Are You Demonstrating a Winning Image?
Monday, April 30, 2012
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to be a guest panel speaker at an event organized by the Women In Business at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. The topic of the evening was business start up strategies and professional image. Many of the students at the event were either interviewing for summer internships or had just landed one. They wanted to know not only what was acceptable for an interview but what was expected once they landed the job whether they were working at an investment bank or working for a start up company. The women clearly understood that in addition to their education and experience they needed to also look and act the part. Fitting seamlessly into an organization and supporting a company’s brand image is an important component of career success.
Tips for a winning image:
1. If you are going through the interviewing process you need to research the company to find out what their culture, environment and brand are like. Go online and see if you can find photos of executives and then dress accordingly. Your goal is to demonstrate the unspoken rules of professional dress and to mirror the culture.
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3. Not all clothes fit perfectly off the rack. You’ll need to make a minor investment to look your absolute best. Tailoring your clothes makes all the difference. You’d be surprised at how many people notice when your clothes don’t fit. Jacket sleeves, pant and skirt hems need to fall at the right place for you to look polished and professional. You want to be remembered for your work not your awful outfit.
4. Pay attention to key details like polished, updated and well kept shoes, manicured hands and accessories such as a quality tote, portfolio and pen. Investing in yourself tells others you are worth investing in.
5. Brush up on your business and dining etiquette. This speaks volumes especially if you are a newbie to the corporate world. Some interviews are conducted over lunch or dinner. You don’t want to be caught off guard.
6. Be courteous to everyone you meet during your visit to the company, especially the receptionist!
7. Watch your body language. It can sabotage your success without you even knowing it.
8. Leave your iphone or droid in the car. You won’t be taking calls during the interview.
9. Keep jewelry and watches understated. They should enhance your look, not detract from it.
10. For the interview and beyond. Look like you care! A professional hairstyle is essential for both men and women. Facial hair on men should be well groomed. Wear make up that complements your complexion and completes your look.
11. Dress a notch above your peers. You’re not expected to dress at the level of your manager or your manager’s boss but your are expected to look professional enough that they can put you in front of a client or senior executive.
Margaret Batting is the Corporate Style expert for GoLocalProv.com. Margaret is the owner and president of Elevé Image Consulting and the only certified image consultant and personal brand strategist and a Worcester, MA native. She travels the country as the national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder. For more information, visit www.eleve-style.com.
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