Let's talk about each of these steps and why they are a part of the almost choreographed ritual of getting down to the serious business of interviewing. First, the smile. You may take that for granted, but check your attitude some time and see how easily and warmly you can smile at a complete stranger. Practice smiling at strangers on the streets or from your car. Exercise those smile muscles so they'll be there when you need them.
A smile is not just another facial expression. It's a signal to that primitive part of the brain that makes the split-second assessment of friend or foe. It says, "I'm on your side. I will not harm you."
So, no matter how you may really feel that day of the interview, and no matter how silly it may seem to grin, smile. It will send a message to your own brain of being happy and at ease, and it will assure the interviewer's brain that you are there to aid, not to threaten.
Linguists and psychologists have said that 93 to 97 percent of communication is nonverbal, and the smile is one very important part of that communication.
What to Wear
Now that you're wearing that beautiful, warm smile, let's look at the rest of what you're wearing. Guess what? You don't necessarily have to go out and buy a $400 outfit to be dressed appropriately for an interview (unless you want to, of course). Maybe all you need to do is invest $5 in getting those dress slacks pressed
or having that attractive blazer dry cleaned.
This is not a "dress-for-success" book. It's much more important that you look neat, clean, polished, and pressed. I'm not going to tell you what color or what shoes to wear. That's up to you. Let's keep it simple.
It is almost impossible to overdress for an interview unless you are wearing a tuxedo or a beaded evening gown.
Dressing up is not only a way to make you attractive; it is one of the many signals of respect you will send to the interviewer during this first 20 seconds. It says, "I respect your time enough to think carefully about my wardrobe."
Many of my clients object to dressing up for an interview. They may complain that the vice president of the company is wearing shorts and sandals and has an untrimmed beard. Or that the CEO is wearing Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and cowboy boots. The difference between you and the interviewer is that you don't have an office with your name on the door (yet).
Before you get the job, take the time to be more formal and more conservative than you would normally be. (Then, when you're hired, you can don your army boots, expose your tattoos, and get down to work with the best of them!)
Remember, it is not the price of your clothes or how well they match the latest fashion. What makes the difference is that you give the distinct appearance of having taken some time to put yourself together. A few guidelines to achieve that image follow.