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Justice Simango
Professional make-overs and grooming are a prosaic drill that organisations should invest into their human capital. Putting up a good first impression to your potential employer is paramount in a job interview.

Regardless of the work environment, it is crucial to dress to the nines and make a lasting impression. Hiring managers have ruled out dress code as the major factor that curtail the employment chances for most aspiring employees.

Although industries have different expectations as far as dressing etiquette is concerned, you should always bear in mind that, ‘there is no second chance to make a first impression’.

A general rule of thumb for both men and women is a suit. Suits will never go out of fashion. A particular trend of the moment appears to be a glossy-shiny suit. While it’s perfectly acceptable for a wedding or a nightclub, it should not be attempted for a job interview.

Plan your outfit, research more about the organisational dress culture, what is expected from you. Iron your outfit and make sure you try it before the actual day.

Dark colours, for both male and female candidates will be appealing to the employer. Women have the choice for a trousers or skirt. The etiquette rule for a skirt is that the hemline should be no more than one biro length above the knee.

Men will make a first impression with a black or navy blue suit with either black or brown polished shoes. Avoid clumsy patterns, accessories make up and take it easy with the cologne.

Well, if you want to show the hiring manager that you are the perfect match for the job, you should  bring along the confirmation letter for the appointment.

The letter will remind you on the directions and any instructions that the employer would have indicated. A day or two before the job interview, take a test drive (or test bus ride) to the interview location so that you know exactly where it is, where to park and how long the trip to the venue is. You don’t want to portray the impression that you are a late comer.

Try to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your identification documents, in case the buildings have top of the deck security protocol.

There is nothing embarrassing as borrowing a pen and paper from the interviewers, so save yourself the shame and bring a notepad and a pen to jot down names, company information or questions you come up with during the interview. The stationery will imply that you are prepared and ready to go.

A well groomed candidate will carry extra copies of his/her Curriculum Vitae and certificates and most importantly, a list of well structured questions.

Many at times, I get agitated when candidates bring a cup of coffee, magazine, bottle of water let alone chewing gum to a job interview.

No matter how casual the interview may seem to be, these materials are not within the parameters of etiquette. Switch of your cell phone, you surely do not want a WhatsApp message to disrupt your next sentence. Elite professionals observe protocol at all times and likewise, protocol should be observed in all job interviews.

Upon entering the room, you greet the interviewers, introduce yourself and give them a firm “web to web” handshake before they offer you a seat. Be prepared for a little talk and always stand up if someone walks into the room.

Interview questions are drawn mainly from five categories, that is, questions about yourself, management, why you should be hired, the new job, questions about salary and the future and lastly questions about your qualifications and work history. When responding to these questions, listen carefully, take time to phrase your sentence, and always ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you didn’t get it clearly.

Be brief and don’t mumble or you’re your words when responding to the questions. Your response is your sale pitch. You just have to give it your best. A general idea to win in most interviews is to answer the question, do not give the interview two answers so that they decide for you, show them your critical thinking and decision making skills.

Hiring experts pay attention to your body language. Maintain eye contact and do not stare. Use gestures to enhance your ideas. Touching your finger tips denotes authority hence the best gesture is to open your palm, it’s a sign of honesty.

Always keep your arms open. Closed arms will suggest that one is defensive or unapproachable; this also applies in the psychology of customer service.

Don’t slouch, don’t hang on your arm, don’t clutch your fists, don’t bite your nails, don’t touch your face or play with your hair, and don’t rub your head, neck, and nose, all these are signals of boredom.

Smile and laugh when the interviewer does so, it shows you are paying attention. Listen and don’t interrupt the interviewer.

The tone of your voice should be even and polite. Juggling your feet up and down is a sign of impatience. Place both feet on the floor to avoid temptation.

The best candidates pull out a pad and ask three or four questions at the end of the interview. One can ask about the preparations he/she can do if ever the job was offered, or some can ask the hiring managers what they enjoy about the company. To me, these questions imply that the candidate is confident, self motivated, and interested in joining the organisation.

All the best in your next interview!

-Justice Simango is a Business Etiquette Expert who writes in his own capacity. He is the vice president Membership for Supreme Toastmasters Club. Feedback: [email protected], WhatsApp: +263717 566 382