It would be nice if future employers looked inside at your personality and skills rather than taking you at face value when they first meet you–but that’s just not reality. By the end of your interview, they’ll likely have judged you on who you are inside rather than on your personal appearance. But to get the interview, it matters how you look.
Even more important, many hiring managers will develop a first impression of you that’s hard to forget as the interview goes on. You want that impression to be positive rather than negative.
First Impressions Can Make or Break the Opportunity
Did you know that most people have formed their first impression within a few seconds of seeing someone? Not to put pressure on you, but that’s not much time to convey everything you want your future employer to know about you.
While you don’t need to stress about a perfect personal appearance, you do want to pay attention to a few details that will help improve their impression of you. You don’t want to lose out on an opportunity you’re perfectly qualified for just because you didn’t put time or attention into the details of your outward appearance.
7 Tips to Improve Your Looks When Applying for Jobs
A future employer should be able to judge you based on your qualifications and experience rather than on how you look. If there’s nothing glaringly wrong with your appearance, this shouldn’t be a problem. Just make sure you’re paying attention to these seven aspects of your professional personal appearance to ensure you’re getting the opportunities you deserve.
1. Get Updated Headshots
Oftentimes, a headshot is the first thing a future employer will see. Whether you attach a headshot to your resume or take a look at your LinkedIn profile headshot, you want to make sure this image is a good, professional representation of you.
Look into getting updated headshots for your job-hunting opportunities. Pay attention to the details when taking these pictures. Find appropriate outfits for professional headshots, good backgrounds, and high-quality imagery.
Once you’ve done your professional headshots the right way, share them in the appropriate places. Update your photos across your online presence to appear consistent and professional to future employers.
2. Dress Professionally, Even for Phone Interviews
Have a few go-to interview outfits that look amazing and professional, so you’re ready to go when the interview comes. You won’t have to stress about finding the perfect thing to wear to make a good impression.
This advice goes even for remote interviews where they won’t see your face or clothing. You’ll feel your best and do better in the interview if you’re dressed your best. If you wear pajamas in the interview, you probably won’t be in the best professional headspace.
If you’re unsure how to style outfits, do some research. Look at photos of modern-day professional outfit ideas and ask friends and family. You could even ask for help from customer service agents designated to assemble professional ensembles in a department store.
3. Do Mock Interviews in Your Professional Clothing
If you don’t normally wear a suit or other professional interview clothing, it can be helpful to do mock interviews in those outfits to help you feel comfortable wearing them at the real interview. That way, you don’t feel stiff and uncomfortable in your interview because you’re dressed differently than you’re used to.
Look up interview questions that are likely to be asked in the interview for the specific job you’re applying for so you get some genuine practice.
4. Release Tension with a Massage
If interviewing makes you tense, you probably won’t appear to your best advantage with future employers. Although it may seem a little unconventional, getting a massage a day or two before the interview can help you relax and be more comfortable when sitting during the interview.
This tip may particularly apply to those who carry a lot of tension in their neck and shoulders. It will be hard to sit with good posture in a relaxed pose if you have too much rigidity in this region. Loosening it up with a massage could be your secret weapon when interviewing.
5. Remember to Smile
We all know that smiling is an important part of feeling confident and appearing friendly and approachable–all good traits for job hunters. But when you’re under pressure during an interview, it’s surprisingly easy to forget to relax and show your smile.
Help yourself out by associating certain cues of the interview with smiling. For example, whenever the interviewer finishes a question, you might let yourself smile a little, showing that you’re confident and ready to answer that question.
Just remember to keep your smile friendly, genuine, and authentic. Smiling constantly like you’re in a Broadway ensemble might give off a strange vibe during your interview. Smile when socially appropriate, and don’t be too enthusiastic.
6. Get a Fresh Haircut
Why not schedule a haircut for a couple of days before your interview? If you trust your stylist, you might schedule it for the morning before so they can style your hair to its best advantage. You’ll look polished and feel great about yourself!
However, this is not the time to try a drastic new look with your hairstyle. Stick with your regular style and get a trim with a wash and style. Don’t get a new color, cut several inches off, or make any other big changes. If you hate it, you’ll feel terrible during your interview!
7. Practice Positive Body Language
You may feel confident in your interview, but you won’t look that way if you’re sitting hunched over and not making eye contact. Practicing appropriate posture and conveying good body language can help you appear more confident and capable.
Ask a friend to help you with this one. Do a mock interview with them and ask them to help assess your posture and how you interact with them. Ask them to notify you when you start to hunch or if you fail to answer with good eye contact or a firm handshake. As you practice, you’ll learn a bit about how you carry yourself to improve your personal appearance in the real thing.
