Seven Job Search Mistakes New Grads Make

Seven Job Search Mistakes New Grads Make

By Caroline M.L. Potter

For the last few years, college seniors have been graduating into a soft job market. A weak economy means fewer opportunities -- and greater competition for every single opening.

"In today's employment environment, there is less room for error when looking for your first career opportunity," says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps.

Don't let one of the following seven missteps cost you the career of your undergraduate dreams.

1. Keeping It to Yourself When you're looking for work, you want your burgeoning network to know it. "Spread the word about your job hunt to everyone you know, including family members, friends, professors and former coworkers," says Messmer, author of Job Hunting for Dummies. "Make use of online networking sites and reach out to your local business community and staffing firms."

2. Treating Every Opportunity Equally One resume does not fit every job opening, so don't use the same document or stock cover letter when you apply to different companies. "Tailor each resume and cover letter to the particular opportunity, and try to obtain the name of the hiring manager so you can personalize your cover letter," Messmer says. "A little detective work can go a long way in helping you stand out."

3. Making Careless Errors Proofread, proofread, proofread. Every document you send to a potential employer must be error-free. Go through your resume, cover letter, emails, thank-you notes and any other communication with a fine-tooth comb to make certain they don't contain typos or grammatical errors. If you're not a grammar guru or lack an eagle eye, "ask a detail-oriented friend to review all of your job search materials," Messmer suggests.

4. Skipping the Due Diligence When applying for a position, go beyond the job description to find out about the company as a whole. A little company research can go a long way, according to Messmer. "Applicants who uncover beyond-the-basics knowledge of the job and the company…are better able to communicate specific ways they can contribute to the organization's success," he says.

5. Airing Your Dirty Laundry Before you meet someone in the flesh, online image is everything. Pictures of you goofing around with friends may seem funny, but they also may lead a recruiter to question your judgment, especially if the photos are salacious in nature or show you doing things that are illegal. "Don't post anything that would appear unprofessional [think spring break photos, rants about a former employer, etc.] to a hiring manager or recruiter," Messmer says.

6. Acting Casual Once you begin your job search, make certain that you're acting like the professional you aspire to be. "Keep land-line and cellphone voice-mail greetings clear, professional and succinct," Messmer says. "Likewise, avoid using off-color or overly cute email addresses or signatures."

7. Forgetting Your Manners You probably won't get every job you pursue, but it is important to be gracious to everyone you encounter on your journey to employment. "Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in your job search, whether or not their efforts on your behalf are successful," he says. "Also be sure to send thank-you notes to every hiring manager you meet."

Happy Easter!

Have a safe and Happy Easter!!!

College Grads - Land that First Job!

COLLEGE GRADS – LAND THAT FIRST JOB!
As posted on: CNNMoney

There is some good news for college grads looking for that first job. Employers report they'll hire 19% more new college graduates this year than last year. Average salary offers in North Carolina will range between $35k and $45k.

That said, if you're looking to land a great post-grad gig, there are few things you need to do to get your foot in the door.

Tip 1. Network, network, network

First, make sure you're ready to network -- online and in person.

Hiring managers may look up potential employees on their social media sites, so get rid of any photos online showing you in any unflattering light.

Moreover, give your contact information a mature makeover by changing your e-mail address and voicemail greeting so they're professional and appropriate.

Also, stay in touch with your school's career center as well as their alumni office, who can help match you up with contacts in your desired field.

Tip 2. Fill in the blanks on your resume

Now, with some employers taking 30 seconds or less to review a resume, highlight your accomplishments and work in-and-out of the classroom,especially if you're light on professional experience.

Hiring managers want to see you've been active and not just slacking off in school.

List your internships, part-time jobs, volunteer and class work,involvement in clubs, Greek life and sports -- all things employers told CareerBuilder count as relevant experience.

And your prior internship may pay off for you. A recent NACE survey showed hiring managers recruited more than half their interns for full-time positions last year, so check-in with your former employer too.

Tip 3. Mind your manners

Grads, first impressions count. When it comes to the interview, CareerBuilder says some of the biggest mistakes employers report are college grads coming in with no knowledge on the company, acting entitled, dressing inappropriately, and not turning off their cell phone during the interview.

