Job Interviews

As an image consultant I help people with their personal image, this includes their body langauge.

Body language is a way in which we show what we are thinking and feeling through conscious and subconscious gestures, bodily movements and facial expressions. We can say one thing but mean another and our body language will show this, as it is largely controlled by the subconscious.

Body Language is part of our personal image and we need to ensure we are giving out the right message. We need to appear confident, trustworthy and, in the right situation, powerful. We also need to recognise other people’s body language, so, we can adapt our body language in given situations e.g. if a person feels threatened we can put them at ease.

The meanings can vary from culture to culture, so when you travel abroad you need to understand the various cultures, study them and observe their various behaviours.  This is a subject that cannot be covered fully in this session, but to give you some ideas of how to demonstrate a positive attitude you need to have: good facial expressions, good posture, eye contact, smile, good handshake, enthusiasm and show you are actively listening.

Learn to understand both yours and other people’s body language. Ask for feedback from friends or colleagues or review any videotapes of you making a presentation. You may see things you would never have believed or realised you did before.

It is amazing how much information we can give out to another person with our body language. Actions, as they say, speak louder than words. A clear indication of this is the new film “The Artist”, a silent black-and-white movie set in Hollywood during the age of flappers and fedoras, which has won a prize at the Globes and could well win more at the Oscars. Its leading actor, the Frenchman Jean Dujardin, won the award for best comedy actor at the Globes, without saying a word!

This year is going to be tough according to many economists with the job market and business very competitive, therfore  it is important that you dress well and look professional for your work or business. It is also important to have comfortable and smart clothes for relaxation and social events so you feel and look happy and confident.

After 16 plus years as an image consultant, helping people with their wardrobe, here are Appearance Management ‘s suggestions on what to consider to achieve a great wardrobe:

10 tips for a great wardrobe to suit your lifestyle and budget:

1. Ensure your clothes fit you well, consider alterations where necessry. It will pay dividends when your clothes look like they belong to you and show your figure at its best.
2. Ensure your clothes are clean, neat and tidy at ALL times.
3. Take time to sort your wardrobe. Try mixing and matching items, to give your outfits a different look and make a change.
4. Mend items when they need it or take them to a tailor or dressmaker. They will last longer and look better. This includes wearing trousers at the correct length so that they do not fray.
5. Plan what you need for the various events in your life and look out for bargains where you have gaps and need new items.
6. Colours should mix and match, so choose a family of shades  that suit you and that go with one another. Have key items in neutral shades e.g. black, navy, grey or camel.
7. Add accessories to your clothes to update them, adapt them for various occasions and to change your look.
8. Swop with a member of the family or friend, especially items you are not keen on or for an event you do not go too very often.
9. Dye items when colours have faded or are the incorrect colour to go with your other items.
10. Have layered items for the changeable weather, wear a vest or thick cardigan in the cold, light weight tops work well in the warmer weather or can be worn underneath on cold days.

The cost of household bills is increasing and so now is not the time to waste money on clothes you do not need or wear. Sorting, organising and planning is key. A little time spent on your wardrobe will pay dividends and will give you extra money for holidays or for saving. Buy the best quality you can afford so they last longer.

A successful outfit is one that projects the right  image for the occasion; that you look and feel good in, is appropriate whether it is for business, social, casual or formal.

10 points to consider:

Wear clothes that:

1. Are clean, tidy and presentable
2. Reflect your wardrobe personality
3. Fit well and flatter your shape
4. Compliment your colouring
5. Support your message about who you are – your personal image and brand
6. Are appropriate for the occasion, whether a business or social event
7. Are comfortable
8. Give you confidence
9. Add accessories to add colour and  interest
10. Appropriate shoes

Clothes need to be a support in our lives and not a problem. Our wardrobe needs to be adaptable and easy to use. If you need professional advice then consider seeing an image consultant. The benefits of receivng help can save you time and money. After receiving advice you will have a better understanding of where and what to buy within your budget, leaving you with a great wardrobe.

