Ace The Interview

To begin, I’d like to make readers aware that I offer one-on-one interview coaching services.  I thoroughly enjoy helping folks prepare, giving them deeper insights and personalized advice through consultation or mock interviews. I am confident that I can improve anyone’s interview performance no matter their experience or skill-level.

As you prepare for your interview, let’s start with something simple, your image.  Whether your interview is in-person at the business or virtual, your appearance matters.  It indicates how seriously you take the opportunity and committed you are to securing the job opening. If it is a virtual interview, then be mindful of your interview atmosphere and find a quiet setting without distractions. I’ve had people interview from an iPhone in their kitchen with wife putting away groceries and kids running around. While I understand and can relate personally, I don’t appreciate that the candidate didn’t have enough reverence for the position to consider his surroundings and aim to optimize his interview. He did not get the job.

For men, a suit and tie are usually a safe bet. It is pretty rare that you could be overdressed but common to be underdressed for the occasion. Don’t wear loud or goofy ties.  Pick something that compliments your suit jacket and button-up shirt. If neck ties make you feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable, then lose the tie and go with the rest of your formal suit ensemble. If the tie doesn’t fit properly, you can’t tie it correctly or it looks very sloppy then it will detract from your appearance. Ultimately, make sure you are comfortable and not going to be distracted by your lack of comfort. This will promote your confidence, and you will appear more relaxed in front of your audience.

For Women, ladies’ business suits or a dress blouse with slacks should be fitting for the occasion. Be mindful of any clothing that might be too revealing so that you are taken seriously, and the audience is not distracted unnecessarily.

After choosing your garb, let’s polish your appearance.  A fresh haircut, groomed facial hair or shave and perhaps even some glasses will make you appear smarter, more professional and prepared for the interview. I have hosted around 100 interviews (maybe fewer but just feels like that many), and I cannot think of any candidates that secured the job after showing up with a sloppy appearance. It really can thwart the amount of experience, accomplishments, and capabilities you would bring to the role.

Plus, this is the start of building your brand with your new team and company. Your image is a vital piece to your success. It is not stating that you have to be good looking to get ahead. Rather, think of your image as how people see you, and the associated reputation your image carries. When people consider you for major leadership, high visibility or executive positions in the company, they will want to ensure your professional image fits the role and reflects positively on the company. It all goes back to that tried-and-true idiom, dress for the job you want! 

I’ll end with foreshadowing another topic I’ll delve into more pointedly in a future blog post. Keep this foundational formula in mind: P.I.E. It stands for Performance, Image and Exposure. Standing out and climbing the “corporate ladder” quickly will require harnessing a balance of these three elements.