Finally, don't forget to send a thank-you note. More than one-in-five hiring managers say they're less likely to hire someone if they don't send a thank-you letter, according to CareerBuilder, e-mailing your thank-you note is generally accepted these days, and it's a quicker way to keep yourself fresh in the mind of your interviewer. But if you feel the job calls for a more formal approach, send a letter via snail mail.

Keep all these little things in mind, and you could hear the phrase "you're hired!" sooner than you think.

How To Be Successful In Any Job

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN ANY JOB
By: Keith Rawlinson, Volunteer Budget Counselor

Whether you are starting a new job, or you have been in the same job for quite some time, you can be successful in that job. Now understand that I'm not saying you will become rich or will be promoted to a high position in the company, I said you can be successful. Most jobs sort of have a built-in limit to how much money you will be paid and how high up you can be promoted, so those aren't the things I'm talking about when I say 'successful.'

What is success in a job?

To me, success in any job means:
• Being able to do that job well.
• Feeling some sense of accomplishment .
• Attaining the highest pay and position that job allows.
• Being noticed and respected by your boss.
• Being one of the last employees your company would want to lay off.

The key to success on the job is to stand out and be noticed.

As in many other areas of life, success at work is not an easy thing to attain, but this actually works to your advantage. If being successful at a job were easy then everyone would be doing it and that wouldn't leave much room for you to stand out. Doing the things needed to be successful in your job is hard work, and since most people shy away from hard work, the opportunity to stand out is yours for the taking!

"The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do." E.N. Gray 'The Common Denominator of Success'

So, what are the things that need to be done to be successful in any job? Well, first you need to realize that right now there is a crisis in American businesses. That crisis is trying to find conscientious, hard-working, loyal, dependable employees who are willing to work and take their jobs seriously. Finding good, hardworking employees is very, very difficult to do these days. I personally know, and talk with, a lot of people who work in management or who own their own businesses and I have yet to find even one who disagrees. So, all you have to do to stand out and be successful in your job is to be a solution to the problem instead of being part of the problem. It is very likely that you will be considered a "brown noser" by your fellow employees. Co-workers may see you as a 'goodie-goodie' trying to make them look bad. Just keep in mind that you are there for you and for your employer. Always be polite and try to get along with co-workers, but don't worry if they become angry or dislike you because you are willing to do the things that they are not willing to do to be successful at work. Okay, here we go, here's how to be successful in any job--these guidelines apply whether you are working at a fast-food restaurant or a Fortune 500 corporation.

Attitude

First, and most important is your attitude. You have to be pleasant and act like you want to be there. If you are one of those employees who constantly complain about your work or your company, you are not going to stand out. You may think that you are just grumbling under your breath or talking to someone in private, but believe me, word gets around and your boss knows who has a good attitude and who does not. Here's a good rule to follow: never say anything about your job, your boss, your company or your co-workers that you would not want getting back to them--chances are very good that whatever you say, will get back to them. So, when your fellow employees are standing around complaining about their employer, making fun of the boss, or gossiping about co-workers, don't get involved. Don't make the same mistake they're making. Just by not being one to constantly gripe, you are already standing out from the crowd. I don't mean you can never have a complaint, I'm talking about petty griping. If you have a legitimate complaint or problem, follow your company's procedure for making it known, and do it respectfully. Also, if it is something that really doesn't matter, then you might want to consider just letting it go. Save your complaints for important things so you will be seen as a problem solver instead of a complainer. A good rule to follow when it comes to complaining is this: try to only complain about things that directly and significantly affect health, safety or your ability to do what is required of you.