It is often the case you don’t know what you don’t know.

Our appearance has an impact on how we come across to people. It gives out an impression of who we are.  The type of accessories we enjoy wearing will depend on our wardrobe personality. When you wear expensive items, they portray that  you have a certain status. An expensive belt will make an average pair of trousers or skirt look more expensive and the same with cufflinks on a shirt.        

Accessories add style to our outfits and when we choose the right ones they will compliment our clothes and they can make our outfit look more expensive. They are a great way to update or change our look, plus they are easy to carry and do not take up too much room when you need to travel. It is a great way of expressing your personality, whether you wear one accessory or several.

It is important that you know how to wear accessories and what to purchase to compliment your outfits and you. They can make or break your look.

Appearance Management 10 tips:

1. Choose items that are in proportion to your scale (unless you want to be dramatic and have them noticed and not you). This includes cufflinks for men.
2. Wear accessories to bring out your best features.
3. Avoid wearing accessories near the weaker area of your body e.g. waist, bust, legs.
4. Buy a good quality belt in leather for business that goes witth your shoes and outfit.
5. Wear a quality watch for business and keep it elegant and in proportion to you, again unless you want it to be noticed and not you!
6. Wear a brooch near your shoulder to look taller and bring the attention to your face; avoid wearing it near your bust otherwise the attention will be on your bosom.
7. Tie a scarf in a knot according to your length of neck and shape of face.
8. Wear earrings to compliment your face shape and colouring.
9. Wear bright accessories to give contrast or softer tones to blend with your outfit, according to your colouring. (Have a colour consultation if you do not know).
10. Wear the correct hosiery, that sometimes depends on fashion. Don’t wear patterns or colours if you haven’t got good legs.
11. Buy good quality shoes for business, that are not high fashion (unless you’re in the industry) and are comfortable.

If in doubt what to wear with what then don’t wear the item or give it a trial dress rehearsal at home.

Good grooming is part of first impressions so always be well groomed and nothing is worse than seeing a badly creased or dirty suit. It is important to care for your suit, so it lasts longer and looks good every time you wear it. When you look after your suit it will look after you as you look stylish and presentable to the people you meet.

Here are my 10 Tips for Looking After a Suit

1. Hang it  up properly – as soon as you get home take your suit off and  hang it up.
2. Empty all your pockets when you have finished wearing it for the  day.
3. Wooden Hanger – use a good wooden hanger designed for a jacket  and trousers.
4. Breathe – leave it hanging to breathe and put it away the next day.
5. Dry  Cleaning – avoid dry cleaning your suit too often, it  usually only needs to be dry cleaned a few times per year. Too much dry cleaning makes natural fibres like wool more brittle and it will not last as long.
6. Brush your  suit -  give  the suit a quick gentle brush with a clothes brush which is made of natural bristles.
7. Don’t  wear your suit every day – if you wear a  suit every day then have at least five suits.
8. Press Your Suit – press on the wrong side and for pleats use a damp tea towel to iron on and use the iron on a steam setting. Often the  back of the knees of trousers, elbows of sleeves and centre of the back of  jackets need a press.  Alternatively ask your dry cleaners to just press it  for you.
9. Trouser  press – although it is not as good as a professional press it can help to remove the creases from the backs of the  knees each day.

Travelling

Packing your suit – turn the jacket inside out, ensuring that you pull the shoulders all the way through; then there will be fewer creases when the lining rubs against each other. As wool fibres need moisture to maintain their elasticity the best way to get creases out is to steam your bathroom by running the shower and hang the suit in the misty atmosphere for a few hours or overnight.

If you are on a tight budget, ensure you budget for at least two new suits a year.

Ensure you have clean shoes, hands and nails plus tidy hair and that your blouse or shirt is well pressed to complete the look.

You need to look the part at work and as I say “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have!”

There are many choices of where to buy a suit today, whether you choose a High Street store, local tailor or go to Savile Row and have a made to measure suit.

