Preparing For Interview Part 12 Of 12

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The Interview
Posture

Sit only when asked to do so, well back in the seat with body upright, use open body language – nothing crossed or folded.  Try to look relaxed but not laid back: Smile.

Eye Contact

Indicates trust.  Good eye contact is normally 60-80% of the time, you will find however, that you will look more when listening than when talking.

Hand Movements

This is a natural part of many people’s ‘speech’ but be aware that excessive hand movements can distract from what you are saying.  Unfortunately, when we try to control our hands, our feet sometimes take over, so consider these too.

Building Rapport

This will improve communication between you and the interviewer.  It can be achieved by subtly reflecting the body language of the interviewer so that you are both sitting in a similar position.  Psychologists call it ‘the dance’ and it can easily be seen between two people who are actively communicating well, each naturally matching the movements and positions of the other.  Care is needed, however, not to over do it.

Active Listening

This shows you are interested in what is being said and can be achieved through appropriate nods of the head and by sitting or leaning slightly forward.

Speech

This needs to be clear, easy to hear and understand, consider the delivery – the rhythm, tone and volume.  Be enthusiastic but do not talk too fast.

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Clothes overview

Your clothes should be a natural extension of yourself.  They should look and feel good, fit well and complement you physically.  They need to reflect your personality and style and above all, they must be up-to-date and appropriate for the position you are applying for and reflect the culture of the organisation.  If they do not, the judgement made will be ‘what else don’t you know?’

In choosing appropriate colour and styles, a good analogy to consider is that of a picture and frame.  Your face and particularly your eyes are the picture; the frame is the clothes you wear.  If you try to choose a frame for a picture you will notice that whilst some colours and styles are indifferent or even distracting, there will be others that make the picture come ‘alive’.  This is what you are aiming for.  It should be noticed that you are well dressed and well presented but the interviewer really wants to see you, the person, not the clothes you are wearing.

When choosing clothes consider carefully the effect they are having on you, not just the clothes themselves.  Wearing the wrong colours can ‘drain’ colour from your face making you look unhealthy or even ill – white is not a good colour for many people.  Wearing the wrong styles may not project you in a positive way.

So, what should you wear for the interview?  The suit is the most formal business wear and therefore is the most appropriate ‘dress’ for both men and women.  However, you will need to understand the ‘code of dress’ not only for the job but also the industry that you are considering.  More creative businesses, such as advertising and architecture may look for signs of creativity in the way in which you present yourself – however, they may not want a ‘too creative’ looking accountant.  There are established rules of business dress, which if taken into account should eliminate most of the more common prejudices.

Your aim is to look well dressed and project an image of harmony, balance, success, and self-confidence.  No conflicting messages – what you see is what you get.

Interview Clothes
The Suit

A good quality suit will say a lot about you. A well fitting suit will look as if it belongs to you and will visually make you look well proportioned and balanced. Navy and grey are both safe colours for interviews.  Choose lighter versions if you are fairer – this will prevent you from being overpowered by the colour.

For men, when deciding between double and single breasted you need to consider your basic body shape and size.  Double breasted generally looks better on taller slim men as it gives width and reduces height.  Single-breasted suits complement most men.

There is a lot more scope in the style and colour of women’s clothing.  The important thing is that your clothes are professional, stylish and appropriate for the job and the industry.

Completing the Image

Everything you wear and carry will say something about you, down to the last detail, you are as good as your weakest link.  Attention to personal detail will suggest attention to detail in other areas of your life including your work.  So consider these details:

Accessories

·                     Consider watch, pens, wallet, briefcase, bags etc – all need to be good quality, up-to-date and have a professional look

·                     Remember to consider also your raincoat, overcoat and umbrella

Glasses

·                     Also need to be in harmony with your face shape, size and personal colouring

·                     Consider selecting non-reflective lenses that will allow the interviewer to see your eyes

·                     Avoid thick frames, heavy tints or dark glasses as they may create a barrier to the interviewer

Hair

·                     Needs to be neat, clean and well cut for your face shape

·                     Make an appointment at a good hairdresser and ask for a contemporary style

·                     Women with long hair need to consider wearing it back or up for the interview

·                     Men who are balding should avoid the ‘three strand look’ that draws attention to the baldness rather than disguising it

·                     Men with facial hair need to keep it neat and well trimmed

Hygiene

·                     Be fastidious about personal hygiene

·                     Wear deodorant

·                     Ensure clothes are clean and odour free

·                     Be careful about aftershaves and perfumes

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