Always be respectful to your employer, your co-workers and your boss. Even if your boss is a jerk (I've known a few of those) you have to show respect. You don't have to like your boss and you don't have to be friends with your boss, but you do have to respect your boss. Besides, if your boss really is a jerk, the more likely he will be to make things hard on you for being disrespectful. Being respectful to co-workers is just as important. You have to be around these people every day and that can be a miserable thing if everyone is being nasty with each other. As with the boss, even if a co-worker is a jerk, you can still be respectful. That doesn't mean you agree with everything they say, it means that you don't get into arguments, you don't call them names, you don't sabotage their work and you don't gossip about them. And please think very hard before getting into any kind of argument with your boss. You may be the one who's right, but you have to ask yourself if it is really worth the possible consequences? If a promotion or opportunity comes up, do you think the boss is going to want to give it to someone who argues with him? There may be times in business when a disagreement with your boss is necessary; but, before you openly disagree with your boss, ask yourself if it's really that important? Is it something you can possibly just overlook and let it go? Is it something that is truly worth the risk of getting on the boss's or company's bad side? If it really is worth it, then of course go ahead; otherwise, it may be best to just let it go for the sake of your employment and your future.

Don't brag about your accomplishments, just wait for them to be noticed. If you brag about your accomplishments, you may be seen as a showoff, and appear to be insincere and trying too hard.

Don't pretend to know things you don't. Just be honest and say that you don't know. If you pretend to know things you don't, you may think you are fooling people, and at first you may be, but sooner or later others will start to see right through it. After a while, you will likely be seen as an annoying know-it-all by both your co-workers and your boss. When you do know something, show it by doing it. When you don't know something, just come right out and admit it, then go learn it so you will know it for next time.

Don't express false humility. When someone pays you a compliment don't try to be modest by saying things like "It was nothing," or "It really wasn't that great." or "I could have done better." For one thing, your accomplishments may not seem like a big deal to you, but may be quite impressive to others. When someone tells you that you did a nice job and you deny it, you are basically calling them a liar and making their compliment worthless--not to mention possibly hurting their feelings. When someone pays you a compliment, just smile and say a sincere "thank you." That's all you have to do. They feel good about it, you feel good about it and everyone wins. Plus, just saying a simple thank you when you are paid a compliment makes you appear to be a more honest and sincere person.

Work hard

One of the first things you'll likely see in people who just don't seem to get anywhere in their lives is laziness. Just take a look at most companies: people try to avoid work, they extend their breaks, extend their lunches, come in late and leave early. You may think they are getting away with it, but usually the boss knows who these people are. You need to be the one who comes in a little bit early and occasionally leaves a little bit late. You need to be the one who comes back from break and lunch on time and works consistently throughout the day. I'm not saying you have to wear yourself out until you collapse in exhaustion, but you do need to do the work that is expected of you and you need to be working consistently all day long. Trust me, this is unusual in most places of employment and will, sooner or later, be noticed.

"Effective people do two things: they strive to do excellent work, and they prioritize." Stephen Covey 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'

Don't just do your work, but really strive to do your work well. I can promise you that quality work is important and will, eventually, be noticed. Why? Because it is so unusual. Most employees just want to do the least amount of work possible. They make it fast and easy on themselves by sacrificing quality. Take pride in your work. Whether you are designing spacecraft for NASA or flipping burgers at a fast-food restaurant, put your best effort into it. Make your work count. Let your work show that you care and that you are good at your job. When your work is presented to the boss or to the customer, feel proud that they are getting a quality product because you cared enough to do excellent work. Your co-workers may make fun of you for making the extra effort to produce quality work, but they are average and you are standing out from the crowd.

The most important person in any business.

The most important person in any business is the customer. Without the customer, there is no business. There isn't a single business on the planet that would make it without customers. I'm sure you've heard the saying "the customer is always right," well, it isn't true. The customer is not always right; but, the customer is always the customer! What this means is that you have to treat customers as if they are the most important people in the world whether they are right or not. And why should customers be treated as if they are the most important people in your business? Because they are! Smile when dealing with customers. Make the customer feel like you are truly glad that they are there (as you should actually be). Try to put yourself in their place. How would you want to be treated? Try to make that customer want to come back even if they have a complaint. And whatever you do, don't take it personally when a customer is rude or contentious. Be polite, be calm, be professional and take care of that customer as best you can. Even if the customer is wrong, try to be calm and polite when dealing with it. If at all possible, let the customer have their way. A repeat customer is a very valuable thing to a business. If you deal well with customers, they may even start to ask for you by name when coming into your business. Now that's something that will get you noticed by the boss!

Above and beyond.

