*This is first in a series of posts regarding interview preparation and job seeking tips for recent graduate.

Ever heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? This could not be truer than in an interview setting. Over half of someone’s initial impression of you is based on how you look. That means at least 50 percent of your time should be spent on your appearance when preparing for an interview. The other time should be spent researching the company, practicing good body language during an interview, and developing good responses and questions to general interview questions.

Below are several tips for males and females when dressing for success:

Females

• Inspect your hair and nails: manicured nails and natural hair

• Natural make-up

• Minimal jewelry and perfume

• No low cut shirts/blouses, miniskirts, tight sweater, sandals, or strappy shoes

• Do wear a solid colored conservative suit with a coordinated blouse

• Make sure your shoes are close toed pumps or loafers

• Silk scarf

• Portfolio or briefcase – leave your disorganized oversized bag at home

Males

• Make sure your outfit is cleanly pressed without holes, tears, stains, scuffs, or wrinkles

• Chose a solid color conservative suit and tie, with a white dress shirt

• Perfect grooming – clean hair and nails

• Minimal after shave and jewelry

• Dark socks and professional shoes

• Briefcase or portfolio

Now that you are perfectly groomed here are some tips on what to you can do before the interview to prepare yourself:

• Research the company – you’ll be surprised how many people do not do this. Make sure you know about the company’s culture, mission etc. (ex: if interviewing for online schools – know what degree programs they offer, and a little bit about each school)

• Practice good posture, eye contact, and firm handshake.

• Rehearse answering typical interview questions (found on any job search site) in a well spoken manner.

• Put Thank You cards and stamps in your glove box- send one out directly after the interview thanking the interviewer(s) for there time and to reiterate why you would be a good fit for the position.

Now you that you have a perfectly polished professional look and demeanor, walk in with confidence and blow them away!

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