Job Interview Hairstyles for Women

Ah, job interviews. As if dusting off the old resume and diving back in to the job market weren't stressful enough, consider this: according to staffing firms like H Careers and Schaffer Associates, most human resources personnel and hiring managers need only 30seconds to gather a first impression. That's right, seconds. 

So, dear candidate, you are left to scramble to polish your appearance in order to avoid creating negative vibes. But just how detailed need you be at this point? The answer is painfully simple: very. This includes taming your restless mane into a more professional, presentable and low-key style. 

The Clip

Ever noticed that the cliche image of the successful businesswoman often features carefully arranged hair in none other than a banana clip? Turns out, this look may not be so cliche after all. When we look at a woman with her hair put up nicely, we immediately think that she doesn't want hair in her eyes. But, why, you ask? Because she's busy. 

Do it Yourself

1. Wash and towel-dry hair. Run a shining serum evenly through damp hair.

2. Blow hair dry on a medium heat setting, working a round brush through small sections as it dries. This will provide the perfect amount of body.

3. Once hair is completely dry, part far to the left side. Gather all hair, including bangs of any length, and place into a tight ponytail at the back of the head. For the best camouflage, use a clear rubber band or hair-colored tie.

4. Take all hair in the ponytail and twist tightly. Fold twist as needed until it is roughly six inches in length. Place in banana clip. 

Sleek and Straight 

If your gut tells you that your interview 'do must be down, go with it. An eye-catching look for any occasion, the sleek and straight style is pretty and feminine while remaining fierce and packed full of that go-get-'em-tiger attitude. 

Do it Yourself

Please note that this interview style is best achieved with hair that has been freshly trimmed, as it may draw attention to dry, dead ends.

1. Wash and condition hair with your favorite products. Towel-dry.

2. Spread a smoothing serum through hair, ensuring even distribution. Blow hair completely dry using a low heat setting, working a large brush through small sections as it dries.

3. Once dry, part hair directly down the middle and go to work with a straightening iron. Do not attempt to curl the ends in any way, but leave all hair totally straight.

4. Top with shine-enhancing hairspray. 

Interview 'Do No-No's

• Avoid anything loose, such as a low ponytail or bun. Loose may be low maintenance and fun for casual wear, but these styles can be interpreted as laziness or sloppiness by an interviewer. 

• Use common sense! That's right, the paisley headband and pink dye need to be shelved. While you do want to display your personality in a job interview, you want to do so carefully and tastefully. Save the wild side for the company Christmas party.

• Stay symmetrical in an interview 'do. This means avoiding anything that may cause you to appear lop-sided: side buns and ponytails being the two most common violators.

• Keep it out of your face. Can you imagine what your impression would be if someone continuously hid behind their hair? This look is not only creepy and screams of young girls in bad horror movies, but it also makes you appear mousy, shy and nervous. 

Sources:
Experience as a former Cosmetician
http://www.hcareers.com/us/resourcecenter/tabid/306/articleid/445/default.aspx