Tips From The International Hyperhidrosis Society For Sweat-Free Job Interviewing

As the new year begins, many resolutions will be made and many will be broken. Fortunately, for all those people who have resolved to find a new and better job, or to land a dreamed- about promotion, the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS) has tips to make the process sweat-free and, therefore, more successful.

We all know that jobs and careers can cause stress and anxiety that leads to increased perspiration. In fact, according to a survey recently conducted by IHHS and Harris Interactive(R) nearly two-thirds of respondents said that job-related issues make them sweat more than anything else.Whether one is interviewing for a new job, wining-and-dining clients, or attempting to give a compelling presentation to colleagues, it’s mandatory to exude confidence and give off a positive first impression — there is no room in these important workplace situations for excessive sweating! For instance, according to the above-mentioned the Harris poll, two-thirds of adults perceive someone who is sweating to be “nervous” and four out of ten adults who sweat on the job say that their sweating makes them feel very upset. And, in a separate study, results showed that 42% of those with hyperhidrosis (a medical condition characterized by near-constant excessive sweating) actually changed career paths because of their sweating problems. In a similar poll conducted by the IHHS, 86% of responding hyperhidrosis patients said that they have experienced negative comments about their sweating, compounding the emotional impact that excessive sweating has on its sufferers(3).As the second in a series of Tip Sheets offered from the leader in helping people eliminate and cope with excessive sweat, the IHHS is offering suggestions for minimizing and dealing with anxiety-induced sweating throughout one’s career (for the first Tip Sheet visit http://www.SweatHelp.org). For all those people who have resolved to make positive changes in their careers in 2007, here are some great ways to get off on the right — and dry — foot!– Do your homework on a potential employer; visit the organization’s Web site and review its background, products and offerings so that you are informed, can minimize surprises and stay cool– Visit online job search engines that offer tips on what to expect during interviews so you are prepared, practiced and ready to make the best first impression– Prior to an interview, write down key points and characteristics about yourself and examples of how you’ve succeeded; highlighting your successes will make you more confident which can lead to less sweating– Apply antiperspirant to your underarms once in the morning and again prior to bedtime; application twice daily — and especially before bedtime — has been shown to be more effective at keeping you dry. Antiperspirants may be used on hands and feet as well as on underarms; gently massaging them into the skin may be useful– Steer clear of sweat-inducing spicy foods, caffeinated beverages and alcohol in the days leading up to an interview or client presentation so you are clear-headed, aroma-free and sweat is minimized; it is probably a good idea to forgo the coffee offered by the interviewer too (choose a cool glass of water instead)– Be sure to shower and wash with antibacterial soap, such as Safeguard(R), at least once a day; when perspiration and bacteria mix, body odor results– Dress for success – wear polished and professional outfits made of natural materials (e.g., cotton) rather than synthetic materials (e.g., nylon). At the very least, ensure that your under layers are made of natural fabrics that offer more air circulation around the body and wick away moisture; avoid wearing suit jackets except during professional meetings and interviews– “Dress shields,” small pads that go in your armpits to absorb sweat, may be an option for you; you may also want to keep an extra shirt with you for emergencies– Black or white solid colors or patterned fabrics with a black and white background will best camouflage underarm sweat marks– Keep a handkerchief in your pocket to absorb extra sweat on your palm prior to shaking hands with a colleague or interviewer; or swipe your hand on your pants leg as you raise it to meet the offering hand (clothing made from absorbent materials like cotton or wool or in a darker shade are less likely to show sweat marks)– Keep a travel-sized extra antiperspirant at your desk or in your car or purse for quick application prior to interviews, presentations and meetings– Schedule client appointments and interviews earlier in the day — you will be fresher physically and mentally and your commute is likely to be cooler in the mornings– Participate in regular stress-relieving activities, such as meditation, yoga or other exercises; for immediate anxiety (and sweat) reduction, a breathing exercise will help. Note: A great practice right before “show time” is to breathe slowly through the nose for five seconds and blow out through your mouth for another five seconds; repeat for five minutes or as necessary– Consider using a stronger over-the-counter soft solid antiperspirant, such as Secret Platinum(R). You can also apply an absorbent powder to body areas that you know will perspire in stressful situations (be sure to wipe excess powder off your clothing)– And to really eliminate any chance of excessive sweat, talk to your dermatologist about longer-lasting sweat reducers, like prescription antiperspirants, Botox(R) injections or iontophoresis.(Source: International Hyperhidrosis Society : January 2007.)