Mistakes You Can't Afford!

Presenting a poor appearance

          Your mother was right - You don't get a second chance to make a first impression!  What's the first impression any interviewer gets?  That's right - how you look...your clothing...your demeanor...your appearance.  You can score major points here or you can absolutely blow the entire interview.

     So, here’s your basic list:  Don’t wear clothing inappropriate for an interview (tank tops, Crocs, and the T-shirt from Spring Break 2003 are definitely out), get rid of any body jewelry (the lip ring is cute, but you won’t impress any principal with it), cover up any and all tattoos, don’t use an excess of perfume or after shave lotion, take a bath or shower (with real soap) the morning of the interview, use a deodorant, go light with the jewelry and the makeup (save the fake eyelashes for Saturday night), get a haircut or a hair styling, trim your nails (fluorescent blue nail polish is out), brush your teeth and use a mouthwash (Oh, please use a mouthwash), ditch the gum and cigarettes, and put on your best smile.  One more thing: don’t drink any alcohol before an interview.  You definitely won’t be doing yourself any favors.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK:      In the course of my research for this book I interviewed scores of principals from every part of the country.  When I asked each of them for the #1 most common mistake teacher candidates make, over 90% of them replied, “Unprofessional dress or appearance.”