According to Nils Rosdahl, a retired reporter and interviewing expert who spoke at Seattle’s ACP journalism conference, enough distractions will cost you the interview.
When interviewing for the big job, it’s important to know both what to do and what not to do. It’s especially important to make sure your appearance -- both your attire and hygiene -- aren’t distracting. But fear not -- there are many ways to ensure you look appropriate for the interview, and therefore increase your chances of landing the job.
Know what to wear
Some clothing ensembles are more distracting than others. As an interesting example, Rosdahl claims professional clothing worn by police officers, doctors, and clergymen are among the most intimidating forms of fashion out there.
Of course, there aren’t going to be specific uniforms in a job interview, and the interviewer is likely to be more intimidating than the interviewee. Certain colors, however, still speak for themselves.
For instance, some colors present more power than others. If you’re looking to appear confident and in charge, dark colors like black and navy blue are the way to go. Brighter colors, like pink, beige, and orange, are some of the weakest color choices on Rosdahl’s list. Other common professional colors like ivory, red, and white are in between.
Know how (not) to smell
As Rosdahl phrased it, “The best smell is no smell.” Some folks might think this sounds obvious, as in “make sure you shower and shave properly,” though there’s more to it than that. If you walk into an interview reeking of some designer perfume and cologne, there’s a good chance you won’t be selected.
Of course, there are also routine “bad” smells to be avoided, such as attempting to remove your shoes on a hot day, or having lightly washed clothes reeking of cigarette smoke.
Always remember, the best smell is no smell.
Show up on time
Punctuality is a pretty big deal with most major companies, and even calling to tell them you’re late still distracts from other fine qualities you possess. Timing is everything, so if you think you’re going to be late, simply call ahead and reschedule so you’ll avoid showing up as “the person who was late before they even had the job offer.”
As for ideal times to show up, it’s usually better to be the first appointment in the morning or the last in the afternoon. Appearing at either one of these times is likely to make you more memorable by both the boss and -- if they exist -- receptionist.
At a Glance...
"The Eyes Have It"
March 2, 2012
Speaker: Nils Rosdahl, North Idaho College
Location: Seattle, Washington -- ACP Journalism Conference
Subject: Interview skills involved with non-verbal communication
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