I love Super Bowl ads. The commercials are the best part of the game to me. Every year just prior to the Super Bowl you can find TV specials about the best or worst Super Bowl ads, just to get you ready for the best part of the upcoming game.
Here is my favorite from the past: The Tide-to-Go Super Bowl Commercial, My Talking Stain Ad from 2008. The hiring manager asks, “So tell me about yourself”. (Of course he does.) The candidate starts his response but so does the stain on his shirt. Every time the candidate talks the stain talks. The hiring manager can’t take his eyes off the stain! I crack up every time!!
Comedy is funny because something bad is happening to someone else. Comedy is rooted in truth. Someone out there has had his stained clothes speak for him or the lipstick on her teeth speaks for her. It happens. Such mishaps mess up everything.
What will the hiring manager remember about you the next time you interview? If you want them to remember YOU then be sure you think ahead to make the best impression. Here are some tips:
- Check your clothes carefully. No stains, tears, spots, rips, or signs of wear. Ever. Take your interview clothing to the cleaners for professional attention if possible. Treat even the most casual interview clothing with the utmost care and attention.
- Check your personal grooming carefully. Makeup should be simple and applied correctly. Teeth brushed. Hair clean and groomed. Nothing outlandish. Be conservative and avoid having your personal grooming take center stage instead of you.
- Shine your shoes. Shoes are very important. Shoes should be shined and clean with no visible scuff marks. Even the soles should get some attention. You would be surprised how many hiring managers check shoes as an unscientific way to evaluate candidates.
- Have professional looking tools. Get a professional looking portfolio and a pen that does not advertise the local dry cleaners. If you bring a briefcase, make sure it is clean and polished. The materials you bring with you represent you. Make sure you make the best impression.
Human resource people get lots of laughs from poorly prepared candidates. Let someone else be the butt of a joke. Make sure you attend to the little details so you make the best impression.