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5 Professional Wardrobe Do's (and 5 Don'ts!)
Photo courtesy of Eman Winston via Creative Commons
Featured Author:
Roxanne Ravenel
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Roxanne Ravenel | Excelle
April 16, 2009
Image is everything. This is particularly true for job hunters. During a job search we meet others on job interviews, in networking situations, and out in the community. How we present ourselves will largely impact the first impression we make with them.
“We have approximately seven seconds in which we can make a good first impression,” says wardrobe stylist and freelance fashion writer, Kristen Kaleal. “That’s the amount of time it takes to shake somebody’s hand and take a seat.”
According to Kaleal, during that initial seven seconds we are being sized up. “We’re being judged on our education level, our level of sophistication, our attention to detail, how much self-confidence we have. The first impression we make is paramount to getting the job.”
With such a limited amount of time to make that all important first impression, the image we project can communicate far more than our words can. By carefully managing our image, we can greatly improve the impression we make with others. Here are five dos and five don’ts to look your best during your job search and beyond.
Xmatters
over 2 years ago
20 comments
I don't think stockings look good or professional anymore, just out of date. I wear leg makeup on my legs to keep them looking nice but unless I've got stockings on because it's snowing outside, I always have my legs bare.
PhoenixPhire
over 2 years ago
8 comments
wow. so i'm not getting hired because i don't wear make-up nor carry a bag... how masculine of me!
mgdalessandro
over 2 years ago
8 comments
I love this type of articles specially when they pin point the negative issues, but even more when suggestions are given in what it should be the correctness in regards to the issues on hands. Like in this article, in Tip #4, you said what not to wear "kind of", but you don't clarify or specify what is approachable as a general rule, neither suggest what should be dressed as a general rule either. Because a vague concept leaves vague ideas behind.... Thanks!
lisalou
over 2 years ago
2 comments
Jennifer41042 - I agree it looks cheap and unpolished...
metot
over 3 years ago
574 comments
Nice article..Thaks for the tip:0)
jennifer41042
about 4 years ago
62 comments
All great advice. A trend was pointed out to me recently, and is reflected in the photo used in this story - when dressing in business attire young women no longer feel the need to wear stocking or pantyhose.
I'm not old by any means, but even to me this takes a look from being "polished and professional" to "not quite complete". Bare legs are not for job interviews.
I think we all want to be Carrie Bradshaw, but there are a lot of offices were her style would keep her out.
I'm curious about others opinion on this. :) I may just be really out of touch!! :)
Belc
about 4 years ago
676 comments
Excellent excellent advice. I was blown away by the car advice too, I thought I was the only one who noticed a connection between the two, I'd never have believed an interviewer would follow you out..
clitzelman
about 4 years ago
2 comments
Excellent piece. I love that you mentioned consignment & thrift stores in Style Tip #3. I think it's an option that many people overlook assuming that the clothing and accessories will be dated or smell like mothballs. But these days consignment shops are just a place to find current name-brand pieces in excellent condition at 60-80% off the original price. I think everyone should take advantage of the suggestion and google for local consignment stores.
Sunni
about 4 years ago
4 comments
The thumbs down was a mistake. Sorry, I don't know how to reverse it. It was a great article. Information I will use on my next interview. So very Sorry. Great information!!
Sunni
about 4 years ago
4 comments
Thank you, this was extremely valuable.
kbtordai
about 4 years ago
1556 comments
Great tips! I have an interview Monday afternoon - and it's been awhile! Thanks
bonnieppi
about 4 years ago
34 comments
Roxanne, you hit the nail on the head! In these economically challenging, highly competitive job marketing time, the woman jobseeker cannot afford to have anything less than a polished professional image.
Thank you for sharing this with the group!
Sincerely,
Bonnie Mahaffey
Polished Professional Image
Visit online at www.polishedprofessionalimage.com
Account Removed
about 4 years ago
This is all excellent advice, some of which I hadn't even thought of - like making sure your car is clean! We can never be too informed when it comes to women's attire in the work place, and projecting a positive image that is in line with who we are.