Presenting yourself professionally is essential when it comes to job interviews. The way you present yourself is crucial to how people distinguish you as a whole and your career path. Professionalism requires following basic etiquette and conforming to established workplace procedures. For example, dressing professionally, entering the interview room, behavior, shaking hands, smiling, and presenting yourself to the hiring manager are all professional etiquettes.
Maintaining a professional demeanor throughout your interview can influence how you are seen. Here are 5 ways to present yourself professionally for a job interview.
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Making the Good First Impression
Body language is crucial when it comes to interviews because it speaks about your confidence and shows who you are. Controlling your body language is required because you have to be self-assured and be professional in an introduction. To show that you are engaged in your interaction, you should start with a firm handshake and maintain direct eye contact throughout a conversation. Remember to smile too.
During the introduction, speak clearly and precisely while maintaining a natural body language. Having good posture is also important. Always keep your posture upright, chin up and shoulders down. Avoid crossing your arms as it might seem you are not involved and separated from the conversation. Good posture exudes self-assurance.
Personal Hygiene
Self-respect is having good personal hygiene and also a sign of respect for others. For example, showing up in an interview looking fresh after a shower, having neat nails, tidy hair and smelling fresh. Avoid strong smells from perfumes and colognes because some people are sensitive to fragrances.
If you smoke, refrain from doing so before the interview. You wouldn't want to offend the interviewer by having a bad breath. Prior to your interview, remember to brush, floss, and use mouthwash. Do carry a mouthwash to use anytime if it’s needed.
Personal Grooming
It is essential to be well dressed for an interview. Before going for an interview, make sure to research the organization or working environment, company’s culture and dress code. Dress accordingly as this is a guide for you as to how they will expect you to dress in the interview, don’t overdress. Some companies’ cultures are strict, some are lenient, understand it before you decide your dressing.
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It’s never about wearing the most costly trendiest clothing. Make sure your clothes are well-fitting and free of stains and odors. Shiny spotless shoes and shirts tucked in. Do not wear clothes that are overly baggy, they can come across as being unprofessional and lazy. Dressing properly at work can help you maintain your enthusiasm for your job, exhibit your enthusiastic traits, and boost your confidence.
Make sure your hands and nails are ready for all handshakes. Make sure your fingernails are nicely trimmed and any rough edges are filed away. If you're wearing nail polish, ensure it's not chipped.
Make sure to pay attention to your hair as well. Make sure it's neat and nicely combed away from your face. Men may want to get a haircut a few days before the interview, keep it with a natural look and avoid gels that create an oily look; women should wash and style their hair tidily. Tie your hair up if you have long hair, to avoid getting it in your face.
Light and natural makeup is advisable. To look professional, wear natural colours that highlight your features. Occasions like an interview aren't the right time to doll up, be natural and keep it professional.
Be Prepared
Before heading to the interview, do some research about the company. Understanding their culture will be a helping hand when it comes to an interview. For example, if the company appears to be more laid-back and casual, you would want to include some humour and appropriate jokes in your introduction or interview. If the company seems formal, maintaining a more professional manner for a more formal position in the interview will have a higher chance of being recruited in the company. Doing some research on your interviewer would be a way to go too.
Come in prepared and rehearse your lines, expect questions that are common and be confident in yourself. Make sure your research will come in handy during the interview, prepare yourself by researching what to expect. Make sure that you have all of the necessary information. Examine all of the information of when and where the interview will take place to put your mind at ease.
When it comes to an interview, it is important for you to ask the interviewer questions, it's your chance to determine whether a job is a good fit for you. Make a list of questions that are to be asked, and during the interview, you will be ready to encounter the question “Do you have any questions for us?” It demonstrates that you are enthusiastic about the job and are really interested in it.
Minimize your screen time
Screens are now a part of our lives, we can hardly live without them because they are attached to us. Even though we use them all the time, it is time for us to take a break from screens before the interview. Turn off your notifications or switch your phone to silent mode, we wouldn't want to get distracted from anything. Checking your phones during an interview shows a lack of respect, so turn it off if possible.
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Interviews may be a challenge as it is stressful yet it is something all youth have to go through. Learning how to present yourself professionally for a job interview is very important. Youths like us are always nervous about interviews but this is one of the most important events in our lives. We should learn and be well prepared when the time comes, last-minute preparation should be avoided.
By: Emily Cheah