Don't be afraid to go a little above and beyond the call of duty. In other words, be the employee who is willing to do a little extra work when needed. I don't mean that you should do other people's work for them or that you should let yourself be taken advantage of, but be willing to do a little extra to help out your boss or to help out your employer. Let your co-workers be the ones saying "that's not my job, that's not my responsibility, I don't have to do that." You will be the one saying "sure, I can take care of that for you." And maybe it really isn't your responsibility, maybe it is something you shouldn't have to do--but because you want to be successful and get ahead, you're willing to do it anyway. That's something that stands out and gets you noticed. Don't ever forget that while you are on the job, your time is not your own. Your employer bought that time from you and it belongs to them--that's why you get paid. So, as long as you aren't being asked to do something illegal or unethical, and as long as your employer is making a reasonable request, be willing to step in and help out.

Knowledge truly is power.

Now here is some workplace advice you won't see very often: once you learn to do your own job well, start taking the time to learn other jobs at work--especially jobs that are the next step up from your position. If you ask in the right way, many of your co-workers will be happy to show off their skills and show you what they do. Sometimes, depending upon the situation, the boss may even be willing to help you learn some other jobs at work. This doesn't mean you have to actually start doing these extra jobs, but what it does mean is that when the boss needs someone to fill in for another position, and there is no one available who knows the job, you can step right in and take care of it. It makes sense that if a promotion becomes available for a job you already know how to do, you would be the natural choice to fill that position. That is exactly what this suggestion accomplishes--helping you to move up and get promotions. Another thing it accomplishes is making you one of the last people your employer would want to lay off. Why lay off someone who can already do several different jobs?

Conclusion (This is important so please read it)

Is doing all of the things we just discussed easy? Absolutely not! It is very difficult; but, that is why most people don't do it and that is why you stand out when you do. I'm not naive enough to think that you can do all of these things perfectly every single day. There will be days you mess up. When that happens just pull yourself together and get back on track.

It is very important that you be realistic in your expectations when it comes to employment. Don't expect to start in the mail room at the age of 18 and be CEO by age 21. It is not realistic to expect to move up that much in just three years. You should first just concentrate on being the best mail room employee you can be. You also need to be aware that your level of training and education also puts a limit on how far you can go in any particular job. If you dropped out of high school, it's not fair to expect the same pay and opportunity that high school graduates get. If you graduated high school but don't have a college degree, don't get your heart set on moving into a job that requires a degree unless you are willing to first go out and get that degree.

Don't fall into the trap of saying "I work as hard as the people with degrees do so I deserve the same pay they get." To be perfectly honest, pay is most often more about the training, education and skills you have than it is about the work that you do. So, quite honestly, you don't deserve as much pay as someone who has training or a degree that you don't have. If you refuse to admit to yourself that your level of education and training puts a limit on how much you can accomplish in the job market, you will never be satisfied on the job. You will always feel like you are entitled to the same things as people with a higher education when you aren't. That is why the goal at work isn't to become rich or move up to top management. The goal is to go as far as you can, and earn as high a wage as you can, for your education, training and skill level. If you want a better position or more money, then by all means go out and get that additional education and training; then, apply the things you've learned here to your new job when you get it. It is true that when it comes to opportunities in the world of work, education is important.

Above all, be patient. This all takes time. Sometimes, quite a bit of time. If you really make an honest effort to do the things you have learned in this article, you will be noticed by the management at work--it may take a while, but you will be noticed. I can say that because I know how rare a good, loyal, polite, respectful, hard-working employee really is. They are hard to find, and employers like to hang onto them. If you are such an employee, you will be given opportunity that others aren't, you will be able to earn more pay than your peers can, and you will get more respect and leeway from your boss. When it comes to being successful at work, just remember this one thing...

The secret to being successful in any job:
Strive to be the best employee your company has ever seen!

10 Tips to Boost Your Interview Skills

10 Tips to Boost Your Interview Skills
By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer

Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview skills.

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication:
It’s about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first nonverbal impression can be a great beginning – or a quick ending – to your interview.

Dress for the Job or Company:
Today’s casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as “they” do when you interview. It is important to know what to wear to an interview and to be well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

Listen:
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

Don’t Talk Too Much:
Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may ramble when answering interview questions, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position’s requirements and relating only that information.