At Appearance Management there are various areas we cover when giving advice. Whether you are male or female you need to consider what style of suit compliments your body shape, the shade of colour to compliment your skintone and that it feels comfortable. Choose a style that reflects your wardrobe personality  e.g. modern, classic, high fashion or more creative, but it also needs to represent the business you are in.

If you do not wear a suit regularly or have very little funds then still buy the best you can afford as it will pay dividends and will last longer and look good.

As an image consultant, who regularly gives advice to clients, here are my tips to consider:

1. Natural fibres are better than synethics, it will keep cleaner and wear better.
2. Your first suit should be a plain suit and navy or grey are the best colours.
3. For women choose a skirt that is comfortable to wear and compliments your legs. Just above the knee, mid knee or just below. Midi or maxi are more awkward and can go out of fashion.
4. The key is to ensure the suit fits you well on the shoulders, chest and sleeves.  If it wrinkles it is too tight.  It is important to have alterations and if you need them then ensure they are done before you wear it.
5. When a suit fits you well and you feel comfortable in it you will feel confident in it.
6. Find a helpful, knowledgeble and friendly sales person who knows their products and how they fit.
7. Purchase the best quality you can afford, 100% wool is the best. Wool is a natural fibre that breathes which means you’ll be more comfortable and you’ll sweat less than in a suit made of man-made materials. Wool is also durable and travels well.
8. First suit  – a single-breasted jacket is best, depending on whether you are long bodied or long legged whether you choose a classic two-button or modern three- and four-button style. Always leave the bottom button on a single-breasted jacket undone.
9. What Cut do you choose to suit will depend on your body shape. The cut of a suit refers to how the suit sits or hangs on your body.
10. Colour. This depends on your natural colouring (skintone, hair and  eyes).  I recommend a colour analysis to find out. A plain navy suit, whether dark or mid-tone is best, according to your colouring or black, charcoal or mid grey. More than one suit you may like a window check or pinstripe or chalk stripe.
11. Jacket Fit – ensure the jacket gives you a full range of motion and that it fits smoothly over your shoulders. Jacket sleeves should end at the point where your hands meet your wrists and show 1/2 inch of your shirt cuff. The collar should hug the back of the neck without buckling or pulling. Lapels should lie flat to your chest, and should never bunch up or buckle.
12. Trouser fit – length should be correct and the waistline should be comfortable; you should be able to stick two fingers into the waistband while you’re wearing them. They should be worn just below the navel (belly button) and worn a bit higher than jeans which are usually worn on the hip. Turn-ups are best to be avoided if short as they will shorten you.

Wear a suit that looks good, feels good and makes you stand out from the crowd, in a positive way. It should represent you, your wardrobe personality and your personal brand.

With so many people looking for work and less promotions when you are in work, it is important you stand out from the crowd. Having a good personal image , showing enthusiasm and having energy in what you do is so important. Many of the candidates will have equally impressive qualifications, however it is the candidate who knows how to look the part, knows what to say and how to say it in the interview who will win the job. People buy people and they choose someone they like and trust within seconds.

Look at Andy before and after a Personal Image consultation and see the difference.

Ask yourself, why should a company or business employ you or promote you?

Are you passionate about your work, are you honest and trustworthy. Will you bring additional qualities to the company and are you a team player. Do you have fresh ideas and encourage fellow workers?

10 things to consider with your personal image:

1. Have a smart well groomed appearance
2. Be courteous and well mannered
3. Have good body language
4. Ensure you have good communication skills
5. Be self confident, but not arrogant or brash
6. Be flexible and adaptable
7. Have a good work ethic
8. Ensure your computer skills are up to date
9. Be positive and motivated
10. Ensure you have good interpersonal skills and show interest in other people

Dress for the job you want, dress appropriatley for the company’s brand, your personal brand and your wardrobe personality

As an image consultant, I am noticing more interest from men and women wanting to purchase suits and wishing to understand what styles and colours will best suit them. With the world economy in a fragile state, the uncertainty of the stock market and the concern of employment people are looking to smarten up in work. Tailors have never been so busy and many small retailer shops are going back to selling suits rather than the casual wear.

