Looking the Part
You got the interview. Now look the part.
By Rita Gworek

Finally you have been asked to come in for an interview. This is a major step in securing your dream job. You’ve done your research and know what the organization expects of you. You found out what the dress code is for the interview. Now what?

1. Clothing Checklist
Lay out your clothing the night before the interview so there are no surprises in the morning. Make sure everything is clean, neat and pressed. Are all your buttons sewn on tight? Are your shoes polished? Did you check for stains on your clothing? Do you have the right colored socks to go with your shoes?

Once you’re dressed, look in a mirror to check yourself from the back. Did you remove the stitch that holds your jacket vent closed? Did you make sure to remove the information label on the jacket sleeve of your new suit? If it’s not a new suit, look the garment over carefully to spot any moth holes.

2. Hair We Go
Check yourself over. Does your hairstyle fit the dress code of the company? Your hairstyle should be conservative and not draw attention away from your face.

Make sure your hair is clean and nicely combed. Don’t apply a lot of gel or you’ll have that wet hair look. Take a comb with you and stop in the restroom to check your hair.

3. Close Shave
A nice close shave is important. If you have a mustache or beard, keep it neatly trimmed. The same goes for eyebrows that can become unruly. Can you imagine how distracting it is when someone has one stray eyebrow hair out of place and you just can’t keep your eyes off of it?

4. Avoid Dragon Breath
Make sure to brush your teeth in the morning and take some breath mints or mouth spray with you. If you smoke or drink coffee, there may be an odor to your breath that you may not detect. Bad breath is a turn off in so many ways.

5. How Do You Smell?
Do not wear perfume or cologne. If the person interviewing you is allergic to something you are wearing they will not be happy with you when they are sneezing the whole time.

Have you noticed that when you wear the same perfume or cologne over a period of time that you become numb to that scent? You also become acclimated to your own body odor. So please listen if someone kindly says, “You need deodorant.” You may not be aware of it but you may be offending others.

With the added fragrances in shampoos, deodorants and body soaps you should smell fresh without cologne or perfume.

6. Nailing It
Keep your hands and nails clean. You will shake hands during the interview and you want them to look good. This shows you pay attention to details.

Now from your hairstyle down to your shoes everything is in place and well-groomed. You are ready to meet and greet your potential new boss. Good Luck!