« Previous | Next »
Top Ten Tips to Gain the Image Advantage on your next Job Interview
Published on 29/09/09
by Carrie Brancheau, PHR
Recently, I had a chance to see the three ladies of Image Matters–a personal image consultancy–in action. They take on that part of personal branding that is hardest for most of us to look at objectively–What is our visual image saying to others? I think they have a relevant message and one that I wanted to share.
Christine Sherlock, Kelly Walsh, and Lisa Kitner have graciously consented to share their top ten tips for gaining the Image Advantage by doing a guest post for Essentials:
Top Ten Tips to Gain the Image Advantage on your next Job Interview
1. Know Your Career Category – and what is acceptable.
Your goal is to appear as if you already work there. The interviewer should be able to “see” you as part of the team. Think about the image you need to project.
Are you a Corporate Executive? (Corporate Executives wear a suit and tie to work every day, or a matched skirted suit for women. This would include financiers and Stock Brokers, high-level Banking, most Attorneys, some Realtors.)
A Corporate Executive needs to project an image of leadership and formality.
Are you a Business Professional? (Business Professionals may wear a suit only to meet an important client or make a presentation. More often, they wear a sport coat or jacket, or separates for women. This would include Banking, some Attorneys, Accounting, Marketing, Architects, some Administrative Assistants, most Realtors, Retailers.) A Business Professional needs to project an image of credibility and capability.
Are you in a Casual work environment? (In this category, a suit is never worn. Khaki’s or jeans may be appropriate with a pull-over shirt or button front shirt or blouse. This would include teachers, those in the IT field, some Accounting, some Retailers, Hairdressers, Artists, Photographers, Construction, Electricians, Home Maintenance/Repair.) A Casual worker needs to look approachable and friendly, honest and hard-working. Often, a look of creativity is an advantage.
2. Use a jacket to provide an aura of professionalism, authority and credibility.
A third layer, such as a sport coat, jacket, sweater or tunic adds a “polished” look and a professional appearance for those occasions when a suit may be too formal.
3. You appear more credible when you show less skin.
Low cut blouses, exposed cleavage, bare arms and bare toes all project a casual, informal attitude and send the message “I’m not here to work; I’m here to party!”
4. Fit is key.
Clothes that fit well provide an appearance of credibility and attention to detail. When clothes don’t fit well (sleeves too long, pants too short, waist too tight, etc.) you appear weak and ineffective.
5. Choose colors wisely.
Darker colors lend a more conservative, formal appearance. Prints and lighter colors are casual, friendly and creative.
6. Choose fabrics wisely.
Wools, silks and wool or silk blends are the best choice for a corporate or professional career environment. Cottons and linens look more casual. Better quality fabrics make the clothes drape and fit better on the body.
7. Accessories are part of your total look.
For Men – Your briefcase should be free of scuff marks and neatly organized with a pen for taking notes readily accessible. Shoes and belts should be free of scuff marks and polished. If your pants have a belt look, wear a belt. Choose your tie carefully. It speaks volumes about you. Solids or repp stripes are more professional and formal. Fun prints are more casual. Paisley ties are only appropriate after 5:00 pm. A watch is a must; avoid too many other pieces of jewelry.
For Women – Your briefcase or handbag should be free of scuff marks and neatly organzied with a pen for taking notes readily available. Do not carry both; it makes shaking hands difficult and you give the appearance of a “bag lady” with too much to handle. Shoes and belts should be free of scuff marks and polished. Jewelry should be worn; it adds a finished, polished look. Earrings and a watch are a must. Don’t wear jewelry that dangles or makes noise when you move. Keep your jewelry pieces simple and classic when going for a professional image. If you require a more creative image, jewelry can provide that look.
8. Grooming is important.
For Men - If you have facial hair, it must be neatly trimmed. Make sure your fingernails are clean and trimmed. Avoid heavy after-shave or cologne.
For Women – Makeup is a must. It provides a finished look. Mascara, cheek color and lip color is a minimum. Hair should be clean and neatly styled and should not require touching throughout the day. Fingernails should be clean and manicured. If the toes are exposed, they should be freshly pedicured. Avoid the use of too much perfume or cologne.
9. Pay attention to details.
An attention to details is an indication you are confident, thorough and trustworthy. Clothes must be clean and neatly pressed. Check for missing buttons, frayed hems or cuffs, and stains. Shoes and belts should be free of scuff marks and polished. Hair and eyewear should look current – not dated.
10. Body language speaks volumes!
Prople are more influenced by what they see than what they hear. Hiring managers decide within 2 minutes who they will NOT hire. That decision is based on what they see when they first look at you. Besides your appearance, your handshake (is it firm?), your eye contact (is it strong?), your smile (is it genuine?) and your posture (do you move with a sense of energy and confidence?) all tell others how confident, capable and credible you are.
If you want more information on these tips or other image enhancement information, you can contact Image Matters at 239-896-4005 or visit their web site at www.yourimagematters.info.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
That's it. What Next?
Please leave your comment so we know what you think about this article. Trackback URL: Top Ten Tips to Gain the Image Advantage on your next Job Interview.
Leave a Reply