It is vital you look your best. If you cannot care about your appearance then it is an indication then you don’t care about others, so therefore you cannot expect others to care about you. You need to look as though you mean business, look professional and reliable.

The style of suit should compliment your body shape and bring out your best features. It is important that you ensure the suit fits perfectly – the chest, shoulders, waist, length of sleeve and trousers. Buy the best quality of wool you can afford, so it looks good and will last.

Pick shirts and ties that mix and match to change your look and the collar style  to compliment your face shape. Your accessories should also be of the best quality you can afford. Buy belts in the sale; a top quality belt makes an average pair of trousers look better quality, whereas a cheap belt will cheapen a more expensive trouser. Wear cufflinks to look stylish and a great way to express your wardrobe personality. It has become fashionable to wear a pocket square, again this will depend on your personality and which fold you choose – multi-point, triangular  or puff.

When you look the part, you will think the part and people will believe you are the part!

Good manners are SINCERE – sociable, invisible, natural, caring, effortless, respectful, earnest

Good manners are about knowing what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.

When you are polite and respectful and put people at ease, as a matter of course and with no fuss, people feel comfortable in your company. Practice makes perfect and the confidence that comes with strong social skills allows you to stand apart from the crowd and quickly build successful and professional relationships. Good manners are not for special events but should be used every day.

Points to think of:

1. Respect other people’s space, time, privacy and priorities.
2. Messages or voicemail – always return telephone calls, if necessary leave a message on voicemail. Speak slowly and clearly. How good is your voicemail message?
3. Mobiles – where possible avoid loud rings/conversation on mobiles in public places.
4. Remember to be courteous to people at all times, including colleagues and visitors e.g. offer a drink, take a coat.
5. Deliver on your promises or at least go back and update people.
6. Introductions, general rule of thumb – juniors to seniors.
7. Table manners can ruin your image; make sure you look and act the part.
8. Invitations - always reply to an invitation and following the event send a letter of thanks is remembered more than an email.
9. Email etiquette – keep to same standards as face to face. Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar and be professional at all times.
10. Meeting manners - you reveal a lot about yourself and your potential in a meeting. It is an ideal time to demonstrate your ability to interact with others. Thank the Chair before you leave. Ask questions when you require clarification.

The Royal Wedding was an excellent example of good grace, manners and etiquette and certainly mobile phones were not permitted in Westminster Abbey. Hopefully, we call all learn from these events.

As an image consultant I am often asked what should people wear for an interview. Well there is no one answer but the following tips may help you to decide.

So what should you consider?

1. It depends on both your industry and the position level you seek. Is the company traditional, creative or are you applying for a management role or manual work
2. Dress better than you would for the job
3. Ensure your clothes fit you well
4. Keep colours fairly neutral but add some colour either in shirt and tie or jewellery for a woman, but nothing that stands out too much
5. Ensure you are well groomed e.g. clean shoes, nails, hair, no creases in your clothes
6. Call the company or stand outside when people go or leave work and check out their attire. Alternatively phone reception and ask them about the dress code.
7. Keep it classic for a classic company, and up to date fashion for a fashion job
8. Dress modern, avoid wearing clothes that you have had for years. It will age you.
9. Don’t wear the same thing if you go back for a second interview (at least change the shirt and tie or top)
10. Ensure you feel comfortable in the clothes and that they reflect your personality

A prospective employer is looking for an employee who looks as least as good in person as they do on their CV. They want someone who looks like they will fit in with the company and its brand.

Walk in with confidence and remember to:

1. Turn up on time
2. Stand up straight, shoulders back
3. Smile
4. Give a good handshake
5. Give regular eye contact
6. Show you are listening
7. Loosen up your shoulders, sit upright in the chair and relax!
8. Be polite
9. Have some questions ready to ask and answer
10. Thank the interviewer for seeing you

For an image consultation please call or email Appearance Management