by Bethany Whiteman
In New York City, you only get one first impression. Immediately establishing a strong foundation of who you are and what you can do will make you stand out. Let’s be honest: your potential employer meets with several smart and endearing candidates each day; faces begin to blend, answers to questions get jumbled up, and resumes become a blur. Focusing on how you initially present yourself will help you be distinct. Since we know a thing or two about making a memorable first impression, here are two tips to keep in mind for your next interview.
Stand tall
Anxiety is your number one enemy. In order to remain calm, all you need to do is follow basic practices you’ve read about a million times because they actually work. Give yourself a full eight hours of sleep and enjoy a hearty breakfast when you wake up. A lack of sleep and skipping meals will leave you groggy and unfocused, which is the exact opposite of what you need to be. In addition, practice simple breathing and meditation exercises to help clear your mind from any negative thoughts or concerns that you may be experiencing. Motivate yourself with positive affirmations or an upbeat playlist. Remember, energy comes from within so stand tall and believe in yourself.
Dress to impress
Presentation is everything. Now that you’re well rested and have your nerves under control, you can focus on attire. When choosing your outfit, keep in mind that what you’re wearing and how you hold yourself pieces together is an immediate image to your potential employer. That being said, dress for the way you want to be treated and recognized. For instance, if you want people to know that you are detail-oriented, then pay close attention to a neat exterior and make a conscious effort that each piece of your outfit serves a purpose. One of our favorite mottos for both women and men’s attire is Coco Chanel’s: “Always remove one thing before you leave the house. Less is more.” Keep the patterns, low cut items and accessories to a minimum. For complete outfit breakdowns for both men and women, check out what our in-house fashionista, Maria Zepeda, has to offer.