Get the job before you walk in the door.

The long hours spent perfecting your resume and cover letter has paid off, and you have secured an interview. You’ve researched the company and are prepared to answer any questions the interviewer might ask. Now what?

Here’s some food for thought. Experimental psychologists at Harvard University, analyzing the non-verbal aspects of good teaching, found that outside observers asked to rate teaching fellows on a 15 item checklist of personality traits after viewing silent 10-second videos of them, came to the same conclusions about the teacher as classroom participants taught by the same teaching fellows for an entire semester. The truly alarming part…when the video clips were shortened to five, or even two seconds, observers still came to the same conclusion.

The right clothes and proper grooming can determine how you are viewed as a prospective employee, especially since the interviewer is highly unlikely to change their minds during the course of the interview once the first impression has been. A successful interview begins by being dressed like you are ready for business; you cannot go wrong with a suit. It is better to be slightly overdressed rather than underdressed for the interview.

For women, there are a few key items to consider. Leave your nightclub attire at home; skirts that are too short and tops that are too revealing make you look unprofessional. A tailored dark coloured suit with the skirt falling below the knee is preferred, although conservative suits with pants are now acceptable for most employers. A long-sleeved white or light-coloured blouse that is neither sheer nor low-cut, a classic pair of well-polished medium-heeled pumps and natural coloured stockings completes the look. Keep makeup and jewellery understated and simple.

Men should also err on the side of being slightly conservative, wearing a dark coloured suit (black, navy, gray), a white long-sleeved dress shirt that has been well pressed and a white undershirt. Complete the look with a subtly patterned tie that coordinates with the suit and well-polished black or brown leather shoes with dark socks. Keep jewellery to a minimum – just a dress watch, wedding band or class ring. Visible piercings, body art and earrings, are not suitable attire for an interview. While some image consultants recommend that all men should be clean-shaven, others simply advise that mustaches or beards be neatly trimmed. The key is to look polished and project a professional image.

It may seem like common sense, but good personal hygiene is a crucial part in projecting the proper image. Be wary of things that are heavily scented such as perfume, cologne, foods with strong odours and cigarettes.

Remember to ensure that your outfit is clean and pressed. Arriving looking wrinkled and wind-blown gives the impression that the job interview was not worth the effort to look well put-together. For both men and women hair should be clean, neat and styled away from the face. Nails should be clean and well-trimmed. Perfume and cologne should be used sparingly, or not at all. Carry a leather briefcase, portfolio or notebook large enough to carry an extra copy of your resume without folding it.

Jennifer Scott, manager of recruitment at Petro, the largest home heating oil service and delivery company in the United States summed it up, “the reality is that 80 percent of the hire is based on personality and 20 percent is based on skills. As long as you meet the basic requirements…and if you don't, you wouldn't have gotten in for the interview…it's very typical for a recruiter or hiring manager to make a decision based on first impressions."

For more information, visit http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing/20021119-maher.html.

Make the Right Impression at Interviews
Petro's Jennifer Scott Offers Expert Tips
by Thad Peterson
Monster Staff Writer

Genine Parry, PTC Recruiter, is our guest contributor this issue.