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Interview Strategies

Dressed to be Hired - part 2 of 5

by Evangelia Souris, Ontrack Coaching and OPTIMUM International Center for Image Management

Corporations historically have been spending millions in creating, improving and redefining brands. Their ultimate wish is to be distinguished amongst the best. Conversely, everyone has their own brand: their selves. The manner in which the brand is packaged distinguishes it from others. It can be crucial to the progress of one’s career. Elements of that package are defined by quality and substance: One’s trademark. Without the quality and substance to support the promise of an appearance, one is merely a “suit.”

Your style should send a clear consistent message about:

  • Who you are
  • What you have to offer
  • Where you want to go

Your task is to:

  • Clarify the identity you want to have within your targeted work environment
  • Dress to express it

If you do not: You are leaving your identity –or effectual others’ perception of it - up to chance.

If you do: You are taking control, empowering yourself to succeed.

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CLOTHES AS BRAND TESTIMONIALS

What are clothes saying about you? It is not always easy to know because people do not always tell you, whether, your appearance is appropriate (do people always tell you if you have a piece of broccoli stuck between you teeth?).

Studies show that presentation influences character attributes:

  • Red = power
  • Pinstripes = authority
  • Briefcase = efficiencyS

Studies also show that that presentation can even influence the perceived quality of one’s work:

  • Polished shoes = will produce detail oriented work
  • A tailored suit = will produce advanced results
  • Baggy khakis, v-neck sweater = will take a casual approach to a problem

Your second assignment is to ensure that your message is CONVEYED: I am competent and I belong


“DRESS TO BE HIRED” STRATEGIES

APPRAISE YOUR CAREER WARDROBE:

Work clothes require special upkeep, scrutiny, dedication and strategy. Start viewing them with the same ambition and organization as you do your work.

  • Separate work from casual clothes.
  • Organize the items as if they were the appointments and contacts stored in your Palm Pilot™.

WARDROBE FILTERING©:

  • Separate what fits well from that that does not.
  • If you have not worn it in the past twelve months, recycle it.
  • What needs to go to the tailor?
  • What needs to go to the cobbler?

REFURBISH:

  • Determine what is left, what is missing
  • Make a list of everything you have in your wardrobe in one column.
  • Make another list of what you need in the other column.
  • The second column is the list of items that will refurbish your wardrobe.
  • Circle the items that go with more than one item and buy those first.
  • Buy items that are functional, that will match other items.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF REGARDING GOAL DRESSING

  • Do you have a basic neutral palette as a basis for your wardrobe?
  • Are all your clothes adaptable?
  • Does everything fit well?
  • Do you have a yearly budget for a work wardrobe?
  • How do you feel in the work clothes you have?

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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.

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