In a job interview, it’s all about how you answer the questions, right? That’s only half the story. Most candidates would be surprised to learn how much non-verbal communication (body language, facial expressions, etc.) matters.

Some studies have shown that people form first impressions based 55% on body language and only 7% on actual verbal content. Actions really can speak louder than words. You start making a non-verbal impression from the moment you walk in the lobby door until the moment you leave. Some non-verbal mistakes can ruin your chances of a job offer — even if your answers to the interview questions are impressive.

PREPARING TO MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION

Let’s start with the basics: Your first impression. Beauty is only skin deep, but you will make a visual impression within seconds of meeting your interviewer — before you get the opportunity to say a word. You can immediately turn an interviewer off if you look (or smell) unprofessional, slovenly, or nervous.

How You Look: Make sure that you are dressed properly from top to bottom. It’s not about looking beautiful, it’s about presenting a professional, confident persona.

How You Smell: This may sound obvious, but it’s essential to avoid making a bad olfactory first impression. Don’t walk into your job interview smelling like you’ve bathed in cologne or perfume, reeking of cigarette or cigar smoke, or emanating eau de locker room or dirty laundry hamper.

What You Bring: Don’t forget to bring a few hard copies of your resume (at least one for each of the people you’re scheduled to meet, plus an extra or two just in case). Bring your portfolio and work samples, if appropriate, and make sure that they are organized professionally. Be prepared for emergencies by adding the following to your job interview survival kit: gum or mints, tissues, safety pins, a mini-lint roller, and make-up for touch-ups (if you wear it).

WAITING IN THE LOBBY

Make a point of greeting the receptionist professionally before taking a seat to wait for your interviewer. Be polite, but not overly friendly. You never know who might be watching you while you wait, so don’t slouch in your chair and read Us Magazine or sing along to your iPod. Don’t take phone calls or obsessively check your Blackberry or iPhone as if you have better places to be. Sit down and wait patiently. Review your interview preparation notes or any company materials displayed in the lobby.

GREETING YOUR INTERVIEWER

Walk confidently to greet your interviewer, make eye contact, smile, and offer your hand. This is your only chance to make a first impression.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Your Posture: When you take your seat, be sure to sit up straight and avoid slouching. You can lean forward a little to show your interest. The goal here is to appear natural, confident, and enthusiastic. Avoid any body language that could be construed as showing disinterest or desperation. Don’t lean back (you’ll look too relaxed or lethargic) or fidget (you’ll look nervous or immature) and don’t invade your interviewer’s personal space (you’ll look like a stalker).

Your Hands and Feet: Keep your feet on the floor and your hands positioned naturally. If you’re not sure what to do with your hands, keep them folded loosely in your lap or on the tabletop.

Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact in a natural way. Just don’t stare fixedly at your interviewer. That can seem creepy or robotic. Listen carefully and smile and nod as appropriate.

WRAPPING UP THE INTERVIEW

Once the interview is over, when you thank your interviewer politely for her time, shake her hand professionally and smile.

Then it’s time to walk confidently out the door, secure in the knowledge that you’ve made a winning non-verbal impression.

YVW7HBW3QYV2

Job Interview Dressing – An Interview Attire Guide:

On a job interview, your attire choices can mean the difference between a great first impression and a negative one. Your interviewer will make a first judgment about you before you get to say a word. That’s why it’s so important to convey a professional appearance and choose your interview attire carefully, even if you are interviewing at a company with laid-back dress code.

In general, it’s hard to go wrong with a polished business suit for a professional interview. Even if you know the company has a relaxed dress code, it’s important to remember that you don’t have the job yet. If you are interviewing at a firm with a highly creative and casual culture, you may be able to get away without wearing a suit as long as you choose a business-like outfit and look put-together. When in doubt, it’s better to err toward a more conservative outfit. You can show them your trendier attire after you get the position.
 

What to Wear for a Job Interview:

Job Interview Dressing for Men: Interview Attire Guidelines

• Business suit – Darker colors generally look more professional.
• Long-sleeved shirt – White is your best choice.
• Belt — Choose a dark color that coordinates with your suit and shoes.
• Tie – Don’t go with anything too daring, solid colors or pin stripes look best.
• Shoes — Wear black or dark brown dress shoes with dark socks.
• Jewelry – Limit jewelry to a wedding ring and a watch (leave the pinky ring home).
• Hair – Hair should be neatly trimmed and combed (beards, goatees or mustaches should also be well groomed).
• Accessories — Carry a professional-looking briefcase or portfolio.
• Other – Go light on the aftershave and make sure your nails are neatly trimmed.

Job Interview Dressing for Women: Interview Attire Guidelines

• Suit — Wear a business suit in a dark color. For a conservative environment, opt for a skirt suit with a skirt that is at least knee-length. A professional-looking pants suit is also acceptable in most modern offices.
• Shirt — Select a blouse that coordinates with the suit and doesn’t show cleavage.
• Shoes — Keep the shoes conservative — no stilettos, open toes, or bright colors.
• Jewelry — Choose only one or two quality, conservative pieces.
• Hosiery — Wear stockings in a neutral color with a skirt suit, knee-highs or trouser socks with pants.
• Hair — Keep your hairstyle simple and elegant. Consider an up-do or polished ponytail. Touch up those roots if you color your hair. In all cases, make sure your hair is clean and neat.
• Make-up –Keep your make-up light, your fragrance subtle, and your nails manicured.
• Accessories – Carry a professional-looking briefcase or portfolio

What Not to Wear (or Bring) to Your Job Interview:

• Don’t chew gum (or anything else).
• Leave your cell phone in the car, along with your iPod. If you took public transportation, put your iPod and cell phone away inside your briefcase or portfolio and make sure your phone is turned off .
• Cover up your tattoos until you’ve wowed them with your skills and personality.
• If you are pierced anywhere but in your ears, leave the jewelry at home for the first interview at least (again, until you’ve impressed with your other qualities). The idea isn’t to force you to conform, but to avoid snap judgments that can hurt your chances.
• Consider buying something new for a big interview. A new suit, shirt, or tie can give you an extra boost of confidence.
• Take the time to  get your clothes together the night before. Clean, steam, and de-lint wherever necessary. You don’t want to be worrying about wardrobe malfunctions on the day of the interview. Prepare ahead of time so you can relax and focus on practicing your responses to the interview questions.