In September, I was ON AIR sharing some TCE Career & Biz boosters for a corporate radio station. While on ai,r a question was posed to me: “TCE, all this talk about social media skills for a job…how about telling career seekers to THINK before they DRESS…and show up at the interview?” This question came from a frustrated human resources professional who can’t believe the caliber of candidates that are showing up in her office. She shared her experiences of career seekers having “no clue” on how their lack of presentation is affecting their ability to land that job. Of course, her question allowed me to “shift gears” and go TCE RAW on the radio as we spent some real time on this. Then it hit me…with all this focus on technology boosters…how many of us really grasp the power of your presentation during your career hunt or business dealings? So in TCE style, here are some things that impress or distress me on both sides of the coin (Career seeker or a Business Owner).
TCE 80/30 Rule: The Truth — you have 30 seconds to WOW a potential employer or client. If you fail that 30 second test, you are toast! The 80% decision has been made about your value, effectiveness, likability and fit (notice I said nothing about your performance…hum). Is this fair, is it right, is it legal? Bottom-line: it’s human! So what can you do about this 30 second booster or disaster potential? It’s simple. Ensure your presentation is tight, right, on-point, polished and up a notch above your competition. (Topic closed).
Maximize Human Technology! At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done…ask yourself the following questions:
- What “clear” messages do you want folks to “get” when they have connected with you?
- When you “leave the room,” what is remembered about you?
- When someone views your brand (image, style, substance,) what happens next?
- What thoughts generate when someone says your business name or career brand?
Human technology can boost your brand beyond the power of your graphic artist or professional career coach. Those “soft” skills that we gather from a strong liberal arts base are powerful. Know and execute the “rules of engagement”—the ability to capture the interest of “the room” when you walk in. The way you interact in formal or social settings with persons of diversity in terms of social status, culture, business and politics is critical. So my challenge to you: check your human technology skills if you want to increase your presentation and profitability.
You ALWAYS Remember Your First: Career seekers, your resume or profile is the first work sample a potential employe will see from you, so make sure it maximizes what you have and minimizes what you don’t. Business owners, stop the “free card from vistaprint” mentality. When I see those words on the back of a business card I dismiss any future engagement with that business owner. Just think about it, why would I invest TCE time or treasure with a business owner who refuses to do the same in their OWN business? There is a simple solution for this: make sure your marketing materials reflects a professional brand that echoes “I am ready for REAL business.”
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Social Media is Killing Authenticity
I feel like I'm constantly looking for interesting things to read abou
Social Media is Killing Authenticity
I don't even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was goo
I've Been Applying for Jobs, But Nobody Will Hire Me!
I WORKED FOR BREEZY MEADOWS FARM IN MOORESVILLE ,NC AND I AM A CONVICT
The Risky and Rewarding Business of Buying My Own Company
Your story is an inspiration for all of us.
L.T.
Money is tight for a lot of jobseekers, including myself. If interviewers expect a sophisticated suit and professionally printed business cards and resumes, I am out of the running. How can we compete?
I have one nice suit and business cards from vistaprint. I can not afford a better first impression. What are my options?
Francina Harrison, The Career Engineer
Hi LT,
Thanks for your comment. In our piece above we “hit” on the value of a polished presentation, clear and on-point message, on-demand skills, maximizing technology and other things to help get you noticed. No dollar value was placed on the suit…for us the main point is a polished presentation. Nothing wrong with Vistaprint…as long as you pay for the cards and ensure you don’t have the ‘freebie” word on the back. That can happen with a $25 investment (sometimes even less).
Employers prefer to hire the right talent, the right attitude…and folks who “with all that going for them” meet or exceed the likability factor. I don’t wear suits, but I have a unique and polished presentation that allows me to stand out from the crowd (in a positive way). My presentation works for my TCE brand and “my” marketplace. No I won’t get hired for a bank or an insurance company…but that’s not my target employer anyway. If the conservative market is your target, I don’t think it’s the cost value of the suit…but the way it’s “put together”, clean, classy, cuts are always in style.
While I am not now interviewed for traditional jobs…I am GRILLED “interviewed” for contracting/procurement opportunities, national speaking spots or to retained clients…and my “profitable presentation” makes all the difference.
By the way, I have a TCE member Ms. Aquil who talks about these “Dress for Success” issues, check out her blog, http://graceandcharmblog.com/ and let her know that “The Career Engineer” sent you.
Hope I was helpful
charley yancey
Great article Francina. I can understand about the free business cards…..the willingness to invest the business if you want others as customers.
Being located in the DC area, I haven’t a lot about people showing up improperly dressed for interviews.
Walethia Aquil
L.T. Let me start off by saying change your mindset. If you believe you won’t succeed, then it does not matter if you wore a designer suit!.
Attitude is everything. Here are a few suggestions on how you can use your image as a tool of empowerment.
1. Make sure your one good suit is clean and pressed, there is no such thing as wash and wear.
2. Shop discount and second hand stores for ties, blouses, shirts, and other accessorizes.
3. Ask your friends and family for gift cards this holiday instead of games and other electronics that do not enhance your quality of life.
4. Make sure your shoes are clean and polished.
5. Use deodorant, bath or shower.
6. No fragrances at all.
7. Research to learn the culture before the interview.
8. Some states have a Dress for Success program or something similar.
9. Avoid strange hair colors, hide any visible tattoos or piercing.
10. Prepare the night before.
11. Put a smile on your face and walk in there as if you are the only person for the position.
I promise you if you implement these basics you will stand out from your competition. Say the magic words, “please and thank you.”