Interview Strategies
Dressed to be hired -First Contact
by Evangelia Souris, Ontrack
Coaching and OPTIMUM
International Center for Image Management
Check List:
- Resume, proposal – Ready
- Meeting place and time – Confirmed
- References and testimonials – Got them
- What shall I wear? – Not sure
How many of have gone through the above “check list” in
preparing for an important meeting with a potential new employer? How
many have been able to provide satisfactory responses to the first three
items on the list but a less than acceptable response to the last item?
How many are uncertain, stumped or apprehensive when preparing for the
first display of their personal and professional image to a new or potential
client?
In my capacity as an Image Consultant,
I have had numerous clients call me before an important interview for
advice on how to best prepare for that momentous “FIRST CONTACT”
because they realize that it is a critical element to their self - marketing
strategy. The desired outcome from the initial first meeting is to form
the best impression possible, ultimately leading to a job offer.
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Resume Resources:
10
Minute Resume
ProvenResumes.com
ResumeEdge.com
Additional Resources:
Have
Jobs Emailed to You!
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| Impressions are shaped by the impact
of a palpable presentation (appearance), nonverbal communication (posture,
poise, gestures, body language, clothing, color), verbal communication
(listening, speaking, enunciation), etiquette and protocol (befitting
behavior, civility, sensitivity to organizational culture). Desired
Professional Image results can be realized by optimizing the impact
of the preceding areas. While, personal and professional emphasis should
be afforded to all these areas, the focus of this article will be limited
to professional development strategies for appearance and clothing.
“It is possible through the skillful manipulation
of dress in any particular situation to evoke a favorable response to
your positioning and needs.” - John T. Molloy, The New Dress for
Success, (Warner, 1998)
FIRST CONTACT
Seven Seconds: This is the time required for someone
to form an impression of you.
Other studies done by social psychologists on the power of image have
determined that it takes thirty seconds to form impressions about educational
ability, capability, level of sophistication, personality, integrity,
social ancestry and sense of humor. Other studies have shown that the
decisions not to hire or do business with someone are based on unsuitable
appearance. Job interview studies show that people who are well dressed
and groomed are liked more, demand higher fees, and are considered more
intelligent, successful and competent.
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One may say that it is not fair to be judged so quickly. Seven seconds
should not be a matrix for a lasting impression. Point taken. Nevertheless,
not everyone can withhold judgment in the first thirty seconds. Instant
innate reactions are entrenched in the human psyche and have served
humanity well. Especially in situations where one needed to appraise
a situation rapidly in order to avoid potential danger from predators.
Your first assignment is to make the most of your FIRST CONTACT.
THE POWER OF IMAGE IN TODAY’S ECONOMY
When the health of the economy exhibited the symptoms of a chronic
flu in the new millennium, thousands were laid off, unemployment skyrocketed
and each accessible contract up for bid or job vacancy had ostensibly
infinite applicants competing for it. The result: the advantage went
to the manager, who could afford to employ the candidate who classed
the highest in every division of the job’s requirements. One strike
against you - a grammatical mistake in your proposal, or a leather jacket
worn to a meeting at a stringently corporate company - could jeopardize
the optimization of a winning presentation.
DRESSING FOR TODAY’S ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURES
Are you current with today’s professional wardrobe trends?
- President George W. Bush banned casual dress at the White House,
even on weekends.
- Bill Gates and other Computer Gurus are wearing suits and ties.
When the economy is soaring, every day is Friday, and the dress code
relaxes accordingly. The past decade witnessed the dressed - up backfire.
Dot – Commers piloted in an era where cargo pants were a career
move. However, when times turn tough, the pace quickens, and everyone
shows up early, sits up straight, and dresses as if their lives depend
on it.
OUTER IMAGE AND ITS SIGNALS
Representation of one’s self, from the cut of a suit to the quality
of the fabric acts as an emblem of character, subject to instant scrutiny.
From these visual tags, others make assumptions about dedication and
competence; personality; habits; tastes; social life; friends; and quirks.
The thought and effort put into determining what to wear will directly
correlate to the strength, and accuracy of the message being sent. Poorly
displaying an Image can undermine a well - written proposal, even one’s
credentials.
YOU ARE THE BRAND
YOUR STYLE IS YOUR LOGO
YOUR QUALITIES ARE YOUR TRADEMARK
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Evangelia D. Souris is an award winning Internationally recognized
Certified Professional Image Consultant. She is the President of OPTIMUM
International Center for Image Management (http://www.optimumimageic.com).
She is an author, feature writer, keynote speaker, trainer, seminar
leader, personal and executive image coach, media spokesperson, media
/public appearance/ political and celebrity image strategist and jury
selection image consultant. She has private, corporate and academic
clients in the US and Europe. She holds extra specialties in business
and social etiquette, children’s etiquette, international protocol,
communication and branding, executive and professional image, career
and image, illness and image, wardrobe/ personal shopping and makeovers
for men and women.
Article published with permission from Evangelia D. Souris. copyright
© 2004, all rights reserved. |
