Why appearance is important and who you need to impress
Research has shown that 55 per cent of your first impression on anyone is made by your appearance, body language and facial expression. So if you walk confidently into the interview room looking the part you are over halfway there. The next impression will be not what you say, but how you say it -– pitch, pace, tone, volume and accent, which leaves seven per cent for you to get your message across. Get that entrance right, looking sharp and business-ready and the panel will be more likely to listen to your proposal.
Match the company dress code. Let them see you respect their requirements. Research the office if necessary, watch people coming and going, how formal or casual do they appear? Alternatively, speak to the HR Director’s secretary (who has a surprising amount of clout) to ask about the company dress code.
An applicant I met recently later discovered that the interviewer had sent his secretary to collect and then return him to reception to see how he reacted once he’d relaxed after the interview. Her opinion on his comments and manners was a major part of the process. Be warned.
