As part of my fun-filled responsibilities as a senior level manager at an FMCG company, I get to interview people looking for an internship or a full employment position. All of these conversations begin with a video interview. So, I had a chance to collect a few thoughts on that.
There is plenty of advice out there on how to prepare for an interview, yet most of it is generic, not fit for you and your personality. While getting lighting right is important, getting in touch with who you are and what you represent is even more important! I will share a few tips below. And for those who want to find a way to prepare not just for one interview, but for many of the first professional encounters, it may be useful to invest a bit into services of a professional coach to get your message clear. After all, this is what the interview is about- it's about delivering your message, with style!
My #1: Display your personality!
As an interviewer I am especially interested to get a feel for the personality behind the CV. Usually by the time I get to interview the person, they’ve been screened for their qualifications, and experiences. Now I am trying to answer the question if this person-(ality) has the potential to lead and grow themselves and others around them, while delivering business results.
One way to get started on this - search pictures of your message statement.
For example ‘confident woman’, or ‘creative man’. You will probably quickly get an idea of what in their looks and their outfit works and doesn't work for you
Here are some additional thoughts based on the key messages many interviewers like me are looking for.
Disclaimer: Style impressions work in seconds, and therefore often based in some biases. So, my suggestions are not absolute truths, but about impressions that are truths 'enough' to send or derail your message in a matter of seconds!
High EQ is easily displayed through your listening skills, acknowledging interviewer's comments and questions, and talking about your work with people. There is also a style message to the EQ. High EQ people often wear outfits that enable others to connect with them. For example, light color /monochromatic, or softer color combinations (such as blue-beige), accessories that engage (not too expensive, yet with a message). On the other hand, displaying known brands, impersonal yet pretentious accessories, all black outfit, diagonally contrasting colors (black- white, bright red-dark blue) can derail the message, as these are often worn by people who value status over personal connection.
Creativity - is often expressed with creative jewelry, clearly modern or rather classic style, unusual color contrasts, sometimes unusual detail. Examples can be adding sleeve buttons of a contrasting color to the blazer, wearing cufflinks, having a creative hair style. Creativity needs to be dosed in an outfit to be a clear message without being distracting.
Attention to detail is usually displayed through the cleanliness of the outfit. Clean lines, no patterns or very easy to the eye patterns, tidy hair style. People who take notes during the interview are rare (as usually interviewers do not share a lot of detailed information), but having a few notes, and some questions noted in advance sends similar message. Do not forget your surroundings- clean room, no busy wall-prints helps! Do not forget your hands. Hands are very in focus on camera, so hydrate them well and avoid chipped nails etc.
My #2: Connect with Company culture.
This is easily researched, and easily achieved in style. Interestingly, one would think professional outfit always works. If you don't know better- just wear classical professional outfit, and add a tie!
Well, I found that being overdressed when interviewing for a company expecting casual style can be even worse, -interviewers may think your personality is a mismatch to the company culture!
Now, most people have no issues with casual styles, but what if you need to look very classical? Here are few simple tips:
Do not run buying professional classical style that you would never wear otherwise. Chances are that stiff white shirt will make you feel so out of place that you may come across stressed and unnatural. I bet you have simple clean long-sleeved pieces we can upgrade. See below how!
Add a scarf. For women expected to wear traditional professional attire - scarf that was also referred as tie in the past, is a great solution. Usually it is worm with a tight-fitting blouse, but it can be worn perfectly well with a less tight-fitting yet long-sleeved t-shirt. Now- make sure that scarf a perfect color for you, and you’re done!!
Blazer is a great investment. For any gender, sports jacket or blazer can be worn over a t-shirt or a turtleneck making a perfect professional appearance! There are nowadays wonderfully soft blazers to make you feel nearly as comfy as in your favorite hoody! Add a pocket square (a little handkerchief) in the breast pocket for those displaying male style- and your wonderfully professional outfit is ready to go! Use a pocket square in contrasting color - and your look will be very creative!
Last may surprise you- whatever you wear on top, do not wear joggers or shorts for the bottoms! Even if you don’t plan to stand up during the interview. First- you still might end up standing, unexpectedly. And second- it’s about your state of mind. Joggers at the bottom will not allow you to be wholly in the setting of the conversation. Put on a pair of dark jeans or khakis (pants, not shorts), or a comfy skirt for women.
Good luck! And let me know if you would like to connect in preparing for your next interview or presentation.
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