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Due to today's uncertain economy, we are fielding
many questions about the best ways to demonstrate a person's value to those
who may be choosing who stays and who goes.
There are ways to make your outstanding capabilities
more visible. Even in a strong economy, garnering a positive impression
helps your career.
Volunteer for work. Offer to take on more responsibility
or help on a complicated project. You may end up working harder without
assurance that it will pay off, but you'll put yourself ahead of the pack.
Come in earlier. If you already arrive early,
stay a bit later. Being around longer during the day without expectation of
added income shows your dedication to the firm.
Be an idea person. If you have an idea for how to
save money or gain additional income for your employer, a well thought-out
email or in-person presentation will demonstrate your innovative thinking
and your willingness to put your brainpower to work.
Refrain from griping. Speculating about the
future of the enterprise with co-workers, as tempting as it may be, can be
a career stopper. Yes, keep your ears open, but spreading what could be
considered morale-busters or rumors (even if true) may move you higher on
the "people we can we do without" list.
Continue to do the best job you can. Now is the
time to increase your value to the company. Going the extra mile may not
ensure your job but will leave a good legacy if downsized.
Please call Legend at 212-293-8920 to discuss your
career concerns and goals. One way to feel empowered about your situation
is to keep up-to-date on what alternatives and opportunities are available.
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If you think a high IQ trumps attire, especially
when you're interviewing, think again. You could be the smartest person in
the world, but a first impression is instantaneous, spontaneous and almost
irreversible. That's why I call it a final decision.
Just think, your success or failure could depend on
something as small as a tie - or lack of one. Or a pair of scuffed shoes.
Or a skirt that's too short. I call these details "silent
signals," but they actually speak louder than words. If these signals
are correct, an interviewer sees you can be counted on to be professional
and appropriate. So why jeopardize your future with an unpolished
appearance?
The following four rules can give you a roadmap for
getting that offer:
1. Dress for the job you want. No one is ever looked
down on for dressing in a more professional way, although the reverse is
true. This means wearing a suit, rather than a sport jacket and trousers
for men or a jacket with contrasting bottom for women. And yes, men, wear a
dress shirt and tie and a pair of shoes that lace up (slip-in shoes are
considered too casual for a suit). Take an objective look at yourself to
make sure that everything works together and the final effect is pulled
together and professional.
2. Create a signature. Your goal is to be remembered in
a good way, not for a Mickey Mouse watch or socks with little frogs on
them. Some notable signatures include a great-looking watch with a leather
band, interesting jewelry, an eye-catching handbag or pen, highly polished
and expensive-looking shoes.
3. Select color strategically. Choose a neutral color
for your suit - brown, black, gray or navy - then accent with color: a tie
or pocket square for men; a scarf, watch strap or jewelry for women. Choose
a hue that not only flatters your skin tone, but also reflects your
personality. Here are some common associations: yellow = optimism; orange =
friendship; blue = loyalty; red = excitement.
4. Heed the details. Your clothes should be clean and
pressed; shoes shined, hair freshly cut or simply styled, shoulders lint
free. Pop a mint in your mouth before your meeting for fresh breath. If you
wear fragrance, keep the scent clean and light or better still, wear none
at all. Men, make sure your nails are groomed and you're freshly shaven;
ladies, makeup should be understated, nail polish pale and manicure recent.
Of course, there's more, much more to a dynamic
impression. But follow the above rules to assure that your appearance
supports your capabilities.
The founder of Dresszing (dresszing.com) and of Susan Sommers StylePower (susansommersstylepower.com), style and etiquette expert
Susan Sommers specializes in dynamic impressions that wow at a glance.
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