Contrast Creative’s producers have interviewed hundreds of people. With our combined careers in news and video, we literally have decades-worth of experience to share with our clients. (Stop doing the math – we’re not that old.) We can usually tell if people have been media trained. They understand the importance of message, image and tone. In this first blog, I’ll get you ready to sit down for the interview. The next blog will help you make it through unscathed.
So, what do you need to do to get ready for the interviewing hot seat? I thought you’d never ask!
Dress appropriately.
- Are you being interviewed in a board room or on a farm? A suit looks great in one of those locations. Dress for your surroundings.
- Wear something that makes you feel comfortable. If it’s too tight or constricting, you’ll be distracted during the interview. Women: nothing too low-cut on the top or too short on the bottom. Forget trendiness for the day and think classic style. Jewelry should be conservative.
- If you buy something new to wear, be sure to remove all the tags and stickers. (Don’t laugh; it could happen to you.)
Wear the right colors and patterns (or lack-thereof).
- You’ve probably had someone say, “That color looks great on you.” Pay attention next time and wear that during an interview. An easy rule of thumb is to avoid white, and avoid shades that are close to your skin color. Men can usually get away with white shirts if they’re wearing a tie and jacket, but I prefer off-white or light blue shirts if possible.
- Avoid patterns. For women, stick to solids. Patterns can be distracting. It’s your message and not your new favorite jacket that you want people to notice. For men wearing ties during the interview, bring several options with you. Sometimes the camera doesn’t like certain patterns. We’ve all seen guys on television who look like their loud ties or herringbone jackets are doing the happy dance. Muted patterns and solids are the way to go, gentlemen.
What about your hair and make-up?
- Don’t assume that the people doing the interview will provide these services. Contrast Creative offers the option of having trained hair and make-up professionals on our video shoots. (Trust me; you’ll be happy that you asked for a magician … uh, appearance professional to be part of the shoot.) Not all companies offer these services; and unless you’re Diane Sawyer, don’t ever expect a television news crew to provide hair or make-up personnel.
- Everyone needs to wear powder. The bright lights are not your friends. If you’re old enough to remember hearing about the Nixon-Kennedy debate you know what I’m talking about. If you’re not old enough, Google it. Make-up is a must.
If you don’t normally wear make-up, go to a cosmetics counter and tell them you need pressed powder (not loose powder) in your shade. Keep a small bag handy in your car or desk that you can grab if you’re likely to be interviewed. In it you should have: pressed powder (remember that you might be a different shade in February than in August); lipstick for women in a neutral color or Chapstick (nothing glossy) for men; comb or brush; small can of hair spray for fly-away hairs on top; lint roller; tooth brush and toothpaste; small mirror. Drug stores carry make-up remover wipes in small, foil pouches in case you want to remove all traces of powder ASAP. You can add that to your goodie bag. - Finally, I’m throwing good dental hygiene in here. Your million-dollar, newly whitened smile won’t count for much if we can all tell you had a spinach salad for lunch. Try to brush or at least chew a mint just before the interview. Women should also check the mirror to make sure there’s no lipstick on your teeth.
Now you’re all set to sit down and face the lights, camera and questions. In the next blog, I’ll offer some tips to help you make the most of the interview. For instance, are you subliminally giving negative messages? From your head to your feet, you’re sending signals. Find out how your subtle messages might be putting the kibosh on your communications. And, we’ll answer the burning question: what do you do with your hands? Stay tuned for Interview Tips: Take 2!