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Interview Strategies

Dressed to be Hired - part 4 of 5

by Evangelia Souris, Ontrack Coaching andOPTIMUM International Center for Image Management

WARDROBE FINANCE/ DRESS BETTER EXPEND LESS

INVEST IN YOURSELF AND YOUR FUTURE:

Financing a professional wardrobe requires capital. Your investment yields the following benefits:

  • Confidence
  • Value
  • Superior packaging of your inner qualities
  • Conveyance of nonverbal signals that reflect worth
  • Zeal
  • Poise
  • Opulence
  • Self -esteem

interview tips

 

Resume Resources:

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ProvenResumes.com
ResumeEdge.comresume advice

Additional Resources:

Have Jobs Emailed to You!

WARDROBE COST, REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS:

You do not need to spend a lot to make the best impression. Set your realistic expectations by knowing:

  • What and how to buy and or select from your existing wardrobe.
  • Where to put the money or the emphasis.
  • Where it is okay to skimp.

CHOOSE SMART/ VALUE AND QUALITY:
The better the quality of your selected item, the longer it will last and the better it will make you look. Familiarize yourself with the details that express quality by:

  • Trying on high end clothes at Department stores
  • Assessing the fit, fabric, quality, style

Apply your findings by choosing more affordable clothes that best resemble the details of the higher end clothing

WARDROBE FINANCE 101 – ROI (RETURN ON INVESTMENT):

  • It takes money to make money.
  • Assess where you are in your career path.
  • You need to dress for the contract / position you want.
  • You need to look the part in order to get the part.
  • Evaluate the value of the investment.

    Example: If I make an outlay of $____ I expect to receive the value of ____?
    ROI: If I get hired I will make $________ MINUS my outlays for clothes $________ EQUALS $_________ ROI

    ASSEMBLING THE FIRST CONTACT ATTIRE

    The little suit that could!

    Whether you are new to the field or have years of experience under your belt you want to wear a suit that has classic lines and is monochromatic.

    The “FIRST CONTACT” outfit– Female
    The ingredients:

    • Suit – Pay particular attention to: 1) color (neutral - versatile, black- sophisticated, navy, gray, beige – competence) 2) fabric (wool- lightweight lined with a bit of Lycra), 3) fit (have it tailored to your specifications), 4) quality and finish.
    • Shirts – Pay attention to fabric, collar, buttons, length, cuffs, fit.
    • Shoes – Notice comfort, quality, shape, maintenance.
    • Hosiery.
    • Socks.
    • Bag – Notice texture , style, utility, construction, quality, size.
    • Portfolio or briefcase.
    • Jewelry.
    • Glasses.

    The “FIRST CONTACT” outfit – Male
    The ingredients:

    • Suit - Pay particular attention to: color, fabric, fit, quality and finish.
    • Shirts – Pay attention to fabric, collar, buttons, length, cuffs, fit.
    • Shoes – Notice comfort, quality, shape, maintenance.
    • Socks.
    • Portfolio or briefcase.
    • Jewelry.
    • Glasses.

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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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