Making a Good First Impression - Part 1

You only get one chance to make a first impression. FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT! They truly do. This may not matter to you much in your personal life, but in business it matters. It really matters in an interview. There are no “mulligans” or "do-overs" at an interview.
Don’t get me wrong, what you know how to do and being able to do it, is THE most important element of your interview. However, people aren’t going to care about that if you haven’t presented yourself well in the first place.

I would like to think that no one leaves the house purposely trying to look bad and that ultimately, most people want to make a good first impression. The problem is everyone’s definition of “looking good” and "taste" is different. Most companies have dress codes for this reason, although some are very lax these days. Just remember this; you only get the privilege of a lax dress code AFTER you have gotten the job.

Source: http://trapperkeepers.wordpress.com/

How you dress is a direct reflection of you and of your personality. If you, as a prospective employee, cannot be bothered to make an effort to look nice, neat and professional when you are going to an interview, then don't be surprised if your interviewer is wondering “how much effort will you put into your work?” This is especially important if the job is dealing with clients, the general public, or if the company has a dress code. You are representing your company and that company is looking to send the right message.

If the company you are interviewing with has an informal dress code that does not mean you should dress informally for your interview. Dress more professional than what is expected of the people who work there. They already have the job, you don’t! You will rarely be criticized for being over-dressed in an interview, but you may very well be criticized for being under-dressed.

Here are a few tips to remember when you're heading to that important interview:

DO NOT

• Take your cell phone into the interview.
• Chew gum or suck on mints.
• Take in an iPod. If you have an iPad or laptop in your bag, that is fine if you plan to use it to show an electronic portfolio or examples of your work, but it would be better to have them posted on a site and just give the interviewer the site address.
• Carry in your coffee or tea. If you know you are looking at a five or six hour interview, a bottle of water in your bag is acceptable, however I would wait until you are offered something or ask for something if you feel it is really necessary.

DO

• If you are looking for a professional job, that is not artistically driven, it would be prudent to cover any visible tattoos and remove large or multiple piercings, except for earrings - women (main earrings and second-hole earrings). Piercings that are ethnic in nature (i.e. nose piercings) are usually ok, but I would consider removing.
• Keep makeup on the lighter side. This is not the time to look like you’re headed out to a club.
• You don’t want to wear anything or style yourself in any way that would be distracting to the interviewer.
• Carry a portfolio, briefcase or satchel with several copies of your resume and sample work.
• Remember these words: “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Be showered, be shaved, be brushed (teeth) and be presentable.

Remember, it does not have to cost a fortune to look good for an interview. Even if you don't have any basics to start with, you can still dress for an interview for under $100. Utilize TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Wal-mart or your local thrift store, Goodwill or Salvation Army. Buy something inexpensive that looks good and spend your money on having it altered. Also, there are plenty of resources out there now to help get people into the professional world by helping you with donated business clothing.

Woman can try Pennsylvania Women Work or Dress for Success.

This is the first entry in a 3-part series about Making a Good First Impression. Be sure to check Part 2 (Men) and Part 3 (Women) for advice on what to wear to an interview.

Check out these sites for additional information on dressing to make the right first impression at an interview:

Dressing for the Interview by Industry

Interview Appearance and Attire

Dress for Interview Success

Dress for Success

Woman’s Suits Buying Guide

Proper Business Attire

Dress Codes

What NOT to Wear on an Interview

 A word to the wise is sufficient.