David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Conquer the Sweat: Nail the Job Interview
Sweating during a job interview can make you appear nervous and perhaps less qualified than you actually are. But more importantly, those dribbles of perspiration may be dissolving your poise ? a huge problem because exuding self-assurance can be key to impressing a potential new boss. Dr. Nowell Solish, a dermatologist, founding board member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society, and founder of the Sweat Clinics of Canada recently had this to say on the subject: "It's not just those embarrassing sweat marks that could hinder a potential job offer. Sweating can affect people's confidence and can make them appear nervous in high-pressure situations like job interviews, causing them to get anxious and not come across as their best."
If you have hyperhidrosis, you may sweat four times more than the average person, and that adds up to a lot of sweat during a stressful interview. It's hard enough to find a job these days without a treatable medical condition (like hyperhidrosis) holding you back. So, after you've practiced those answers to the tough questions (like "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "What's your biggest weakness?"), practice these sweat reducing tips:
First, visit SweatHelp.org to learn about treatments for hyperhidrosis. There are many options.
Dry yourself well after you shower. Antiperspirants are most effective when used on dry skin.
Apply antiperspirants twice per day, morning and evening. Evening application is especially important because it's been shown to be more effective than just morning application. Gently massaging the antiperspirant into your skin may increase its usefulness. "Clinical strength" formulations are available over-the-counter and have stronger active ingredients for better efficacy. Dermatologists can also provide prescription antiperspirants.
Consider using antiperspirants on other body parts where sweating is a problem, such as on your hands, feet, face, back, and chest. Test the antiperspirant on a small area of your skin first to see if it will cause irritation, or, even better, talk to a dermatologist before using antiperspirants on sensitive skin.
Choose your interview clothing with style and comfort in mind. Aim for air-permeable, loose-fitting (but flattering) clothing. Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and silk, which allow your skin to breathe.
Suits, dress shirts, and dresses are perfect for underarm liners! These are pads that fit discretely in the armpit of your clothing and absorb sweat. Often, they are disposable so you can quickly change them in the restroom between interviews.
Just say "no thank you" when you're offered coffee or tea in the waiting room. Hot beverages and especially caffeine can make you sweat even more. If you can wean yourself off caffeine altogether that's even better.
Common medications can exacerbate sweating. Talk to your physician if you think your medicine may be making you sweat more. (Note: After you click on the "Common medications" link above, scroll down to find info about meds and conditions that cause secondary sweating.)
If you've tried everything and your sweating is still hampering your career, it's time to seek professional help. Dermatologists have treatment options that are very effective: including prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox injections, and something that's "coming-soon" called miraDry.
Now, go knock 'em dead at your next interview.
Sweating during a job interview can make you appear nervous and perhaps less qualified than you actually are. But more importantly, those dribbles of perspiration may be dissolving your poise ? a huge problem because exuding self-assurance can be key to impressing a potential new boss. Dr. Nowell Solish, a dermatologist, founding board member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society, and founder of the Sweat Clinics of Canada recently had this to say on the subject: "It's not just those embarrassing sweat marks that could hinder a potential job offer. Sweating can affect people's confidence and can make them appear nervous in high-pressure situations like job interviews, causing them to get anxious and not come across as their best."
If you have hyperhidrosis, you may sweat four times more than the average person, and that adds up to a lot of sweat during a stressful interview. It's hard enough to find a job these days without a treatable medical condition (like hyperhidrosis) holding you back. So, after you've practiced those answers to the tough questions (like "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "What's your biggest weakness?"), practice these sweat reducing tips:
First, visit SweatHelp.org to learn about treatments for hyperhidrosis. There are many options.
Dry yourself well after you shower. Antiperspirants are most effective when used on dry skin.
Apply antiperspirants twice per day, morning and evening. Evening application is especially important because it's been shown to be more effective than just morning application. Gently massaging the antiperspirant into your skin may increase its usefulness. "Clinical strength" formulations are available over-the-counter and have stronger active ingredients for better efficacy. Dermatologists can also provide prescription antiperspirants.
Consider using antiperspirants on other body parts where sweating is a problem, such as on your hands, feet, face, back, and chest. Test the antiperspirant on a small area of your skin first to see if it will cause irritation, or, even better, talk to a dermatologist before using antiperspirants on sensitive skin.
Choose your interview clothing with style and comfort in mind. Aim for air-permeable, loose-fitting (but flattering) clothing. Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and silk, which allow your skin to breathe.
Suits, dress shirts, and dresses are perfect for underarm liners! These are pads that fit discretely in the armpit of your clothing and absorb sweat. Often, they are disposable so you can quickly change them in the restroom between interviews.
Just say "no thank you" when you're offered coffee or tea in the waiting room. Hot beverages and especially caffeine can make you sweat even more. If you can wean yourself off caffeine altogether that's even better.
Common medications can exacerbate sweating. Talk to your physician if you think your medicine may be making you sweat more. (Note: After you click on the "Common medications" link above, scroll down to find info about meds and conditions that cause secondary sweating.)
If you've tried everything and your sweating is still hampering your career, it's time to seek professional help. Dermatologists have treatment options that are very effective: including prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox injections, and something that's "coming-soon" called miraDry.
Now, go knock 'em dead at your next interview.
