What Manicure for a Job Interview?

There isn't much that can help dispel the stress created by a looming job interview but having great nails can't make it any worse. After all, as you sit in front of your potential new boss, the last thing you need to be thinking about is the state of your nails.

The best possible thing you can do is make sure you're perfectly equipped with a gorgeous manicure the night before the interview. The thing is how on earth are you supposed to choose one?

Start by taking care of your hands

Show your fingers a little TLC ahead of time. The person (or people) interviewing you will be judging you on your appearance as much as they will your CV. To give them every reason to think you're calm, cool and collected, your hands shouldn't bear any signs of chipped nail polish, bitten nails or chewed up fingers.

Before the big day, make sure your hands are well moisturized, your cuticles are pushed back neatly and your nails are filed smoothly. For an occasion like this, a rounded tip is probably the best nail shape. It's classic, chic and elegant, just how a good interview look should be!

Then, all you have to do is choose your nail polish.

Keep things simple

Any prospective employer isn't going to be as impressed as they should be when it comes to your love of sparkles and unicorns (more fool them!) so it's best to go for a more low-key look. Leave the quirky nail art for the weekend!

At the same time, it's always a good idea to coordinate your nails with your outfit. This doesn't necessarily mean pairing a black outfit with black nails, rather choosing an understated manicure that works well with what you're wearing. Any nude or light pink shade is perfectly acceptable as long as it's meticulously applied. The same goes for a classic red or midnight blue shade.

If you really feel like adding a little extra color to your look, you could also go for a subtle pastel shade, just steer clear of bright colors and too much glitter. After all, it's never a bad thing to show off a little of your personality!

Once you've chosen your nail polish, remember to apply a top coat to reduce the risk of chipping your nails en route to your interview and get practicing a firm handshake.

Good luck!