Don’t Be Too Familiar:
The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer’s demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Use Appropriate Language:
It’s a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation – these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

Don’t Be Cocky:
Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you’re putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

Take Care to Answer the Questions:
When interviewers ask for an example of a time when you did something, they are asking behavioral interview questions, which are designed to elicit a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don’t answer the questions, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Ask Questions:
When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, “No”. Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being ready to ask questions that demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you’re asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Don’t Appear Desperate:
When you interview with the “please, please hire me” approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three Cs during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

Business Professional Dress Code: What Women Should Wear in the Office

Business Professional Dress Code: What Women Should Wear in the Office
(as found on freebeautytips.org)

Your work wardrobe depends largely on what you do for a living, and if you aren't a natural-born fashion hound, it can be difficult to put together work ensembles that are practical, comfortable and affordable. Besides the obligatory chinos and polo shirt-uniforms of many retail establishments, there are three types of working wardrobes: professional, business casual and casual. In this column, we're going to cover the basics of dressing for the professional office.

What is a Business Professional Dress Code?
Probably the easiest wardrobe to assemble is the professional one that most large corporate firms expect from women. Most corporations and firms whose employees affect professional dress have strict if unwritten dress codes: observing what other people wear is the best way to decide on your own wardrobe basics.

Even now, many firms expect women to dress in skirts rather than pants to work, which raises complications in terms of choosing comfortable shoes that look good. If you are applying for a position with a company where professional dress is the norm, do as much reconnaissance work as you can to determine what designers are favored, whether suit blouses are strictly white and tailored or more feminine and colorful, and what makeup styles are in fashion. Wear the best shoes you can afford to your interview, spend more money on hose that won't snag and run before you even get to the interview, and wear a skirt, even if women also wear pants in that culture..

How to Dress for a Job Interview
When you're interviewing, it's always better to dress a little more on the formal and conservative side. This is relative, of course. If you're going for a job at a funky piercing studio, you shouldn't show up in Donna Karan, but leave the ripped jeans at home until you've gotten the job. For professional work environments, it means opting for tailored over trendy and severe over sexy. Forget the Allie McBeal micro-minis and tights tops: TV fashion does not apply in the real-world professional workplace, and people won't take you seriously if the first thing they recall about you is your astonishing cleavage. If you want to base your wardrobe on a relevant TV show, think West Wing or The Practice.

The Classic Women's Business Suit We Should All Have
Most suit skirts have the same basic shape: either pencil-straight or a slight flare as they fall from the waistband. A kick-pleat can be a nice addition, or a small slit in front or on the side may add interest. Good suits have skirts that are lined, and are usually made in wool gabardine. Skirts should fall a couple of inches below the knee or an inch above the knee (depending on your personal comfort zone). If you have cute knees (and most people do), don't cover them up--the expanse of leg between your shoes and your skirt will be an attractive wardrobe feature.

Hose should be tasteful and unnoticeable. Stay with nude colors, or maybe sheer black hose in winter. You can wear tights to keep your legs warm if you're going to wear boots in the winter, but keep the colors muted.

Classic Office Appropriate Shoe Styles
Shoes are crucial to the excellent wardrobe. First of all, they should fit as perfectly as possible, because they contribute directly to your health and well-being. Bad shoes contribute to bad posture, back, neck and leg pain, and create foot issues like bunions and corns. Especially if you walk from trains, spend a lot of time traveling, or work on your feet, your shoes must provide you with support.

Professional wardrobes require pumps. A moderate heel (around one inch high, up to two inches if you need the extra height), is classy and sensible without being frumpy. Avoid stilettos, wedge heels, trendy colors, odd designs or patterns and open toes. Shoes should be elegant, tasteful, and not the first thing people notice about you. (Some people look at your shoes first; they consider good shoes an indicator of taste and breeding. If you're wearing the right shoes, they'll pass muster, and the rest of you will then be considered.) Shoes should be made of a good quality leather or something so like leather that you can't tell the difference. Ideally, your shoes will also point up the finer aspects of your legs without trying too hard. The toes of your shoes can be slightly rounded for comfort, or if you have narrow feet, slightly triangular toes are all right too. If your feet are wide, you may need to go for a slightly boxy toe, but before getting square-toed shoes, consider checking out shoe designers who provide deeper rather than wider toes-boxes.

