GROOM FOR SUCCESS
The rules of basic grooming may seem obvious, but when it comes to getting prepped and polished for a big job interview, don’t skip the small stuff, and do be prepared for wrinkles, ragged cuticles and everything else.
Whether it’s the first handshake or handing over your resume, make sure your hands and nails are well-manicured or, at the very least, trimmed and clean.
To moisturize nail beds and tame craggy cuticles, OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go is a purse-sized tube with a brush tip that makes it easy to apply quickly. You’ll have smooth cuticles without the greasiness of lotion on your hands. In a pinch, clear lip gloss or balm will erase any sign of dry nails or ashy elbows.
Interview clothes can be uncomfortable and problematic. A small can of static guard is a good thing to keep on hand or in the car in order to make sure your skirt doesn’t stick to your legs when you stand up. For a double-duty trick, a mist of hair spray can also eliminate static cling.
Wrinkles are almost inevitable, especially after a car ride. Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray comes in a travel-sized bottle, and a few pumps relax wrinkles and freshen fabric. Just make sure not to overdo it or you’ll walk into the interview with visible wet spots. Remember to clear off any lint, rogue threads or dandruff with a travel-sized lint roller. A strip of duct or masking tape will work just as well. You’ll be talking a lot so, to make sure your breath is fresh; pop a mint or use Listerine breath strips.
And though you may be dusting off those lace-up oxfords or “sensible” dress shoes for the first time in a long while, make sure they don’t look like they’ve been sitting in the back of your closet for years. Give shoes and the edges and bottom of a leather bag a few swipes with Kiwi express wipes for a polished finish.
A small scuff, unsightly hangnail or rumpled blouse doesn’t normally read as a red flag, but for a job interview, think about the tiny details of grooming as the first step toward making a strong first impression.
--