The Vital Importance of Your Appearance When Job Hunting

"If you don't look it, you won't be it"

If you had to visit a doctor or a lawyer about a serious problem and if he was wearing sloppy trousers, an old T-shirt and scruffy trainers at your first visit, what would you think? Would you go back to him?

Pocket Watches For Men

The image you present has never been more important, and first impressions last.

It's easy to see why. Outward appearance is the only way in which we can make an instant impression when meeting people for the first time. We often have to create the right image within a few minutes. In these situations, people size each other up very quickly indeed. And as an individual's skills, talents and personalities take much longer to become apparent, your image is the only 'weapon' you have. Our society is more image conscious than ever and the pressure to look right has never been greater.

First impressions are made by:

The way you stand, sit and walk.
What you are wearing.
How you speak.
The way you stand, sit and walk

Have you noticed how most celebrities in politics and public life move on TV? They sit and stand straight and walk purposefully at a steady pace. They rarely touch their clothing i.e., straighten their ties, pull at their trousers or skirts, fiddle with their cuffs, etc. They have been trained not to! You should do all this before appearing at any meeting or interview.

Practice at home, in front of the mirror or somebody you can rely upon!

Make sure your clothes are comfortable. Sit on a low sofa and learn how to adjust your legs gracefully - men and women! People can behave extremely awkwardly when taking off their coat and hat if they are being watched. Take your time and smile!

If you wish to take relevant papers out of your briefcase, do so immediately. Make sure the briefcase is in good state of repair and neat. One tip is to put all relevant papers in one coloured plastic folder so that you can find it quickly.

What you are wearing

The cut and colour of your clothes, your hairstyle, and even your briefcase, handbag or make-up (in the case of women) are valuable tools in communicating your professionalism, talent and dynamism.

Generally speaking professional men and women applying for a senior position should wear dark plain suits. For men, squeaky clean, well-cut shirts should accompany these with cuffs showing. Colour of suit, shirt, tie and breast pocket handkerchief and socks should harmonize. One can be quite bold with colour, but not garish! Recent studies show that while American businessmen buy an impressive average 5 suits each per year, German men 2 suits and French men 1.5...the British male purchases a mere half a suit per year - so there's still some catching up to do. Hair should also be very clean and well cut. Nails short and well kept.

For women, plain stretch tops or very plain, preferably white shirts are much better than fussy blouses. Tailored trouser suits are now perfectly acceptable but they should be well cut. Skirts should not be too short and hair should be tied back and not fall in your face. You might be sending out the wrong messages if you do so! Good, well-kept shoes are essential as are, of course, perfect tights.

Handbag and briefcase should be in peak condition. Make-up should be up to date but discreet. Jewellery kept to a minimum. No dangling earrings! Some perfumes can be quite strong and penetrating - so ask a relative about yours. Again, it should be very discreet.

A top Image Consultant and adviser to top international executives and prominent political figures, has an interesting answer for those who maintain that such concentration on image is unnecessary. "When we first meet new people:

55% of the impact we make on this is via the way we dress, act and walk through the door.

38% via the quality of your voice, our accent, use of grammar and overall confidence; and a mere...

7% from what we actually say.

So there's a great deal we can communicate before we even open our mouths.

The Vital Importance of Your Appearance When Job Hunting

business dress code is just one of the things to bear in mind which is why you should go to our website http://www.careers-advisor.com and sign up for my free 5 day job hunting course.

Peter Robson has over 20 years experience in the career guidance industry. he has worked with people from a variety of job backgrounds and industries. He works with people individually as well as project managing large outplacement assignments.