Some companies don't consider boots professional dress, no matter how well-made they are, but in other firms, wearing boots in fall and winter is acceptable. The perfect boot for the workplace is sleek and sophisticated, with no trendy additions. It should be brown or black, have a medium heel, a leather or suede finish, and should hit you one to two inches below the knee. (Try boots on with your work skirt before committing to a purchase to make sure the combination works.) A hidden zipper is your best bet: lace-ups look a little too Victoria's Secret to be professional.

Buying Professional Attire on a Budget
The money that you spend on acquiring the perfect shoes can be made up for in your budget when you shop for blouses. If your blouse is usually going to be worn under a jacket, you can skimp on the quality and get away with it as long as the cut and fabric are good. Linen blouses are a nice idea, but all-linen wrinkles right away: go for a blend. Cotton-poly or the more recent stretchy blends of cotton and Lycra will keep their shape better than all-cotton or cotton-linen blends. Some people can wear silk: others find it doesn't breathe well enough to be comfortable. If you do go with silk, you may find some wonderful blouses in the new, washable silks. Avoid anything ruffly, frilly or lacy, and forget about colorful accents on your blouses in the way of buttons or bows. Think Katherine Hepburn: tailored, classy, very understated.

What to Look for When Choosing a Career Pant or Skirt Suit
When you're putting together a professional Career wardrobe, plan for the long-term. Good suits with a jacket, pants and a skirt are expensive, but they may last you for ten years, and if you choose a classic look, outdated clothes won't be an issue. Choose conservative, neutral colors, black, gray, navy, white or beige for suits and shoes, and make sure each piece you add can be mixed and matched with pieces you already have. One simple way to achieve a pulled-together look based on separates is to find a designer you like and stick with him or her when purchasing your suits. (Ann Taylor has marvelous working wardrobes.) Three skirts, two jackets, five blouses and two pairs of pumps (one black, one brown) should see you through the first six months or so, at least until your new paycheck has caught up with your standard of living. At that point, you can start adding separates piece by piece, with the eventual goal of being able to take last week's clothes to the dry cleaners and still have plenty to wear until the weekend.

Keep Jewelry & Accessories Simple at Work
Your jewelry and makeup will fit in with the professional look by being understated as well. Keep makeup muted and elegant: use neutral tones and minimal eye makeup. Lipstick can be a bit brighter; after all, that's what it's for, but ignore any trendy statements in the way of metallics, glitters, glosses or hot colors.

Jewelry should be simple, without fuss or glitter. Jewelry should be cleaned on a regular basis to make sure it looks nice and not shabby. Follow the rule of three, wearing a bracelet and earrings, or necklace and bracelet, but not all three at the same time. (Wearing earrings and necklace becomes unbalanced because all your jewelry is clustered around your face. You may be able to get away with it if earrings and the necklace are utterly simple.) For earrings, wear hoops (not too big), or studs, but avoid dangling pieces that will destroy the clean line of a professional suit. If any one piece of jewelry has gems, keep other pieces solid.

If you wear a watch, don't wear a bracelet, not even on the other wrist. Your watch should be elegant, and if you want to make it into a piece of jewelry, splurge on something with diamonds and a sleek style that matches your suits.

Never, ever wear an anklet or armband to work.

The single strand of pearls favored by yesteryear's clothing designers and movie stars is timeless: if you're starting your professional jewelry wardrobe, a medium-length pearl necklace and a really great watch (maybe with an oyster or mother-of-pearl dial) are excellent starter pieces.

A Little on Handbags, Purses and Brief Cases
Your handbag says a lot about you, and it can be hard to find the right handbag for work. Even if you always carry a briefcase, there will be times when you will to go to a luncheon, and your briefcase will need to stay behind. Like shoes, great handbags can cost a fortune, and the really elegant ones will also be innocuous until closely inspected. If you don't fancy spending a couple of hundred bucks on a purse that you're going to use about once a month, visit consignment shops to look for a classic design with minimal wear. Get crocodile, lizard or leather, or an excellent imitation in an animal-free textile. Don't bring a fabric bag to a professional do: it never looks right. You probably already know whether you prefer a clutch to a strappy purse: clutches have a cleaner look, but some people are more comfortable with a strap. When it comes to purses, smaller is better, although it should be big enough to hold your necessities.

