Job interviews are naturally nerve-wracking. Job applicants are expected to be ready from head to toe. When being interviewed for a job, it’s also vital that an applicant presents himself/herself in the best light possible. Applicants can do this by having great hygiene. Appearing untidy, disorganized, unprofessional, and unprepared may hamper an applicant from getting their dream job.
Although it goes without saying, personal hygiene is a must-do not only during interviews but also in all aspects of life. How will you function comfortably and effectively if you are not clean? Applicants with poor personal hygiene will immediately lose the chance of getting hired for a job that they want.
Poor regard to your hygiene may potentially bias your interviewers’ judgment of you, and it will also suggest that you don’t care about yourself. Your interviewer may believe that it will hinder you from doing excellently in your duties and responsibilities. Interviewers will even think that you may seem unappealing to clients. Thus you may not be able to perform some of your roles. Practicing good personal hygiene will make your interviewers, or the hiring body, decide that you are an asset to the company. Here are some of the best hygiene practices that every applicant must do.
Maintaining Personal Hygiene
It is key to have great personal hygiene when going in for an interview.
Bad Breath
If you are nervous about bad breath, make sure to brush, floss, and use mouthwash before your interview. If you are coming from a faraway place and will travel for long hours, make sure to bring with you a small, travel-friendly bottle of mouth wash and use it before you enter the interview room. You may always visit the comfort room minutes before your interview to freshen up so you can be more confident when facing your job interviewers.
Additionally, if you smoke, avoid doing so a day before the interview. Smoking will give you bad breath, and it may inconvenience your interviewers. If you are chewing gum, make sure to dispose of it before you enter the interview room. You may not be able to talk well if you have something inside your mouth. It can be quite distracting for interviewers as well.
Hair Style
Still consider a clean cut if you are a male, and comb or style your hair in a professional manner if you are a female. Refrain from dying your hair with bright or noticeable colors such as yellow, red, orange, blue, etc. if you have plans on being interviewed for a job. Aside from that, other things to look out for are unwashed or unkempt hair, hair ties, and dandruff. If you notice, these may be a massive dent to your chances of getting hired.
Also, for men, make sure to shave your beard. A clean face will not only help you look fresh but also trustworthy and dependable. If you must keep your bread, make sure it is well-groomed.
Take Note Of How You Smell
Never forget to apply deodorant. Choose deodorant brands that are clinically tested and approved. This will help, especially if you sweat a lot when feeling uneasy and nervous.
Also, prior to the interview, avoid wearing perfume or cologne to avoid inconveniences. Your interviewer may be distracted by it or allergic to the scent.
Other Tips
Cut, clean, and polish your nails. If you consider polishing your nails, choose either the colorless or neutral colors to make still your nails look tidy. Additionally, wearing makeup is fine as long as you keep it natural. It would help if you made an excellent impression on your interviewers by wearing makeup that helps you look like a professional.
Choosing The Appropriate Wardrobe
Choosing your wardrobe for an interview may be taxing to think about. Nonetheless, you want to create a good impression by looking decent and professional.
Plan Ahead
You don't want to be scrambling right before your interview for the right outfit to wear. Days or even the night before the interview, make sure to pick out what you will wear. Further, make sure you iron the clothes you will be wearing for an interview Also, always check that your clothes are not too tight or too loose. Always check if your blouse or shirt is buttoned correctly, tucked in, and clean. This will help you look prepared. Otherwise, you will feel uncomfortable, and it will send the wrong signal to your interviewers.
Keep It Simple
Don't wear overly revealing or dashing clothes. It may inconvenience and distract your interviewers. Choosing neutral-colored garments may help you look neat and presentable. If you want clothes which do not match in the color wheel, you may look cheap. If you wear a white polo, make sure it’s white and not off-white or white-yellow.
Don't Forget About Footwear
Further, wear clean, well-polished, and properly fitting shoes. Some interviewers look at interviewees’ shoes first because some believe that shoes mirror the owner’s personality. If your shoes look untidy, chances are, your interviewers might have initial biases against you.
Limit The Clutter
Bring only the documents that are required by the interviewer or those that are necessary. The clutter that these extra items might create will make you extra pressured and out of focus. You may bring your purse containing the necessities and an envelope for your scholastic or employment documents.
If you happen to carry with you personal items such as laptops or tablets that do not fit in one bag/purse, leave them at the front desk or guard’s area. This will help you focus on your job interview.
In addition, remember to leave unnecessary things behind, such as coffee cups or any bottled beverages. Make sure to keep your hands free so you can immediately shake your interviewer's hand upon greeting them.
Be Conservative
Having tattoos is not unforgivable, but for the interview, consider hiding them for the time being. In this modern age, there might still be people who find tattoos untidy. They might give your interviewers a wrong impression of who you are. If they ask during an interview, you can always share and make them understand why you have them.
Conclusion
Aside from these tips, take the time to practice answering questions you're likely to be asked during a job interview. Being prepared will help give you a chance to prepare and practice answers. Hopefully, these job interview hygiene tips are helpful for you! Click here for more interview tips.
