The scenario
You're known as the guy who always wears blue jeans at work. A job has come up that you're keen to fill and you know you could perform admirably. How should you dress to impress in the job interview?
The advice
Is the question really about what to wear, or who you are within those clothes? If the question is about fashion, I'm not the one to give advice, so visit the staff at a reputable clothier -- they're the experts, and even if you can't afford what they recommend, take their advice and work with what you have. My rule of thumb is to always wear clothes just slightly dressier than my clients', so that I always fit in.
But let's get to the bigger question of who you are within those clothes. Getting a new job may be influenced a little bit by what you wear, but what people are really looking at is who you are.
So who are you? And how do you want to be when you show up for the interview?
There are some qualities that you must wear on your sleeve when you walk through the door -- qualities such as self-confidence and positive energy. Nobody wants to hire anybody who does not somehow make his or her day better.
How do you do this?
Focus on your "state" -- and to create a powerful state, you have both your mental focus and body physiology to work with.
Focus on something empowering, such as "I am going to get this job!" and then embody this. How do you use your body to exude strength and self-confidence? Shoulders back? Head up? Standing/sitting tall? Smiling? Leaning forward at the table? Figure out what works for you and own it when you walk into the interview.
Everyone has heard of the expression, "Begin with the end in mind." But how many of us actually practice this? Spend time seeing yourself succeed before you walk through the door. Spend time imagining the interview, the questions you might be asked, the answers you will give, the impression you will leave behind. See yourself as a leader in that interview, even if the only person you lead is you. Having a very strong vision of what you want the outcome to be will ensure that desire for success comes across.
Katie Bennett is an executive leadership coach and speaker based in Vancouver.