Now you have the basics of your professional wardrobe. Keep in mind that, like a career, your wardrobe can be built over time starting with a few basics and adding gradually over a period of years. Keep it simple and straightforward for a look of timeless, understated elegance.



(Photo courtesy of waltoncollege.uark.edu)

Presenting a Professional Image

Presenting a Professional Image

In today’s world of “accept me as I am” and “casual Fridays”, it seems that there is some confusion about how best to present a professional image for interviews and the regular work week. More and more we see candidates showing up for interviews in attire that is, shall we say, less than one could hope for. It is okay to be ‘you’, but there is a time and a place for showing your individuality in non-professional ways. When going for an interview, it is best to dress professionally and let your credentials and experience show the things that matter to a prospective employer, instead of making them wonder about your professionalism due to your clothing choices.

Tattoos and Piercings:
While this is not technically a “clothing choice”, let’s start with tattoos and piercings, since we have been seeing a lot of them lately. They may have special meaning to you, but let’s face it – to someone who does not know you yet, or your motivation for having either of these decorations, they can give off the wrong signals. So what do you do about them? Cover up tattoos and remove piercings. It’s that simple. Unless you are applying at a tattoo or piercing shop, this body art will not gain you any points, and may seriously damage your chances for attaining the position that you desire. Especially if you are seeking a professional position. It was unfortunate, but we know of a highly qualified medical professional who recently lost the opportunity of a lifetime due to leaving facial piercings in for an important interview. Another example is a nurse who lost the chance at a position because of visible tattoos. It may be your way to show your individuality, but if it does not mesh with the vision that the employer wants to present to the public, then your chances of obtaining a job with them while showing tattoos and piercings is slim to none. Piercings are easy – just remove them. You can put them in your purse and re-insert them once you are back to your car if you’d like. Tattoos can be a little more difficult to hide, depending on their location. A good suggestion is to not get a tattoo where it can’t easily be hidden, but if it’s too late for that there are still things that you can do to make them disappear. For tattoos on the arms, wear sleeves that are long enough to cover the entire tattoo and won’t ride up and expose a portion of it when you move. This may get hot in the summer, but it was your choice to get the tattoo where you got it! Tattoos on the legs are easier – wear long dress slacks. If your tattoo is on the top of your foot or your ankle, try wearing opaque hosiery to hide the ink or make it at least a lot less visible. Wear a higher neckline to disguise tattoos on the neck or upper chest. For tattoos on the wrist, wear a bracelet that covers the tattooed area.

Slacks or Skirts:
For an interview, either wear a skirt that stops approximately an inch below the knees, or wear a nice pair of dress slacks. Do not wear jeans, knit pants, sweatpants, corduroys, Capri’s, or something that is most appropriate for a picnic or day at the park. If you are not sure exactly what constitutes “dress slacks”, type in the phrase on Google Image Search and it will show you literally hundreds of examples. Not all of them are exactly dress slacks, but if you look at what is feature most often, you will get the idea. As for the skirts – avoid the long type that have multi-layered tiers (“peasant skirts”) or anything that is too short or too tight. Make sure that your skirt or slacks are clean, pressed, and free of stains, lint or pet hairs. You do not have a pay a fortune for a decent skirt or slacks (or any article of clothing, for that matter)…if you use good judgment and pay attention, you can find perfectly appropriate items at K-mart, Wal-Mart, and even Goodwill. Choose solid, muted colors – charcoal, navy and black are the most versatile and professional.

Blouses & Jackets:
Generally for an interview the best way to go is a blouse and jacket combination. The jacket should be in a solid muted color that matches your slacks or skirt, or at least coordinates well with it. Blouses should not be low-cut! Be sure that the attributes you are showing off are the right ones – your experience and abilities – not the physical ones. It is okay to choose a lightly printed blouse, but avoid anything that with wild patterns or very vivid colors. Remember – the goal is to be professional, and you can wear the wilder choices after hours. In some offices, once you have been hired and everyone has become accustomed to you and have judged you based on your merits, it’s okay to loosen a little on the color/pattern choices, but keep it simple and basic to start out.

