Going for that Job Interview: How to Put Your Best Face Forward

Little else can cause nervousness like a job interview. This is even more true if the job is one you have been holding out for. Suddenly, you get that mail or phone call, inviting for a sit-down or a video interview.

Such nervousness can cause you to break out in hives or give you lines overnight. But it does not have to be so. Job interviews, no matter how much you want the job, can be done on a light note, if you have knowledge. And one of the things to aid this is your appearance.

Your appearance goes beyond what you wear and how you apply your makeup, even though these are very important. However, makeup cannot completely hide some things, including how nervous you are.

Never forget that YOU are the asset so you should do all you can to look spectacular, beyond your outfit. Therefore, even if that job interview is in person or over a video conference call, here are a few steps to aid you in giving your best out there:

Ramp Up Your Skincare Routine

There are a very few companies that would give you just a moment’s notice before a job interview. That means most of them will give you a few days or a week before you get to come in.

So you get a few days to work on your skin. If you don’t have a skincare routine, you would need to start one. And if you already have one, ramp it up.

Your routine would depend on your skin type, of course. But one thing that would help is exfoliating at least once before the big day. Then moisturizing day and night, without fail.

Be sure to wash your face after exfoliation and deeply moisturize. This routine would work best at night because all the products would have time to work.

This is not the time to go scouting for new products to use on your face or body. Maintain what has been working and what your body is used to. That way, you are sure not to get any adverse reaction that may not clear up before the big day.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

The importance of water cannot be overemphasized and we will keep saying it. It does a lot of wonders for your skin and aids your skincare products in functioning maximally.

Knowing this, it is important you drink lots of water. It will help clear out toxins in your system and give your skin a glow. If you had any blemishes or scars, like a red pimple scar from an old breakout, hydration reduces their appearance.

Not only does it work wonders for your skin, your hair and nails get the benefits, too. The moisture volume that is stored within your skin, hair and skin would increase. And what’s more, these benefits will go beyond that job interview.

Sleep Well

Drinking coffee and having power naps can’t take the place of good sleep. Sleep here means 6-8 solid hours of shut-eye. It does wonders for the mind as well as for the body.

Lack of adequate sleep will add to your nervousness, which will affect your overall performance. But if you get enough sleep, you will find that the lines on your skin will reduce. Stress and worry lines will fade and your mind will be sharper. Coffee alone can’t do these for you.

As simple as this tip sounds, it is one of the most important ways to give your best. You see, putting on great clothes can only go so far.

Don’t Overdo Your Makeup

You will, definitely will, be tempted to apply a little more foundation or powder, or even lipstick. Don’t give in to that temptation. Keep your makeup as little as possible without appearing bare.

Allow your skin’s natural glow to show through. Only enhance slightly, the areas that you think need it. As much as possible, keep your lipstick or lip stain light. If you can go nude or neutral, that would help.

Applying too much makeup may give the wrong impression. And it may look as if you are getting in the face of your interviewers.

Floss Regularly

Before any makeup, the first and most natural mark of beauty is your smile. Your smile can go a long way in opening doors that you didn’t even know were there. And your smile can tell a lot about you.

However, as much as smiling is an integral part of the whole process, you have to do it confidently. And how would you if you don’t floss regularly?

Flossing gives you the confidence to smile anywhere, anytime, without worry of displaying what you had for lunch. And this is especially true if the interview is going to be through video conferencing and you live alone.

A few days of flossing regularly will go a long way in taking care of that area.

No Loud Jewelry

The best step to take here is to wear as little as possible, and nothing loud. In such an event as a job interview, less is truly more. Earrings and a wristwatch may be just enough, if you are a lady. If you want to push it, you could add a tiny necklace.

This doesn’t take away from your personality. If anything, it allows you to shine through. Too much jewelry will detract from you, and your interviewers may be distracted by it all. Remember, you are the asset so show yourself.

Exude Confidence

Stow away every insecurity and nervousness. Grab unto the belief that the job is yours and you can do it, because you can. You did not get invited for that interview on a whim; the company saw something in you.

So keep it cool and talk confidently. Don’t be too serious and don’t be too familiar; create a balance. Let the interviewers know you are capable of taking the lead and being led, of being a team-player. Give it your best so that in the end, no matter what happens, you will know you held nothing back.