Tips for a Successful Job Interview

Congratulations! You’ve landed the highly coveted job interview. It’s not easy to get to this step, especially when there are hundreds of applicants also applying for the same job, but you did it and should be proud.

You don’t have the job yet, so don’t get overconfident. Stay calm and focused. Your resume did meet their expectations and managed to stand out enough to get you in the door - it’s a good sign that they like what they see so far. The job interview is usually the most stressful part of any job search, so make sure you’re ready.

When preparing for the job interview, it’s important to look your best. Before you say hello or shake their hand, your image if the first thing an employer will notice about you. The most important part of the job interview for any employer or hiring manager, is to see if you are who you say you are. So if your resume looks like a million bucks, so should you.

Erin Nadler, Image Consultant and President of Better Styled, says although a job interview can definitely make for a nervous situation, it’s important to take the time to make sure you look the part.

“As an employer, we do not want to be distracted by a low cut blouse, loud clanky jewelry, or overdone makeup,” says Nadler. “The way you put yourself together tells the interviewer a lot about you. If we can see that an effort has been made in regards to your appearance, than it makes us feel better about you and your abilities as a possible candidate.”
It’s not solely about what’s written down on paper. An employer wants to ensure that you’ve got the whole package - that you’ll represent their company and their brand to their expectations. The interview is all about presentation, from how you are dressed to how confident your handshake is.
“Heading out to an interview can be stressful and nerve-racking, deciding what to wear and how best to represent yourself, well, that’s even scarier,” she says. “Employers do expect candidates to show up in their best interview attire, and with only 30 seconds to make a good first impression, your appearance is critical.”

Determining what you should wear to a job interview depends on what type of job you’re applying for. It’s always better to be over dressed than to be under dressed, even if the work environment is casual. To be the part, you must look the part.

“A jacket and pant combination is always the best bet and the easiest thing to reach for in your closet is a full matching suit,” continues Nadler. “If a skirt suit is your first choice, make sure you wear pantyhose, either nude or black is best. Opt for a simple and sophisticated pump, leave your stilettos at home and keep your jewelry and accessories to a minimum.”

For guys, dress pants, a shirt and a simple tie will do, and if you have a matching blazer it doesn’t hurt to wear that too. Always make sure your outfit is clean and pressed, and that you look ready to start the job at the drop of a hat.

The most important thing to keep in mind from a professional standpoint, is that how you present and conduct yourself will make the world of difference in a job interview. First impressions are lasting impressions, so make them the best that you can.