Preparing for an interview can be nerve-wrecking. You don’t really know which questions the panel will ask, or if they will be impressed enough to hire you. Now imagine practicing in front of the mirror over a hundred times, you have your outfit for the big day pressed and ready and then you forget to take care of one major thing: your smile. Most employers these days look at more than just the way you answer questions or your qualifications. How you present yourself and your appearance matters just as much hence why having a bright smile is equally as important as picking the right outfit. Let us now look at why proper dental prep is a key component of your interview preparation and why it could be the one thing standing between you and your dream job.
What are Employers Looking for?
First impression lasts for a long time and rarely will you get a second chance to change someone’s perception of you. During an interview, the employer will judge you based on your demeanor, etiquette, energy, knowledge and most importantly, appearance. People associate the way you dress to your level of maturity and responsibilities. Someone who is shabbily dressed is assumed to be lazy and not able to take the potential job seriously.
In addition to dressing appropriately, candidates with a clean bright smile seem more credible and have higher chances of getting hired compared to those with stained or broken teeth.
How to Take Care of Your Teeth Before, During and After the Interview
Prior to the Interview
There are several things you can do before the interview to ensure you have a bright smile on the day of. Brushing and flossing regularly as well as using mouthwash not only keep bad breath away, but also maintain your clean and bright smile. If you have stained teeth, you can consult with a certified dentist for professional teeth whitening services.
Eat foods that are beneficial for your teeth and oral health. Such foods include:
- Citrus
- Fish
- Cereal grains
- Dairy products
- High protein foods
Foods that are detrimental to your oral health include:
- Hard or chewy candy
- Sugary items
- Vinegar and acidic food/drinks
- Coffee and wine
During the Interview
Spit your gum out beforehand to avoid chewing it during your interview. This is to avoid looking unprofessional and getting easily distracted. Remember to smile even if the interviewer looks intimidating. Smiling indicates you are excited to be there and polite to your potential employer.
After the Interview
You might think that now that you have gotten the job, your appearance no longer needs to be prioritized. This, however, cannot be any further from the truth. This is the time to ensure you present yourself professionally in the workplace.
Ready to Get a Perfect Smile?
Do you have an upcoming interview but have stained or broken teeth? Are you afraid your crooked smile will get in the way of you getting your dream job? If your answers to both questions are yes, call Dr. Alex Rubinov at (718) 253-0800 to schedule an appointment and get started on your smile makeover journey.