(BPRW) — “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” When it comes to interviewing and advancing in your career path, it’s not just a cliché; it’s the truth. While having the right credentials, education and experience are important to employers, their first impression when meeting a candidate face-to-face is literally what they see in your demeanor and physical appearance.
Evaluate your look. Is your attire more Saturday night than Monday morning? Would your look convey respect and credibility to clients? These are important questions to ask yourself, particularly if you are graduating from high school or college. It is also important to seek out honest counsel from credible people.
Popular television shows like “What Not to Wear” and “How Do I Look?” regularly feature men and women whose friends, families and coworkers are concerned that their dress and appearance are holding them back from success in life. The show participants are often unaware of the image they are giving to others until confronted by their loved ones. Yet, it is far better to receive constructive criticism at home than on a job interview!
While participants on these makeover shows get a brand new wardrobe for free, most everyone else has to pay out of pocket for professional looking clothes and that is an obstacle for many people. Thankfully, many charitable organizations exist to help people afford professional attire at low cost.
Maybe you’ve been in the workforce for several years, and you know all the ins and outs of presenting yourself. Consider sharing your knowledge with the younger people coming up. And if you have some career outfits in good condition that you aren’t using, consider donating them and help give someone a boost up the ladder of success.
This was printed in the March 25, 2012 – April 7, 2012 Edition
