How to go for an interview: HR specialist advice

The first impression we make on the employer can be decisive. To look decent, you need to get dressed right for the first interview.

We turned for help to the head of HR projects Alexandra Imaeva. Alexandra is the author of many publications on recruiting and the book "Personnel Selection. Practical Tools and Techniques." For more than 14 years she has been working in HR departments of large organizations, and during this time she has conducted more than 8,000 interviews! We asked her to answer our questions and tell how to dress properly for the first meeting with the employer and what details to pay special attention to.

Question No. 1: does the outcome of the meeting really depend on the appearance of the applicant?

According to research, the recruiter decides on the candidate within the first five to ten minutes, and then brings a rational base under him. If not all, then a lot depends on the appearance. What does the employer value first? Compliance of the applicant's personality with corporate culture. You can also talk about the correlation between the appearance of the candidate and the functional / level of the position for which he is applying. If there is no obvious connection - most likely, the applicant will be assessed as inappropriate.

Question No. 2: how to understand where to go - after all, it is not always known in advance about the existence of a dress code?

Now in open sources you can find a lot of information about the company itself, the values ​​of the people who work in it (for example, on a corporate website, in the sections "work with personnel", "photos and videos"). You can find out additional information about the leader to whom you are going for an interview, for example, on social networks. It makes sense to find out all these details in advance. Firstly, it’s just interesting, and secondly, you can learn a lot about corporate culture and the interviewer, and you will be fully equipped to meet. If you are working with a freelance recruiter or a representative of a recruiting agency, they will be able to tell you which style of clothing is preferable in a particular company.

Question No. 3: is there any universal “recipe” - dress like that, and will you look great at any interview?

There is no recipe, because all employers are different: they will meet you differently at the bank and design agency if you come in the official three-piece suit. There is one universal solution: that you should not be comfortable with yourself. Your constriction, the desire to "adapt to your" will be visible to the naked eye.

How to determine the form of clothing

Starting from the goal. If you want to send the following impulse: “I am reliable, you can trust me” - we select the “correct” business appearance. To create a business image, a classic style of clothing is great. A simple and win-win option is a little black dress. Add classic shoes, calm accessories - and the business image is ready.

If you are an unusual candidate, a representative of the creative profession, confirm this fact with a non-standard approach to the appearance. Stay yourself. Love faddish boho style accessories or clothes? Wear it with pleasure and look for your employer. Skirts or dresses with an asymmetric cut and interesting finishes, unusual jackets or blouses are perfectly acceptable.

Question number 4: but still there are some general requirements for the uniform?

Yes, there are general requirements. Excessive sexuality is not permissible: leopard colors, deep necklines, ultra-mini, underwear peeping out of clothes, bare belly, transparent clothes, colored or fishnet tights, lack of underwear. There are people who dress very brightly - by this they want to make themselves known. Compare if your message in clothing matches what you “sell” in your resume. Of course, there are many nuances, but the main message is the same: clean, tidy, well-groomed. For example, a lawyer in a shirt with washed sleeves or in a crumpled blouse will look unconvincing.

Accessories

Taboo - massive gold chains and rings. This is not a business style. Thundering bracelets, too long earrings will distract the interviewer from what you say. Erased heels, knocked down socks at shoes, heels of unrealistic height, lacing to the knee, bags with worn handles will definitely not go unnoticed. When choosing a bag and shoes, follow the same principle as in clothes: clean, tidy, well-groomed.

Hairstyle, manicure, makeup.

Do not forget about makeup, hairstyle, manicure and choice of perfume. It is better to put your hair neatly, for example, put it in a ponytail or make a business bundle of them. Strands falling into the eyes, too complex a hairstyle will prevent you and your interlocutor from focusing on the topic of conversation. Makeup should be impeccable and natural: even complexion, accentuated eyes and discreet shades. Do not use a rich and persistent perfume - people are very susceptible to odors.

Watch the video: How to Interview Someone - How to Recruit a Good Job Candidate 4 of 5 (November 2024).