First impressions last: How to look, dress and present yourself for an interview.

Presentation

First impressions are forever. It is almost impossible to get around a poor initial meeting. The wrong look, a poorly said greeting, a careless handshake and even the color of your socks can kill an interview before you have even started. Prior to your interview ask about the workplace attire and dress appropriately. If it's business casual or stricter then wear a suit. If it's a casual environment with jeans then be fashionably professional. If it's dress down......definitely ask.

I touched on the aspect of Presentation in my blog, "How to ace your interview" and I would like to expand on that and share what I consider best practice.

As I had mentioned before, first impressions mean everything. This is your launching pad to a great conversation. Remember, stop thinking that you are sitting for an interview but, instead, believe that you are having a conversation.

Would you be comfortable conversing with someone who's dress, manner of speaking or even etiquette is not to your liking? How involved would you be in that discussion? You would probably be so focused on what is making you uncomfortable that you would be turned off and done before you'd even begun the conversation. Don't let your future employer be in that position.

Grooming

Before someone even notices your clothes, how you speak or how you think, they are noticing how clean or well groomed you are. Check the mirror before you leave the house, your car and before you walk into that office. I am not saying be flawless like in a fashion magazine but be well put together. Look and smell clean.

Speech

When we talk about speech we must keep in mind the audience. Diction, Delivery and
Deliberation are the three things you must ace to stand out.

Your speech will encompass grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary. Even if English is a second language you will be expected to speak as well as a native speaker. Don't let that be an excuse. Now, I am not saying that you change your accent or, worse still, fake it. I am recommending that you understand how people in that industry and at that level communicate with each other in a formal ( and sometimes informal)  way. Attend industry related networking events, seminars or even watch YouTube videos to gather a measure of how people in that industry speak. Pay attention to how the message is delivered.

Record yourself speaking and compare. Having an accent is not the end of the world and sometimes it can be a plus. Focus on using proper vocabulary, enunciate and pace your speech to sound thoughtful and deliberate.

Attire

This also depends on your audience and company culture. Are you meeting off-site or in the office? Ask if you are unsure. If the corporate culture is business casual or stricter then wear a suit and, preferrably, a dark one at that. Make sure the suit fits well and wear a tie. Keep your ties simple and don't wear razzle dazzle or multi-colored ones. If the company culture has a relaxed dress code then be professionally fashionable.

Mannerisms

Politeness goes a long way but, at the same time, don't overdo it. Use words such as 'Please' and 'Thank you' more as ways to acknowledge considerations given by the interviewer than a response to every action or statement. If you use hand gestures as you speak, be mindful and don't over-gesticulate because that may be a distraction.

Do NOT wear light socks with a dark suit and wear stockings under a skirt if the dress is business casual or stricter.

Etiquette

Always greet with a handshake unless your interviewer says otherwise. If you do have a cold, say so and excuse yourself from offering a handshake. If you have sweaty palms then carry a handkerchief and wipe them discreetly before shaking hands. Wait to be offered a seat or sit after the interviewer has taken his or her seat. Never speak poorly of a previous employer or co-worker. If the interviewer seems to be taking you down a very negative path, and revels in hearing how bad your last employee was, then offer something else and steer away from the negative topic.

Closing

At the end of the conversation let it be known that you appreciated the interviewer taking the time to speak with you and that you look forward to next steps.