Today my colleague Dianne Boras of Vada Image Consulting for Women and I presented to 28 job seeking executives currently affiliated with the Norwalk office of the nationwide employment firm Right Management.
What were their top concerns?
Question: In today’s more casual business atmosphere, is interviewing in a suit and tie still expected in most offices?
Answer: Yes! Regardless if you are interviewing at Google or IBM, there is a cultural expectation that you will show up dressed respectfully and appropriately – ie. a suit. However, the nuances of that suit are where you take the important additional step to assimilate the company’s culture into your outfit. Creative industry? Add a pocket square of colored silk, Sales or personnel job? Wear a shirt with a significant color such as french blue, or pink. Technical job? Iron your clothes.
Question: What about brown?
Answer: Dark brown, espresso brown (remember the brown suits that Reagan wore?) are a fine business choice for the mid to lower ranges of formality choices – that is, not the most formal (usually legal or financial) that require charcoal and navy exclusively. A dark brown suit often resonates very well with the coloring of the wearer – thus making him look more attractive which is a benefit all by itself! Guess Reagan cared more how he looked…!
Question: How do I shake a woman’s hand?
Answer: The SAME! No bone crushing is required for either sex to affirm master of the universe dominance or superiority. What is important is that you do give a real shake – no limp fish – that you fully engage your hand with hers, and you maintain eye contact throughout the shake.
It’s time to look as good as your resume!
For your next career or big promotion, the easiest way is to make a single phone call.
What happens next? A Personal Image Consultant shows up to
- ensure your interview image is perfect for you and your industry
- Review visual aspects from hair cut to shoes and everything in between
- Help you acquire the pieces you need to look exactly like the person the interviewer WANTS to hire
I am a Personal Image Consultant and a J Hilburn Stylist
I bring confidence, organization, efficiency to your life.