It’s common knowledge that you only you get ONE chance to make a first impression – so when it comes to nailing a job interview, its importance shoots off the scale.
To back this up, statistics have revealed that around a third of employers know within the first 90 SECONDS of an interview whether they’ll hire someone.
Putting that into perspective, you have less than TWO MINUTES for the way you look and carry yourself to persuade an interviewer that YOU are the best person for that role.
It’s not easy, we know.
For us women, although it may sound excruciatingly sexist, the way our hair, makeup and nails come across when it comes to landing our dream job can really make a difference.
Aside from making us appear more aesthetically pleasing, a well-appointed look conveys competence, neatness and attention to detail – and those characteristics are crucial to employers.
Not only that, but looking good on the outside makes you feel decidedly more confident on the inside, which is just the boost you need when trying to knock an interview out of the park.
Need some help nailing the look? Read on ...
Makeup
First of all, it’s important to realise that any company worth their salt is unlikely to hire a candidate whose makeup looks like a clown caught in an explosion at a paint factory. Consequently, keep it natural by choosing a mineral foundation to cover blemishes and uneven skin tone.
For lips, choose lipstick rather than gloss, as it offers a much more professional look. On your eyes, plump for neutral shades like brown, tan or cream, and try to avoid shimmer overload. Finally, make sure your brows are well-groomed and you have a bit of blusher handy to finish the look.
Hair
Again, you want to keep it simple when it comes to a job interview, so to avoid getting in a tizz on the big day, wash and dry you hair the evening before, saving you valuable time as you get ready to wow your potential employer.
Although it’s tempting to unfurl your tresses and play with it seductively, you should remember that you’re trying to project a professional look. Keep it out of your face by using a bobby pin or, if you feel like you can pull it off, consider a ponytail.
Nails
Nails are important. We all know that. However, if your nails look like you’ve been working under the bonnet of an ancient, oil-spewing Honda, it’s probably about time you invested in a manicure for your tired looking digits.
While you’re there, go for a neutral nail polish to complete the look, with beige and pink options ideal for an interview scenario. Once more, if you feel like the firm you’re being interviewed for will dig it, a bolder colour can work, but be sure to always use your best judgment on that one .