Optia Partners - Interviewing Tips - Appearance and Manner

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Appearance and Manner

The importance of a professional appearance and strong presentation and communication skills cannot be overstated. These are your personal marketing tools and what appeals to the interviewer’s emotional senses.

Suggestions:

Always dress professionally, even if the interviewer or recruiter suggests it is OK to dress casually. Interviewers will subconsciously evaluate your character by your appearance.
Shake hands firmly with non-Japanese interviewers and address them by their first name throughout the interview. It is far more natural to use first names with non-Japanese.
Practice your posture and delivery until you have developed a comfortable style. Generally speaking, posture should be straight and slightly forward, hands in front and lightly on the desk, direct eye contact with keen interest.
Avoid smoking well before the interview. Interviewers usually notice the smell of stale cigarette smoke.
Get your names right! Incorrectly stating the company or interviewer’s name leaves an impression of carelessness or forgetfulness. Do it twice and you’re out!