Your hair and skin are one of the first things others notice about you. Your hairstyle and complexion speak volumes about how well you take care of yourself and give others some insight into your lifestyle, and hygiene and grooming habits.
Looking your best is especially important when attending a job interview. You may have the qualifications, skills and experience required for the role, but if you arrive with unwashed, messy hair and tired, dehydrated skin that looks like you were up partying the night before, you may not make the kind of impression you were hoping for.
When you take pride in your appearance, you not only feel more confident; you’re also telling others that you pay attention to the little details. It also signals that you have a strong sense of self-worth, that you care about how you come across to other people and that you’re invested in yourself.
As part of your preparation for wowing your prospective employers and nailing the job, it’s worth following these expert tips to ensure you look and feel your best on the day of your interview.
1. Live a healthy lifestyle
When you eat poorly, skimp on sleep and are not physically active, it shows in your complexion. An unhealthy lifestyle may worsen acne and leave your skin looking dry and dull; it can also make you look fatigued.
Acne is a common problem among young men, says Dr Low Chai Ling, an aesthetic doctor and the founder of SW1 Clinic. It is typically due to a range of factors, such as hormonal changes, stress and a bad diet. If you are constantly stressed and tired, you may also notice dark circles and puffy bags under your eyes.
2. Follow a basic skincare routine
A basic routine for good skin should comprise the following steps, says Dr Low:
Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil and impurities from your skin. Use lukewarm water to avoid drying out the skin.
Exfoliate: Use a granular scrub or an exfoliating tool (like a skin brush or sponge) once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and help prevent clogged pores. “Be careful not to overdo this step, though, as excessive exfoliating can damage your skin,” Dr Low warns.
Moisturise: Apply a moisturiser to hydrate your skin and prevent dryness. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won’t clog pores.
Apply sunscreen: Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days, says Dr Low. This helps protect the skin from damaging UV rays that can lead to premature ageing, wrinkles and skin cancer.
Find out more about what else goes into a basic skincare routine.
3. Fix common skin problems
Do you experience specific skin problems that require extra care and attention?
“Additional steps can be added to your skincare routine, depending on your skin type or concerns,” Dr Low explains.
“For example, if your skin is oily, use a toner to help balance your skin’s natural oils. If your skin is prone to acne, a spot treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be used as needed.”
Laser treatments may also help. Acne can be cleared very effectively with a blue photo-biomodulation light, Dr Low adds. Lasers can also help to reduce acne scars and minimise the appearance of pores. Depending on the severity of the skin problem, several sessions may be needed, so you should plan ahead.
If you develop a huge pimple the day before your interview, you may wish to get a pimple injection at the clinic. Dr Low says that the injection, a mixture of an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory steroid, can help settle the swelling and redness in a day.
4. Target shine and grease
Worried that your oily skin will look shiny or overly greasy when you arrive for your interview? Dr Low recommends using a toner containing alpha-hydroxy acid or a light moisturiser beforehand, to help reduce cell build-up and minimise shine. Remember to also wash your face regularly with a gentle cleanser to keep your skin clean and looking fresh.
“For a quick fix, spray your face with an oil or shine control toner just before your interview. Carry the bottle in your bag for easy touch-ups throughout the day,” she adds.
Think your skin is greasy? Here are more tips on taking care of oily skin.
5. Freshen your mouth
Smiling during your interview will help to relax you and put your interviewers at ease. So, give your mouth as much attention as you do your skin.
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss in-between teeth after every meal. Using mouthwash keeps your breath fresh and your teeth, sparkling.
If your teeth are stained, it’s a good idea to get them professionally cleaned before your interview. Be mindful about how much coffee, green tea and red wine you’re drinking, too, as these beverages can stain your teeth yellow.
Invest in good oral hygiene products and use them regularly. Homegrown brand Pearlie White offers a range of quality toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouth rinses, breath sprays, flossers and stain and plaque removers.
SAFRA members and 11B holders enjoy 30% off regular-priced Pearlie White products till 30 June 2023. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/pearlie-white
Also, learn more about oral hygiene and taking care of your teeth here.
6. Banish unsightly stubble
That five o’clock shadow may make you seem more sexy or attractive, but your interviewer may get the impression that you’re scruffy and unprofessional. Either show up to your interview clean-shaven or (neatly) bearded, but forego that “in-between shaves” look.
For that clean, fresh-faced look, lather up with Essano Man No-Irritation Shave Cream or Essano Man Sensitive Shave Gel. Both products contact aloe leaf juice, ginger root extract, Tasmanian pepper berry, green tea leaf extract and other natural ingredients to lubricate the skin, fight redness and razor burn, and soothe and heal the skin post-shave.
SAFRA members and 11B holders enjoy 30% off all regular-priced Essano products till 30 June 2023. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/essano
If you prefer a bearded look, check out these products and services for a well-groomed beard and moustache.
7. Get a-head
Keep your hairstyle simple and neat, and avoid going overboard with hair products like gel, spray and mousse, as this may distract your interviewer or make you appear vain or self-obsessed.
Your hair should also be clean, and this starts with a healthy scalp. Ossome offers a scientifically formulated range called Exossome, which helps reactivate hair regrowth and rejuvenate your scalp.
If you want to target hair loss or hair dryness before your interview, try Ossome’s MoistureLock range, which keeps colour-treated hair looking its best while soothing the scalp and alleviating damage from past chemical treatments.
SAFRA members and 11B holders enjoy special discounts on first-timer packages from Ossome. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/ossome
NSmen, sign up for your complimentary 1-year SAFRA membership and enjoy discounts on dining and shopping purchases at over 2,000 merchant outlets islandwide, as well as members’ rates at more than 45 sports facilities at SAFRA clubs! What’s more, your family can enjoy the privileges too – your 1st dependent pays $10/year, and it’s free for your 2nd dependent onwards. Click here for more details.
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