Interviewing Basics- Part 1

Everyone will have an interview at some point in their life. But because it happens so infrequently, most people have little experience with the process and are usually unprepared in some way. What to wear? What questions to expect? What body language to exhibit? How to follow-up? These are only a few of the many questions to figure out before your interview. For Part 1 of this blog, find out what you need to do before you even step foot into the office.
Pre-interview checklist. Your nerves will already be high on interview day, so don’t make it worse by being unprepared on the basics. Make sure you know where the office is and how to get there. We strongly suggest that you take a test drive at the same time you will make the actual drive (consider rush hour traffic!). Allow enough time to park, use the restroom to check your appearance, and calmly arrive in the office.
Wardrobe checklist. (Disclaimer: We are making the assumption that you are interviewing for a corporate position. If not, the rules may change, but it’s always better to be over, rather than under-dressed.) Try on your attire before the morning of the interview. Remember that you are the “star” and your clothes are “supporting cast.” In other words, don’t let what you are wearing distract from you. Colors that are too bright, large patterns, ill-fitting garments, and too much jewelry are all distracting. For women wearing skirts, wear pantyhose (we know, groan!). Consider cleavage a definite “No”, and make sure skirts reach at least the tops of your knees. As Kathryn likes to say, “The more skin you show, the more opportunities you blow.” To upgrade your outfit from business casual to a more professional level, incorporate the “third piece”. Unfamiliar with the “third piece” concept? Check out Connie’s blog here. Keep accessories to a minimum, avoiding large and/or dangling earrings, noisy bracelets, and anything too “blingy”. Men should wear a well-fitting suit over a wrinkle-free, crisp dress shirt. If a suit seems too formal, go with a sports jacket or blazer. Make sure your shoes are polished, you are wearing over-the-calf dress socks, and you have a belt in good condition. When it comes to accessories, stick with a watch and, if applicable, a wedding ring. No choker necklaces from your summer vacation, no ear or facial piercings, and no visible tattoos.
Grooming checklist. Ladies, consider having your hair trimmed and the color touched up a week or two before your interview. Your nails should be manicured and free of polish (although clear polish is OK). Gentlemen, your tasks include making sure you have freshly trimmed hair, manicured nails, and trimmed facial hair (BIG bonus points for clean shaven...why risk it?). For both genders, be sure to have freshly brushed teeth, and go easy on the perfume and cologne.
Now that you’ve completed your pre-interview checklist, what about the actual interview? Stay tuned for Part 2!

Professional Pet Peeves

Pet peeves. You have them, your friends have them, your family has them. Do you know who else has them? Your co-workers. Read on to find the most common things that can set off your office mates.

You are not a sales rep for your children. Your co-workers can’t afford to buy a box (or two) of Girl Scout cookies from every co-worker, but they will feel pressured to do so if you ask. Not only should you avoid bringing your child’s fundraisers to the workplace, you shouldn’t bring your own either.

Stop the forwarding. Everyone at some point in their life has received one of those annoying chain emails. Don’t bring them into the workplace. It takes time (time that should be spent working) to read the e-mail, and then forward it to 98 people to avoid bad luck for the next 10 years. If nothing else, it fills up your co-workers’ inboxes with something that should go in the spam folder.

Easy on the cologne. Everyone wants to smell nice. But, more and more, people are becoming increasingly sensitive to strong smells. Nobody wants to be able to smell your new Britney Spears perfume from three cubicles away. Avoid your strong perfume or cologne and stick with the freshly showered scent.

Use your inside voice. This applies to any public place, but especially the workplace. Whether you’re talking to someone in person or on the phone, be aware of the volume of your voice. Nothing is more annoying than hearing a one-sided conversation. Beware: just because you’re behind closed doors, doesn’t mean you can be as loud as you want. Voices travel, and nothing is more embarrassing than thinking you’re having a conversation behind doors, only to find out the whole office heard your not-so-great evaluation of another employee.

My space. Yes, your cubicle or office is your own personal space, but use discretion when decorating. Think about the message you are sending with religious or politically-oriented cartoons or decor. With any controversial subject you present, chances are you may be offending someone with whom you work. Avoid overly cute and overly cluttered as well. The key words here are "neat" and "professional".