Shoes:
Shoes should be of a color that goes with your jacket and slacks/skirt, and should be dress shoes. Please, do not wear a nice skirt or pair of slacks and then ruin the effect with a pair of tennis shoes or canvas shoes. Dress shoes with a slight heel look good, but do not choose the same type of shoes you would wear for a night out on the town – those 4” spikes may make you feel attractive, but they aren’t professional. If you cannot wear heels at all, you may choose a pair of nice flats. Avoid sling-backs and open-toes for an interview. Depending on the office, those shoes may be fine after you have started, but they’re not the correct choice for an interview. Also, make sure that whatever shoes you choose are clean and in good repair with no visible scuffs, tears or dirt. If they are dirty, wash them off with a damp cloth. If they have scuffs or tiny tears you can disguise these using a marker in a matching shade (make sure it is a very close match!). If they have significant scuffs or tears, don’t wear them.

Jewelry:
Jewelry should be kept simple and appropriate. If you usually wear a playboy bunny necklace, remove it at all cost!!! Avoid bangles and clunky jewelry that will distract your interviewer or make a lot of unnecessary noise. Also, stick to a few key pieces of jewelry, such as a watch, wedding/engagement ring, one bracelet, a simple necklace and moderate earrings. (Avoid the big dangly type of earrings that detract from the rest of your outfit.) Again, you want the focus of your interview to be on your abilities, not on what you are wearing. This is another one of those situations where once you have gotten the job, depending on the office, you can branch out and wear different types of jewelry – but continue to leave that playboy bunny necklace at home!!!

Makeup and Hair:
This tends to be more geared towards ladies, but there are a few brief tips for men as well. Guys, have your hair trimmed a couple of days before an important interview and make sure that any facial hair is neatly trimmed as well. Be sure to use a comb or brush before you leave home, and bring one with you for touch-ups if needed. Everyone should wash and dry their hair before leaving home. Ladies, choose flattering styles for your hair – do not show up with it in a ponytail, or worse, looking like you just rolled out of bed and didn’t even bother to brush it. If you dye your hair and it’s been a while, do a touch up a couple of days prior to your interview. If using hairspray, try to go with an unscented type and make sure that the sprayer doesn’t malfunction and leave you with an unattractive glop of hairspray stuck in your hair. Ladies – even if you are not accustomed to wearing makeup, it is appropriate to apply at least a little before an interview. Coming in with no makeup tends to make you look as though you didn’t care enough to bother, or like you quit in the middle of getting ready and forgot to finish. For those who are used to wearing makeup, be sure to keep it light and simple – try to stick to neutral colors and avoid the ‘party’ look. For those who don’t normally wear makeup, try adding just a little light eyeshadow, some mascara, and perhaps a light lipstick. Be sure that if you wear foundation it is the appropriate shade for your skin-tone – you do not want to look like a vampire (too light of a shade) or a zombie (too dark of a shade).

Scent:
You cannot believe how important this one is!!!! The best option is to not wear perfume, cologne or body spray at all, but if you absolutely feel that you must, please, please, please keep it light! Some interviewers are allergic to scents and some are not – you never know which one you will end up meeting. And for those who are not allergic, strong scents are still a turn-off. We have had several candidates arrive and by the time they were half-way through filling out the paperwork we were ready to throw the window open (even in very cold weather) to air out the room. If you wear strong or heavy scents, it leaves a lasting impression – unfortunately it’s a negative impression. So avoid that and either forego the scents altogether or go very very light on them!

Conclusion:
It’s not hard to present a professional image – it just takes a little thought. Choose professional clothing that is suited for an office, not a night out or a trip to the garden, and accessorize accordingly. Remove your piercings and cover your tattoos. Follow the tips outlined above and you will present the type of image that employers will respect and find appropriate. Let your individuality shine at other times and other places, or introduce it in very small amounts over time. Good luck with your interviews!