That Smell Better Not Be You - Seriously!

Hygiene as Important as Attire

I know. Everyone's thinking is he serious? Absolutely.

The truth is that the majority of individuals going on a job interview already understand the importance of a good, clean physical appearance. As a manager, I’ve had the opportunity to interview many candidates for available positions. The majority were squeaky clean. However, I do remember a number of people who were not. One young lady never bothered to brush her hair or teeth and it showed. Another interviewer really smelled bad.

It is important to know that as a prospective employee it is in your best interest to keep the focus on your ability to do the job. A neat appearance sets the stage for you to sell your skills as the best candidate for the position. Let the interview center on you, not your hygiene.

With that said, let's get right to it. If you’re a person with a disability and have difficulty with activities of daily living, such as bathing, brushing, or dressing prepare early. This means:

• Ensure that a family member or personal care assistant can assist you with bathing, brushing and personal hygiene issues before the actual interview.
• Have someone available during the interview time in case of last minute emergencies. (As a person with a disability myself, I can tell you that if anything is going to go wrong it is when you’re least prepared.)
• Brush your teeth! Brush your teeth thoroughly and preferably right before the interview. While the Austin Powers look may have been popular in Olde England, it is not cool when you’re trying to land a job.
• Brush your hair. If you need help, get it. Do not use overly scented gels or hair sprays in your hair.

 

Tricks of the Interviewing Trade

Now that we’ve established your appearance, let’s review some other things that can improve or impede your success at landing that all-important job:

Cologne and perfume – The job interview is not an “axe” body spray commercial. No matter how much perfume or cologne the TV commercials imply you should wear, don’t do it! Like I said before, the interview should focus on your ability to do the job. If the person or persons interviewing have difficulty breathing due to your overzealous use of Old Spice or Chanel #5, your interview may not go well.

Soaps and body washes –Soap comes in an astonishing number of choices and fragrances. For the interview, use a soap or body wash that is unscented or has a very light scent such as Ivory or Dial. You will appear clean, fresh and well-kept – exactly what an employer desires.

Facial hair and haircuts – Right before a job interview is not a good time to go try a bold haircut or hair color. Conservative haircuts are OK. In terms of facial hair, less is more. The well trimmed mustache and goatee are OK, however, you may want to gauge the work environment.

Tattoo’s and piercings – When in doubt, keep them covered. In the case of piercings, if they are visible remove them.

Women’s make-up – Apply make-up lightly and use neutral colors if possible. Again, less is more. Let them remember your wit and skill, not the color of your eye shadow or lipstick.

Jewelry – Simple is best. Nothing flashy-One nice piece will do.

Attacking the job market is all about the details. Prepare with care, be yourself, have confidence in your skills, and pay attention to the small things – your prospective employer certainly will.