These days, with good jobs extremely scarce (and great jobs nearly nonexistent), it is essential to properly prepare yourself for an important interview. With so many great resumes out there, a sloppy wardrobe or bad haircut could very well be the deciding factor when a hiring manager is choosing who to bring back for a second interview (or even who they want to hire!).
Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when you are preparing for a big interview:
- Get a good night’s sleep. If you aren’t well rested, you simply won’t look (or feel) your best.
- Make sure your fingernails are clean. That means they are clipped to a practical length and there is no dirt under them.
- Shave. In 95% of work situations, excessive (or even a little) facial hair is not appropriate. Make sure you are freshly shaven for your interview.
- Get a haircut too. Similar to your facial hair, you’ll want to keep your haircut pretty conservative. If you have caveman hair, you are going to need to get rid of that. However, other than maybe getting a shorter cut, don’t try any new styles on the big day. You want to look as natural and neutral as possible.
- Apply cologne sparingly. If you apply it at all, make sure you spray it on a handkerchief or tissue and dab it on. Do not directly spray. Smelling too strong can be extremely distracting.
- Make sure you are freshly showered, your teeth are brushed, etc.
- One word: manscaping. Make sure that everything is freshly trimmed: ear hair, nose hair, eyebrows, everything. There is nothing more distracting than a unibrow or a forest of nose hairs.
- Make sure your suit is clean and pressed, your tie is tied properly, etc.
