When interviewing for that important new job, remembering a few key things will make all the difference.
Everyone being interviewed is almost certainly as well qualified as you are so how do you make sure you have ‘the edge’? First of all you need to stand out by looking healthy, friendly and energetic (nobody wants to work with people who lack energy). How? Wear your very best and most flattering colours as these have the power to light up your face and make you more visible and memorable.
Look professional and credible by wearing a suit that flatters you and reflects who you are.
This doesn’t have to be black as black is not for everyone but it needs to be in one of your best neutrals and there is a grey and navy for everyone.
You need to wear what we call ‘authority items’ which for a man is his tie and for a woman a silk scarf and/or a necklace (jugular protection is ESSENTIAL).
Women need earrings and some make up, especially lipstick as the mouth is the communication tool. Wear a watch (it just will not do to use your phone for time keeping) as it shows that you value your time as well as the interviewers time.
Wear a heel that is right for you as an important shoe shows that you are ‘on duty’ (a ballet flat lacks authority).
Never enter an interview (or any meeting for that matter) without wearing a jacket. Your jacket is your armour and without one, you will lack authority and look vulnerable.
Take time to invest in some grooming as this shows that you care. A blow dry and manicure are so important. Carry one bag (not overstuffed but efficient looking) so that you look like you are there for the interview and not going shopping afterwards.
A Colour and Style session with Red Leopard will identify your most flattering colours and your best suit shapes no matter what job you are interviewing for.
Remember that the way you present yourself really does matter, in fact it does a lot of the work for you as by the time you sit down for the interview you will unknowingly already have made an impression. Make sure its a favourable one.