview Presence

Invariably many people seek the advice of an Image Consultant when they are facing a change in their lives. One such group includes those who are about to interview and need updated skills: MBA and college graduates, women reentering the workplace and fast track employees seeking promotion as examples. It is wise to hire the services of an image or personal branding consultant when interviewing because many of us are experienced in this arena. We have researched companies’ dress and etiquette codes; we have talked to hiring managers and recruiters; we have coached countless candidates on all the skills needed to help them get noticed early, interviewed first and promoted in record time.

Do Looks Play a Role in Interviews?

When pictures were included with resumes during one research study, conducted by the University of Messina on the subject, both attractive men and women were found to receive higher callback rates than people who were considered unattractive. Some studies have shown that there seems to be a bias towards attractive people, referred to as the “halo effect”: showing that attractive people are deemed more confident and intelligent than people who are less so. Overall, looks seemed to matter more for women than for men and chances are if you are a woman in the workplace, this doesn’t surprise you.

However, being pretty or handsome doesn’t make you a shoo-in for any given position. The inconvenient fact is that the ABC’s (appearance, behavior and communication) of your professional presence play a vital role, especially when it comes to getting a toe in the door. The challenge facing many new candidates is to bring their soft skills up to the level of their grades, accomplishments and background. Looking good isn’t just about genetics, it is also about how you present yourself, and your level of confidence.

Gentlemen, think about the Message you Want to Send

You might be assuming that your accomplishments, experience and track record speak louder than your color tie! They do, but unfortunately your tie at mid chest is the first thing an interviewer sees about you. He looks at your extraordinary resume and then you show up, slightly disheveled. He is thinking: this guy doesn’t look like his resume…or the position…or the company. Career Builders states that 69% of interviewing managers cited appearance as the biggest turnoff and that bad grooming was the biggest distractor.

Tailoring helps. Gentlemen, even if the dress code says casual and suits would be overkill, be advised that a well-fitting blazer not only upgrades your outfit (and outlook) but also makes you appear more streamlined and serious. You can always take it off during the interview.

Grooming is your next best friend. Pay attention to your haircut, facial hair and avoid creased fabrics. People notice details subliminally and good grooming projects a host of positive impressions: intelligent, detail oriented, takes care of self and others; has high self-esteem, decisive and effective at the job.

A few Important Do’s and Don’ts.

• Don’t bother with creative ties and socks, in a vain attempt to make a lasting impression. Interviewers say they are distracting. Keep your tie pattern small.
• Coordinate your shirt, tie if worn, pants and jacket colors.
• Don’t wear overpowering aftershave. Some people are allergic to perfumes.
• Do come with a good haircut, shampooed hair, clean nails and trimmed facial hair.
• Do match your belt to your shoe color and your socks to your hem color, although a classic navy suit takes black shoes and socks.
• Do find an impeccable no-crease cotton shirt.
• Don’t settle for curling collars, missing buttons or tie knots that don’t fit close to the neck.

Avoid off-the-job clothing like shorts and flip flops (yes, it’s been done) which allude to the fact that you are not dead serious about this position or would rather be on a beach somewhere.

Ladies, Design Your Outfit Appropriately

While you may not be able to transform your genetics, you can control your appearance such as attractive styles, polished makeup, slenderizing shapes, and flattering hairstyles.

COLOR
Color is also important and can convey the message you intend to project about your confidence, accomplishments, skills and experience. The most common interview colors project certain positive messages for example. Grey gives an impression of being focused, navy blue makes interviewers believe you are likely to be trustworthy and stable, and black shows a sense of authority. High contrast also lends a powerful demeanor but instead of a white shirt, try a bright color or a pastel shade such as turquoise, pale pink, cream or ice blue in a surplice or updated style blouse.
Although classic colors are expected, unusual shades are noticed immediately. Acceptable interview colors for women such as teal, burgundy, blue, dark green, and camel leave a good impression and also differentiate your appearance from ultra conservative outfits. Wearing bright red brings a sense of energy and passion to an interaction but can be tiring for the eyes and is best left for other occasions. Any of the beige ranges show a sense of humility and for blouses, whites, ivories and creams demonstrate simplicity and goodness.

STYLE
There are certain clothing features and style details which are beneficial for formal or casual interviews. For example, straight lines such as an edge to edge single-breasted jacket opening, smooth fabrics and tailored styles with lapels and slight shoulder padding signify authority and credibility. You look as if you know what you are talking about! Soft fabrics and unconstructed styles are more approachable, but it’s always wise to research the company expectations before wearing your bulky sweaters. Even if the company dress code is casual, the addition of a jacket has the same effect as the pilot who wears his jacket (and peaked cap) to meet the passengers. You project a message of courtesy and appropriateness to the occasion and make it clear that you are not only dressing for the company, but also dressing for your own brand of excellence. A simple sleeved dress is a good choice for a casual dress code interview with medium high heels, simple tote or document folder and gold, silver or pearl jewelry.

Messages to Avoid

There are definitely a few styles to avoid. A dramatic outfit with large memorable patterns, colors and styles announce that you enjoy personal attention which may not go over well in a team environment. Arriving in a frilly and cute dress signifies that you value your femininity and might not be able to carry the responsibility needed for the position. Avoid hats, very high heels, showing too much skin, long nails with fantasy manicures, bright frosted makeup, hair in your face, torn or soiled clothing, heavy perfume and noisy jewelry. All of these are distractions from your primary purpose which is to sell your amazing skills and aptitude for the job!

Beyond the Clothes

Your personal presentation both in an interview and in your daily job also can have a huge effect on whether or not you move forward in the hiring process and how you move forward in your career once you do land the job. Of all the messages projected by appearance, grooming is by far the most important. Maintaining good posture, keeping nails groomed and natural, a well- designed, low maintenance haircut or updo, well blended makeup and impeccable clothing and shoes show confidence and that you take yourself and this interview seriously. An attention to detail and a neat well-groomed appearance say loudly that you are organized and have a contribution to make.

Another thing to consider is the importance of the job level. Looking too dressed up for a job in domestic service has been shown to work against many candidates, as was found in a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. You are likely to be considered for jobs such as hotel housekeeping service or phone pool operators if you look neat and well-groomed wearing a simple dress or slacks, and blouse or shirt.

How to Effectively Curate Your Image

Image curating isn’t something that comes naturally for everyone. That’s why there are courses at London Image Institute that can train you to help yourself as well as others present their best and most appropriate foot forward for their own careers. These courses help participants create their own style and present themselves confidently to the world. Contact us to explore our course options or register for an online course to begin the next chapter of helping clients be more attractive, effective and successful at meeting their goals.