What can a TV talent show teach you about your next executive interview?

Before you walk in to your next executive job interview, think like a talent show contestant.

Like a talent competition, a job interview requires you to put on your best performance for a company’s toughest critics. Be prepared for your next audition!

Studies say that first impressions are completed within 7 seconds. In 7 seconds, your interviewers will use ALL of their senses to form an opinion about you.  

55% of another person’s perception of you is based on how you look

- Kim Zoller of Image Dynamics -

 

You’re going to be in the spotlight so keep these tips in mind…

 

Conservative dress is best. Both men and women should wear a dark colored suit. Women should wear a coordinated blouse, moderate shoes, light or tan hosiery. Men should wear a long sleeved white shirt, a conservative tie, and moderate shoes.

Jewelry worn to an interview should be minimal for both men and women. And both men and women should have neat, professional looking haircuts. Makeup and perfumes should be minimal. Be sure your nails are manicured, whether you’re a man or woman.

Carry a nice portfolio or briefcase to your interview. 

Quick tip: Try your clothes on before your interview and look in the mirror to see what others will see!

Your education, skills, and experience are all an important of who you are and what you can offer to a company. Make sure the way that you look doesn’t give your interviewers the wrong impression about you.

On one episode of the tv show “America’s Got Talent”, Piers Morgan, a panel judge, criticized an extraordinarily gifted 11 year old singer for her appearance. The fact that Bianca Ryan can give you goosebumps when she sings was only part of the impression that Piers Morgan had of her. Keep that in mind. No matter how well you’ve done, your resume and experience, is only part of the impression you bring to an interview.

Like a contestant vying to be America’s top performer, you’ve got a limited amount of time to make a great impression.  Step one in preparing for your next interview is paying attention to how you’re dressed. There may be a Piers Morgan type at your next interview. Hopefully there won’t be, but if there is, you should be “dressed for success”.

Watch the video of Bianca Ryan on YouTube by clicking here!