Suit Up For Success

“You never get a second chance to make a first good impression”
Research shows that impressions formed during the first two to six minutes of the interview are seldom changed during the remaining 30 to 60 minutes of the interview.
To be successful, research and practice for the interview and carefully plan the professional image you want to project.
If you come to an interview dressed professionally, you will feel a sense of confidence and others will sense your self-assurance.


General Guidelines •
Wear clean, pressed clothing that fits properly.
• Check clothing for missing buttons, hanging threads, lint, dandruff, stray hairs and stains.
• Hair should be clean, groomed, styled and appear natural looking in colour.
• Hands and nails should be clean and trimmed.
• Wear deodorant. If perfume or cologne is used, do so sparingly. Clothes should not smell like smoke.
• Breath should smell fresh, but do not chew gum, candy or breath-mints during the interview.
• Jewellery should be minimal and not make noise. Remove all visible body piercing other than one pair of conservative earrings for women.
• A conservative watch completes your professional image.
• Cover any visible tattoos.

Business Attire Tips for Men
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt. Collars should be clean, buttoned and not frayed.
Shirt fabric should be cotton or cotton blend and crisply ironed. White, light blue or other soft colours may be worn. Small conservative stripes are appropriate.
• Ties should be made of silk or silk-like fabric with little or no pattern design.
Select dark colours that blend with the shirt.
• Shoes should be polished. A leather lace-up or slip-on business shoe that is
black or tan in colour is a good investment.
• Socks should match your pants, not your shirt! Wear dark, solid coloured socks
that are mid-calf length. White socks or athletic socks are not appropriate
with business attire.
• A belt should be black or cordovan leather and blend with your suit and shoes.
• Limit pocket contents to your wallet, keys, business cards and a pen.


Business Attire Tips for Women
• Wear a two-piece matched suit that is conservative in colour such as navy, dark
grey, brown or black. Fabric may be wool, wool blend or micro fibres with no
pattern or a very subtle weave pattern.
• Skirts or tailored pants are appropriate. When selecting a skirt or pants, place a
chair in front of a mirror and sit down. The mirror will reveal your image as
seen by employers, other professionals and your peers.
• The length of the suit skirt may vary with each individual. Slightly above the
knee or to the top of the calf are professional skirt lengths.
• Pants should be creased and tailored, not tight. Pant length should fall below the
ankle but not below the shoe heel.
• Underneath the suit jacket, wearing a tailored cotton shirt, blouse or good
quality knitted top will complement your professional image.
• Shoes should match your suit. Black, brown or navy closed shoes with one to
two inch heels compliment the professional attire.
• Hose if worn, should match the colour of your skin. Patterns and opaque
stockings are not considered business attire.
• Carry a small, conservative purse that matches your shoes. If you are required to
carry a portfolio, a document bag is suitable.
• Make-up should look natural. Eye make-up and lipstick should complement
your face.


THE NON-VERBAL EXCHANGE
Too often we are so focused on saying the right things that we are not aware of the unintentional messages we convey through our actions. This is especially true in job interviews, where nerves may get the best of us, allowing us little room to monitor our body language. It is therefore important to pay attention to our non-verbal exchange so that we can effectively communicate our strengths to our potential employer.


THE HANDSHAKE
The handshake is an invitation to demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Getting the right form
• Extend your hand and grip the other person's hand so that the webs of your thumbs meet.
• Shake just a couple of times. The motion is from the elbow, not the shoulder.
• End the handshake cleanly, before the introduction is over.

If you want to count, a good handshake is held for three or four seconds.
Try to avoid clenching your fists to overcome sweaty palms. Applying non-scented anti-perspirant is an effective way of keeps palms dry.

A firm handshake with good eye contact communicates self-confidence.
Not shaking hands is a very clear form of rejection and is extremely insulting to the other person.


EYE CONTACT
If you want your body to convey “I am trustworthy…" Maintain eye contact. Apart from demonstrating attentiveness, respect and honesty it is an opportunity to establish trust with the job interviewer.

There is, however, a difference between a steady gaze and a long, hard stare, which just creates awkward and uncomfortable feelings. The best way to moderate the amount of eye contact is to establish contact for a few seconds, then shift your gaze to other dimensions of the face, and revert back to the eyes.


PROPER POSTURE
Proper posture conveys confidence, alertness and interest. It is thus important to refrain from slouching or sinking into your seat.
If you want your body to convey “I am interested, confident and prepared …" Lean forward a little with your head slightly tilted when the interviewer is speaking, particularly about the company, the job description and duties.
This can show the interviewer that you are ‘physically’ listening and interested in what is being said.

HEAD MOVEMENTS
Engage in nodding carefully and sparingly, to show that you are concerned with what the interviewer has to say. While the interviewer is speaking, tilting your head slightly to the side will reinforce your interest.
Slow, deliberate nods are favourable to consistent, quick nods, which signal an eagerness to please.

GESTURES Use hand gestures to express yourself and to bring home certain points. However, if the interviewer notices a contradiction between your words and your gestures, you can be sure the latter will leave the stronger mark.

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
If you want your body to convey “I am comfortable…", have a genuine smile.
The biggest indicator of your true inner state is your facial expression.
Try to keep your verbal and facial expressions synchronized, so that your credibility isn’t undermined.

LISTENING
Being a good listener produces several outcomes. You get the information needed to ask better questions and respond to questions asked more effectively.
In order to be a good listener you should:
• Focus you attention on the interviewer and what he/she is saying.
• Look beyond the personal appearance or mannerisms of the interviewer as you listen for content.
• Listen first, evaluate later.
• Give positive non-verbal feedback

ALWAYS REMEMBER
 First Impressions count.
 Start strong.
 Send the right behavioural signals.
 Communicate carefully.
 Appear enthusiastic.
 Participate, don’t dominate.
 Ask questions


Article Contributed by Nisha Nanwani, Consultant of Training Edge International
Email : nisha.nanwani@trainingedgeasia.com;
Website : www.trainingedgeasia.com