Before your Next Interview|Interview Skills

No overwhelming cologne or perfume - This is true across the board for the jobseeker. You do not want to leave your scent behind for everyone to notice. You want to leave your strong candidacy for the position to resonate in their minds, not your new perfume/cologne. Ladies, no body glitter - There is no place for it in an interview. Leave it for your night time leisure, not an interview. Be professional.

Poor or weak handshake - Have confidence, shake firm but not over the top and never do the "kiss your hand" handshake. Make eye contact and smile during the interview, not too much. You want to show personality. We all know it is always uncomfortable in an interview when you are dealing with a candidate that is stone-faced and exhibits little personality.

No colored paper or clip art on your resume - The focus of a resume is your professionalism and successes throughout your career, not the cleaver way you printed your resume on a light leopard print. You are getting a new professional job, not applying for a part in Legally Blonde 3.

No tattoos or piercings showing - Earrings is your only exception (subtle at that). Take out the nose ring and cover any tattoos you could display. Read your audience - Answer the interview questions concisely and be sure you stay on topic. Don't ramble so much you forget the question. This is not the time for you to discuss your life, old bosses or anything in this area. If you know there is a chance you could fall into this trap - practice your answers to some general interview questions ahead of time with a friend. Nobody wants a motor mouth with unending information to convey. Stick to the point.

Make eye contact - Have some self respect. Look at the interviewer with confidence. Engage the interviewer. Make them really get to know you. Answer the questions looking the interviewer directly in the eyes. That is a good way to keep the interviewer's attention and make an impression.

Be sure that your overall appeal is up to par - No rings on each finger, bracelets or dangling earrings. Minimize your make-up. No short skirts. No crazy eye shadow, bright lipstick or overdone eye liner. Look conservative and like you are ready to get to work, not to distract everyone in the office.

Polish your shoes - All of you that have been in the military know this. It is important to look clean and together. Some people judge people by their shoes. They look at someone's shoes to get a good feel for the type of person they are dealing with. Are the shoes new, polished? Is this person together?

Wear a suit, but no suits from 10 years ago - Go invest in a new suit if your suit is over seven years old and you haven't seen any suits like yours in the stores. Nothing too trendy, conservative, but not too old. Stay with the times.

Article courtesy of e-resume.net