Summer Interviews - 5 Tips to Help Keep Your Cool

Posted by in Career Advice




Interviews are stressful no matter what time of year it is, but in the dog days of summer, they can present an even bigger challenge. Just last week, I was in a hurry to get to a job interview and between the heat, the terrible humidity and my nerves, when I finally got there, I could feel the heat radiating off of my body. I was rumpled, tired and the sweat running down my face didn't give me the polished, professional look I was going for.



It seems to be a common problem this time of year, but there are some things you can do to keep your cool during summer interviews. Here are some tips:



Wear one less item in transit - On the way to the interview, wear one less item than you plan to wear at the actual interview. For example, carry your jacket or blazer. This way, you'll be cooler in transit and your jacket will be crisp. Once you put it one, you don't have to worry as much about the dampness of your shirt becoming too visible.



Wear comfortable shoes - It's tempting to wear a pair of heels, but during the summer, it's better to opt for comfortable flats or dress shoes. Dressy sandals can also work well, depending on the dress code of the business. Whatever you do, don't show up wearing flip-flops.



Give yourself 15 minutes to cool down - Allow yourself extra time to cool off before your interview time. Depending on where you are going, spend a few minutes in the bathroom or at a nearby business to get refreshed and gather your thoughts. This is the perfect time to put some cold water on your face or neck. It's also a good idea to always carry a nice handkerchief for just this situation. Once you're cooled off, you'll feel more confident about the interview.



Select garments that don't show sweat - It's best to wear fabrics that have a little bit of Lycra, to prevent wrinkles and stay away from linens and other fabrics that tend to show sweat or that look rumpled easily. Plan for the hottest day, and anything less will be a pleasant surprise.



Bring along some breath strips - To feel fresh, it's a bad idea to put on more cologne or perfume. On hot days, the overwhelming perfume smell can trigger allergies even in those who aren't as sensitive to it. Instead, get a pack of breath strips that dissolve quickly in your mouth. It will give you fresher breath and can even make you smell better overall.



What other things do you think help on hot days? How have you been coping with the heat? Please share your thoughts in the comments.



 

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  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy
    Thanks for all of the great comments. Keeping cool during the dog days of summer is a challenge. Especially if you live in a large city and have to rely on mass transit. Hopefully these tips will help you not show up looking wilted.
  • Cindy
    Cindy
    I have faced this written interview many a times, some how got a job, but this article was great one..i feel i need to keep this as a reference in future..i have bookmarked it ..thanks a lot!!
  • devesh k
    devesh k
    These are wonderful tips . Thanks Melissa For such useful guidelines ...  
  • Michaelene L
    Michaelene L
    Instead of perfume ( have been "trapped" in an office with someone who must have showered in Poison...the perfume, ugh), carry a small sampler container of talcum powder.  Talcum powder is always scented with a light fragrance, and applying it to "hot spots" will also help you feel more comfortable.
  • Cheryl H
    Cheryl H
    Thank you - I was wondering what others were doing to prevent that sweated-out look during interviews.
  • Alex L
    Alex L
    how to answer suggestive questions
  • Beth O
    Beth O
    I live in Arizona and during the summer it is hot like 115 degrees hot. Doing all of your above recommendation and one more that I found. Always good to do a once over with the lint roller before you get out of the car. Well, Bounce has one now that when you roll it over your clothes leaves the lightest scent of freshness. That as a final touch make you perfect as you can be during these dog days of summer.
  • Suraj K
    Suraj K
    Excellent tips for an interview during summer season. A glass / bottle of cold water will also be good to cool off your heat from body and mind set will be pleasant before interview.
  • Maya K
    Maya K
    Mint tee 2 hours before the interview stay away from the coffee or any hot beverages. Try not to take a shower right before you leave do it in the morning when you wake up. A cigarette before the interview makes you shaky and sweaty you can have one after the interview when all the dust settles.
  • Daniel W
    Daniel W
    Try not drink coffee, it will raise your heart rate creating sweat much more at risk. Stick with a cool ice tea.
  • Heather W
    Heather W
    These are very helpful comments. Thank you for posting  them in my e.mail.
  • Diane T
    Diane T
    It sounds corny but think cool thoughts.  Just before going into the interview think about a beautiful island with flowing palm trees, a crystal blue lake, and a refreshing glass of your favorite beverage.  Just thinking about it (if not doing it after the interview) may get you through!
  • Glen W
    Glen W
    all sounds like good advice
  • Margaret A
    Margaret A
    Stay hydrated preferably with water. I take B-12 tablets once a day as well as a multi vitamin to offset stress and keep healthy and energetic. Maintain a schedule of rising early and sleeping for at least 7 hours to be more rested and well adjusted during your search. Listen to music that you enjoy on the way to your interview for a mood lifter. Be yourself! Trust that God is making a way for you. Remember that you are not your job; stay true to your identity for this is true confidence.
  • Samantha B
    Samantha B
    Women with long hair should pull their hair into a bun or ponytail to keep cool.
  • John C
    John C
    Guys : wear a white dress shirt, NOT a blue one. Any hint of sweat or perspiration will stand out in a very embarrasing way on colors that become darker when wet.All: try not to travel to an interview during rush hours. Aside from avoiding traffic problems, you will reduce stress and (if you use mass transit, like me) minimize the risk of looking like you just stepped out of a sardine can.AND TURN OFF YOUR PHONE!
  • Mary A
    Mary A
    Thank you...You answered my question about Dressy sandals..I was not sure but w/this heat I do not want to wear stockings..yuk...I appreciate your help!!  
  • cleavis N
    cleavis N
    A light/dilute spray of Rosemary and Green tea from a spritzer bottle (1.00 @ DollarTree) should work wonders.
  • Duane d
    Duane d
    this  article   was   very    helpful  to   me.
  • Greg H
    Greg H
    Nice wardrobe tips , thats about it. Might be good for someone who has never been interviewed
  • Mary M
    Mary M
    Thanks for the tips. I have an upcoming interview and already I can feel the stress building! Probably best to wear an outfit in layers that will look professional whether or not the jacket is off in a warm interview room. Hard to judge ahead of time with summer air conditioning a factor as well. Now if I just don't spill water all over myself!
  • jim D
    jim D
    Using a little talcum/baby powder always helps me feel more comfortable in the summer. It keeps clothes from sticking to your skin and makes you feel fresher !
  • Debra R
    Debra R
    I do not wear perfume because I know that is offensive to others. Instead, I wear a light body spray.
  • Basheer M
    Basheer M
    Good ideas.
  • Clare B
    Clare B
    Drive w/ working air conditioner
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