Everyone has heard the saying "you never get a second chance to make a first impression", and this rule is most vital when you are going for a job interview. How you present yourself is as important as your work experience, and since your resume is what got you the interview in the first place, how you look during your interview will be the deciding factor on whether or not the employer will hire you, and it only takes 90 seconds for that impression to be made.
You would think the obvious advice applies: Dress to impress, but it goes beyond that. In today's job world you are competing with a handful of candidates just as qualified as you (or more), so you need to set yourself apart from the others in a good, memorable way. That means you must arrive at an interview in a clean, well-put-together outfit with neat fingernails, smoothed-down hair, light makeup and fresh breath. Keep the Louis Vuitton purse, Christian Louboutin shoes, Prada dress and Versace sunglasses at home. There is a fine line with looking like you need money to live or need money to shop, and you don't want to look like you are just there to supply your luxury brands habit.
Skip the glitter eyes and gloss, tight/revealing clothes and complicated hair. Keep everything simple, fitted, flattering and appropriate for the job you are applying for. Also, think twice about any eccentricities that you think make you look unique, such as pink hair or black nail polish, because it will affect their decision if you don't look "the part" of a professional. This rule does not apply if you are applying for a job at a fashion magazine, art-related industry, or ad/marketing firms, because there you can be a little more colorful with your appearance.
Makeup should always be subtle and low maintenance. You don't want to look like you are headed to the bar after your interview so keep it simple, cover breakouts, dark circles and any visible tattoos. Personal hygiene counts too, so smelling like cigarette smoke can work against you, as can having body odor or wearing too much perfume. Because these conditions are within an individual’s control, an employee or job candidate who smells bad can be viewed as lacking professionalism. Skipping perfume all together is a better idea cause you never know who might be allergic and causing your interviewer a headache is not a good start.
Just remember, if you got the interview you already have a 50/50 chance of getting the job, so don't make your appearance be the reason you don't get it! Be sure to dress the part and make a lasting impression of someone they would want to work with and who would be a great fit for their company/office. Good luck.
