First Impressions in Job Interviews

The purpose of a resume is to get an interview. Once you are invited for an interview, you have to ensure you make the right first impression. This is the opportunity to market yourself so not only do you have to be well prepared but you must also look and present yourself in a professional manner.

In a 2 part series, I will write about some of things that you can do to help you make the right first impression. The first part will focus on your dress, appearance and how you present yourself.

Dress professionally! Most people don’t realize how important the first impression really is. I have seen so many candidates come to an interview dressed in attire just not appropriate for an interview. Remember, this is your opportunity to market yourself in person and if you really are serious about landing the job, you have to make the effort to look and dress in a professional manner. Keep in mind, many companies hiring co-op or internship students can very well hire the individual on a full time or part time basis after the term is finished. That’s even more reason to make sure you put your best foot forward!

Guys can’t go wrong with a pant suit or at the very least, a shirt and tie. The ladies can also wear a pant suit or wear a dress or skirt with blouse but keep in mind, this is neither the place nor occasion to be wearing your clubbing attire. The dress or skirt should be knee length at minimum, longer is fine but nothing shorter. In other words, nothing too revealing!

As for shoes, dress shoes will work best for the guys and ideally, ladies should wear closed shoes or heels instead of open sandals. Definitely no running shoes or flip flops! And no hats please! This applies to any job interview, whether it is corporate, retail, restaurant etc. Remember, first impression!

Another important thing worth mentioning is hairstyle. I know most of this information seems pretty straight forward that everyone should already know but believe me, the number of candidates that I have seen attend an interview with unclean unbrushed hair is astounding! Guys, if you have some gel and cologne lying around the house – use it! Ladies, if you intend to leave your hair open, make the effort to straighten and style it. You don’t want unruly unkept and frizzled hair that will undermine all the effort you have put into your clothing. If you don’t want to style it, simply tie it back into a pony tail or bun. It will instantly give you a professional look! Heavy make-up is not recommended but some light make-up can enhance your appearance and tie your entire outfit and appearance together nicely.

Remember, the way we dress in school and when hanging out with friends is not exactly the same style used in the corporate world. Also, regardless of what sort of job you are applying for, the interview is your opportunity to make the first impression therefore even if you will be wearing a uniform on the job, you must make sure you present yourself in a professional manner in the interview. Don’t forget that the company is interviewing other candidates as well therefore the job can very well go to someone who made the effort to look professional and presentable. That being said, you also have to be prepared for the interview!

Besides a professional appearance, there are a few other things that will ensure you make the right first impression. We’ll look into those details in First Impressions in Job Interviews, Part 2.

JobBug is a job site for students in university, college and high-school as well as New Graduates looking for full time, part time or summer jobs and co-op or internship opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area.