A hiring manager recalls, "One time, I interviewed a guy who just reeked of body odor. I didn't know whether he just happened to forget deodorant that day, or if he was just a generally stinky guy, but it was so distracting it sort of killed his chances."
A human resources specialist agrees saying, "Once I had a candidate who was so nervous they broke out into a rash during the interview. At one point there was so much sweat on their brow, I wanted to hand them a towel."
Tip: We obviously can't help our natural pheromones, but that's what a good bar of soap and deodorant is for -- a clean, natural (read: not perfume-y) scent is what you want. Also, if you tend to perspire when you're nervous, keep a hanky in your purse to dab away sweat before going in. Don't use Kleenex as it may leave bits of tissue on your face � not a pretty sight.
And if you tend to get oily, keep blotting papers in your purse to dab your t-zone area right before going into the office. Try Bobbi Brown Blotting Papers, $20, which comes with a handy mirror.
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Tip 2: Pay attention to the little things -- like nails
Many of our sources say nails are important to your interview look -- with chipped polish being the big no no. "I wouldn't refuse to hire someone outstanding for [having chipped nails], but if I were deciding between two equally qualified candidates, the chipped polish would be a deal breaker. It sends the message that the candidate doesn't put a lot of thought into her presentation and what's appropriate," says a website editor.
Another agrees saying, "chipped nails or runny mascara shows me you aren't a person with good attention to detail. Perhaps also that you aren't a person who thinks two steps ahead, and that's not good."
Tip: "To play it safe" when it comes to your nails, the editor recommends wearing a clear coat or a sheer soft pink hue. This way, if you do happen to chip your nails on the way to your interview (it happens!), the chips will be much less noticeable. Check out this video tutorial to give yourself a quick at-home manicure.
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Tip 3: Be professional
One hiring manager says she was eight months pregnant when interviewing an applicant and she recalls, "[The candidate] looked professional, but as soon as she sat down in my office, she asked me if I was planning on breast-feeding my baby. Another candidate who interviewed really well blew it at the end -- when I got up to walk her to the reception area, and she gave me a hug. Awkward!"
Tip: Being "professional" doesn't just refer to clothes. The interviewer is not your friend -- even if she's expecting. Keep the conversation relevant to the reason you're there and show that you don't get distracted from your main objective.
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Tip 4: Don't over accessorize
"Once there was a girl that came in with rings on almost every finger, and she kept talking with her hands. 'Clink, clank, clack.' It was so distracting, I wasn't focused on what was coming out of her mouth, but rather the awful song her rings were playing," says a human resources specialist.
Tip: "Your appearance is my first impression, so make it a good one," says the human resources specialist. This doesn't mean you should put all your newest accessories on display, so keep the trendy pieces for a night out. You don't have to be void of style, but aim to wear just one stand out accessory like a statement necklace or bold earrings.
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Tip 5: Don't forget your toes
A website editor recalls interviewing a few candidates that "looked fine from the waist up, but then � I spotted their feet on the way out, and they either had really beat up-looking toes or old worn off, chipped polish." That's why "your best bet is to wear closed-toe shoes, so you don't even have to think about it. Toes can be funny things; people's feet aren't the most attractive. You would think 'who on earth would notice my toes,' but the one time you decide to let the grooming slide, your interviewer will look down when handing you your validated parking ticket and catch a glimpse of your toes and think, 'yikes.'" You don't want that.
Tip: Don't blow your chances at the last minute with something as small as grooming your toenails. Bottom line, "If your toes are showing in open-toed shoes, be sure they're well manicured," says a hiring manager. Get these tips to give yourself the best at-home pedicure.
Unemployment can be emotionally (not to mention financially) draining. We've all been there at one time or another, and with the national unemployment rate at a whopping 8.9 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, applying for a job today is more competitive than ever. So, when you do finally secure an interview, it's important to present yourself in a way that sends the right message. First impressions, as we've all heard a million times, are key.
In order to figure out what prevents employers from hiring fully qualified applicants, we talked to hiring managers, human resource specialists and recruiters. Their reasons were kinda surprising. From hangnails left behind on a conference room table to applicants with sweat dripping from their brows -- beauty mishaps were at the top of the list of reasons to show an applicant to the door.
So, while we're hopefully near the end of this recession, don't (for lack of a better clich�) shoot yourself in the foot at your next interview by ignoring these beauty tips.
