Being comfortable in your own skin is good for any time and any situation. In job interviews, this comfort becomes a sign of confidence and high self-esteem.

It is not unusual for people — men and women alike — to have concerns about their appearance. Almost every commercial or ad tells you how you should lose weight, have better BMI or improve your appearance in way or another. For some who are struggling with achieving what they consider an optimal look, being insecure is inevitable. And that could get in their way during job interviews.

If you’re sending vibe of insecurity, lack of confidence or low self-esteem during a job interview you may be undermining your own prospects of landing the job not because of your appearance as much as because you seem uncomfortable and come across as unprofessional or awkward.

Hiring managers may not pick on the exact source of your awkwardness, but they certainly will be left with a negative feeling and perspective of your skills. So, how could you turn this situation around despite all of your concerns or ideas — valid or not — about your appearance. Here are a few points to keep in mind.

Employers don’t care

Seriously. Unless you’re applying for a modelling job, employers really don’t care about your appearance. And they certainly won’t be thinking of everyone they interview as to where they measure up in terms of ideal weight, perfect skin, etc. Primarily, hiring managers will be focused on your technical skills, experience and qualifications as well as soft skills like communication and.

As far as soft skills, they likely to see how you handle yourself under pressure, gauge your communication skills and try to learn more about what motivates you as well as what your professional goals are. Although it is not unlikely that looks could leave a positive impression, they definitely won’t help someone who lacks in those other areas.

Professional not pretty

Want to make a lasting positive impression? Show up with a professional attitude and attire? This is what employers are more likely to appreciate. Regardless to the type of environment you will be working, being professional will put you in a good position. And remember that applies to everyone — good looking or not.

In particular, if you’re applying for a position where you will be interacting with clients or customers, hiring managers will be looking for signs of how you will be able to handle complex situations, like conflicts and stress. If you don’t seem to be able to keep a professional attitude during the job interview, you are unlikely to convince your interviewers that you will be able to adopt it in your daily work routine.

Confidence elsewhere

You may not be able to improve your self-image overnight. Those extra kilograms that have been tough to lose may continue to overshadow how you feel about your appearance, for example. If you find it difficult to feel good about your appearance, try to alienate the entire topic by focusing on other areas of strength. For example, focus on your communication skills, or your ability to break the ice quickly with new people.

Your focus should be on soft skills rather than technical abilities. By doing so, you will be able to show confidence and comfort. In addition, your hiring manager will see through your personality, which certainly helps in any human interaction.

Being prepared, relaxed and overall ready for the interview can go a long way, too. So be sure that you get enough rest the night before, have your documents, attire and transportation plans figured out, and leave enough time to get to the interview without stressing out. All of these actions will help you show up with a good attitude.

Recover quickly

What triggers your body-image concerns? Know what it is and try to recover at the first sign of concern. Don’t get sidetracked during the interview with such issues. If you’re already there, it is a good sign that the employer is interested in taking this process further. So pat yourself on the back and show that you’re worthy of this trust.

If you spend precious interview time obsessing about your looks or how your outfit works, you’d be undermining your own opportunity. So put this aside and focus on making the best out of the situation by focusing on your strength and potential.

The writer, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.

Body image in interview

Try to appear comfortable and confident

Focus on professional appearance

Find confidence in your soft skills

Avoid negative thoughts about yourself

— R.O.