Axed by Your Appearance

Have you seen the Tide Talking Stain commercial that debuted during the Super Bowl? It succinctly demonstrates how your appearance can impact your job interview success.

(Incidentally, if you haven't seen the commercial, you can watch it here on YouTube.)

In a job interview, image is everything. The image you present is the first thing the potential employer will notice about you-and their first impression will stand out in their memory more than anything else that happens during the interview. Furthermore, their first impression is formed before you have a chance to say a word.

That's why you don't go into a job interview dressed sloppily, wearing a strange hairstyle or flamboyant or stained clothing. Nothing in your appearance should be distracting. The employer in the Tide commercial was so focused on the shirt stain that he couldn't hear anything the applicant was saying. Therefore, dress in a way that will allow the interviewer to focus on you-your skills, accomplishments, and other qualifications. If you really want the job, you'll follow the rules and save your expressions of personal style for later.