Dress for success at work
You can make a lasting impression by dressing smartly in a way that gives you confidence.
Studies show that people will have made a judgment about who you are within the first seven seconds of meeting you – before you’ve even spoken a word. Since you only get one shot at making a first impression, it’s vital to get it right.
Amanda Elias, founder of skincare company, BravuraLondon.com, has interviewed numerous people in her time.
“When you take pride in your appearance, people perceive that you take your work seriously and that they can count on you to be reliable,” she said.
This is a view shared by Helen Dewdney, consumer expert at Thecomplainingcow.co.uk.
She said: “Decades ago, a manager once told me in an interview that they first look at someone’s shoes to see how clean they are. Their view was that if the interviewee could not be bothered to clean their shoes, they would not put effort into their work.
With all that stress on your outfit, don’t leave planning it to the last minute – do it the night before, along with any ironing or shoe shine that’s required.
Personal stylist Lisa Talbot said: “This will save you any worries on the day, allowing you to focus on the interview.”
Add some color
In addition to dressing smart, a good way to give yourself an edge is by incorporating color into your interview attire. This can help you stand out from the sea of candidates who will no doubt be wearing black, navy and grey.
However, think about the colors you choose.
Lindsay Edwards, another personal stylist, said: “For example, blue evokes feelings of trust and reliability. Red is perceived as an assertive, confident color, often worn by winning teams. Green is harmonious and well balanced. Pink symbolizes compassion and orange is considered social and energetic.”
You can try mixing and matching these colors to convey a range of traits.
Ms Edwards said: “A blue shirt with a red tie suggests you are reliable and confident. Many politicians use this trick.
The color you wear can also affect how you think, she adds.
“Wearing red is very likely to increase feelings of self-confidence, leading to improved body language, social skills and overall interaction.”
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Turn up the volume
As nerve-wracking as job interviews can be, don’t let your nerves get the better of you. Listening to music you like and moving can help.
Confidence coach, Lucy Baker of Shecoachesconfidence.com, said: “Talk to yourself positively before you go in. And take the time to play some music; try playing your favorite tune. It’s great for energy, blood flow and dopamine.
“While you’re at it, do star jumps. I do this and it really works for me in terms of waking up the body and releasing nervous energy.
Take steps to banish performance anxiety
Managing your inner state will also help you perform at your best. Michelle Horgan, co-founder of M&S Coaching, specializes in supporting people returning to the workplace to prepare for interviews. As a retired international rugby player, she also has sports psychology in her tools.
She said, “Try box breathing. Used by elite athletes, this involves breathing in for a count of four, holding for four, breathing out for four and holding again for four. Repeat this cycle three times to reduce anxiety instantly.
Practice makes perfect
It can help to enlist the help of a friend, family member, or mentor to conduct mock interviews before the real one.
Ted Lawler is co-founder of The Manifestation Journal and owner of Ifonlytheyknew.co.uk, a media platform for young entrepreneurs.
He said: “Practice your answers to frequently asked questions. Ask for feedback on your body language, communication style and content.”
Mr. Lawler also suggested going through some mindfulness techniques.
He added: “Visualize yourself confidently asking questions, engaging with the interviewer and demonstrating your skills. This can help you perform better during the interview itself.”
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Make sure you are on time
There are no two ways about it, you have to arrive on time – or, preferably, a little early. If you need to travel to a new office, prepare your route in advance and allow yourself extra time in case you have delays, such as a late train, have trouble finding a parking space, or need to announce your arrival at reception.
If your interview is online, there’s probably even less reason to be late. Check if the links you sent work and if you need to download certain programs to access the call.