First Impressions: Looking Great for Your Next Job Interview

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2020 has been a difficult year when it’s come to employment. The coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic hit and the measures that governments around the world put in place may have slowed the spread of the virus, but they have also had a profoundly negative impact on a huge number of professional industries. Countless companies have collapsed, as they haven’t been able to operate under new laws, rules and guidelines. People have lost their jobs outright. People have been made redundant. Self-employed people have struggled to secure clients and work. So, if you’re looking for a new job, you’re not alone. The issue? Competition in pretty much any field for pretty much any role is harsh. So, you’re going to have to go above and beyond to secure the position you’re aiming for. Now, interview prep is essential. Practice answers to common interview questions. Research the company. Know what you’re talking about. But how you present yourself is important too. Even if your interview is over video chat, it’s still important to look good and make a positive first impression. Here are some steps you can take to achieve this!

Consider Your Outfit

First, think about what you’re going to wear. Sure, you may be on video call. But people can still see a proportion of what you’re wearing and you never know when you might be encouraged to stand up as part of an interview task. So, choose your outfit carefully. Generally speaking, smart is better than casual. But consider the company, determine what you think their expectations will be and match them. If it’s a formal and professional company, a suit or formal business wear may be appropriate. If you’re in a creative industry, you may be able to wear something more casual. But make it nice - maybe something from engineered garments. If in doubt, simply ask for a dress code recommendation when you are asked to attend the interview. The person at the other end of the line or email will be able to let you know what’s expected.

Make Sure You’re Groomed

Clothing isn’t the only part of your personal appearance that you should focus on. You also need to make sure that the rest of your appearance is taken care of too. Make sure you’re well groomed. Make sure your hair is clean and neat. Make sure your nails are clean using a nail brush and nail file. If you have facial hair, make sure it’s trimmed and in shape. If you wear makeup, make sure it’s subtle and done well.

We can’t emphasize how stiff competition is when it comes to job hunting right now. So, make sure you don’t neglect your personal appearance when interviewing. This is the first impression the company is likely to have of you. So, make it a good one! Hopefully, some of the above advice will come in useful and get your interview started on the right foot!