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.
Photo 5/12
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.
Photo 6/12
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.
Photo 7/12
Tip 6: Tame flyaways
"The place where I work is trying to be more environmental by doing interviews through video conferencing. One of the candidates I interviewed was dressed very casually and had her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail, flyaways and all. It just looked like she didn't take the interview seriously enough to dress up for it, and it gave me a bad impression of her," says a hiring manager.
Tip: Make sure your hair is clean and neat. A website editor advises, "If your hair is in need of a cut, or just isn't working, pull it back in a ponytail so you don't have to fidget with it." Try this how-to for a sleek interview-worthy pony:
Step 1: Apply an anti-frizz product (try Paul Labrecque Curly Style, $24) to your hair, whether it's straight or curly. Step 2: If your hair is straight, blow dry it with a round or paddle brush to make it extra smooth. If your hair is curly, apply a curl-enhancing gel or cream (like Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious Defining Cr�me, $27) and either let hair air dry or blow dry with a diffuser attachment. Step 3: Secure hair into a ponytail. It doesn't have to be super tight, but you don't want loose strands falling out, either. Step 4: For an extra-polished finish, take a small section of hair and wrap it around your hair elastic neatly, then bobby pin the ends under the pony. Step 5: Run a smoothing product or shine serum over your hair if you have any remaining frizz or flyaways.
Photo 8/12
Tip 7: Think minimal
A human resources specialist advises, "Don't overdo [your] makeup. Keep it simple; you are interviewing for a job, not going to a club with your friends."
Tip: Look fresh and bright-eyed by applying neutral makeup colors, avoid any dramatic or bold colors. Check out this video on how to apply a perfectly natural makeup look. Or follow these tips:
Step 1: Apply a light-to-medium coverage foundation, then use liquid concealer to cover dark circles, if necessary. Step 2: For a natural-looking glow, apply a sheer cream blush to the apples of your cheeks using your fingers. If you're trying to look younger, apply a subtle highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes and across the tops of your cheekbones to make your face glow. Step 3: Define your eyes by curling lashes and applying one-to-two coats of mascara. Step 4: Add a pop of color to your lips by using a lip stain (try Benefit Benetint, $28) and dabbing a lip balm or sheer lipstick over it. Step 5: Finish by dusting your skin with a bit of translucent loose powder to set your look.
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.