Introduce yourself. Is there someone in your office that you pass by every day and don’t know their name? Awkward, isn’t it? As time passes, it becomes even more awkward that you don’t call them by name. So here’s a solution -- go ahead and introduce yourself! Meet everyone--even to the janitor. Knowing the people you work with makes work much more enjoyable for everyone.

Enjoy these tips on office etiquette-- we know your co-workers will!

Investing in Your Smile

Seems like I recently posted on the importance of a great smile. Well, it can’t be said enough – a winning smile sends a host of positive messages. Don’t underestimate the power of your smile to broadcast a well-adjusted, positive attitude. A warm, genuine smile is a strong signal of a confident image and an approachable personality. It’s almost impossible to ignore a smile – the default response is to smile back and this exchange elevates the mood of both parties!
But sometimes I meet with clients who are not maximizing the power of their smile. Why? I frequently hear “I don’t like my smile!” or “I don’t have a good smile” – when pressed, they often admit they don’t like the looks of their teeth. Do you have this feeling? Here are some thoughts:

There’s a new standard. When I started in this business nine years ago, I rarely talked about teeth. But today, there’s an expectation that everyone will have a great smile. People in the media have perfectly straight and white teeth, and there’s a strong pressure for everyone to conform.

Corrective action at any age. Orthodontics are not just for teens. If your teeth are not reasonably straight, there are more options than ever to line them up. Traditional braces, the clear Invisaline product, and even retainers to realign drifting teeth are increasingly seen on adults through middle age. Veneers, pricey as they are, are a great solution for misshapen or undersized teeth or those permanently discolored from Tetracycline, for example.

The easiest improvement. Want a really quick way to improve your smile? Get your teeth whitened! If you're like me and have had a long love affair with coffee, tea, colas, and red wine, your teeth are showing the aging effects of stains. Over the years I’ve tried white strips from the store (mediocre results) and trays and bleach gel from the dentist (better results). I’ve been looking for a great process for a reasonable price and it’s now here! I just did the Beyond™ WhiteSpa® procedure – it took one hour and my teeth (already pretty white) came out really white. See my mouth in the picture! I highly recommend this fast, effective, well-priced option.
So take a look in the mirror and smile! Don't love what you see? Consider some improvements -- it's a great image investment!

First Day of Summer--Are You Ready?

Ladies-It's the first day of summer! How do you continue to look professional and not melt in the heat? We are here to help!
If you have been fortunate enough to attend one of Kathryn’s presentations, you know that she highly encourages the use of “the third piece” to pull together that professional, confident look. This is most usually a jacket, but they can be hot and cumbersome in the summer heat. So how do you help keep your “cool”, and wear that third piece? Here are a few tips:
Look for the right fabrics. Natural fibers like linens, cottons and silks never go out of style. Despite the introduction of synthetics, these natural fibers remain as popular as ever. The natural fibers allow for air to flow, your skin to breathe and will therefore keep you cooler.
Look for ¾ length sleeves. These will be cooler simply because there is less fabric. Your arms are still covered (a must for that “third piece”), but it’s cooler. Another plus for ¾ length sleeves-they rarely require any alterations!
Look for unlined, but structured jackets. Just be certain the seams are finished and lay flat. A well-made jacket will include that detail.
Look for a camisole. Wear a cami (or even a lightweight, short-sleeved sweater) under your third piece. The less clothing under a jacket, the better in the heat!
Look for a great blouse. By placing a cami or lightweight sweater under a blouse that is left open, the blouse becomes your “third piece”. Because blouses are generally lighter weight than jackets, you aren’t as hot, but still have that pulled together look.

Enjoy your summer, stay cool and look fabulous!

Being the Perfect Host

The last blog taught you the key elements for being the perfect dining guest. Once you’ve advanced in your career (partly due to your excellent guest etiquette, no doubt!), you’re now the one hosting the meal. Remember, a great host takes care of every detail for guests – just as if you were hosting at your own home. So read on, and you’ll be as good a host as you were a guest.

Pick a great restaurant for business. Ideally, choose a restaurant you know to have excellent food and service. Your image is on the line! Also, always consider your guests’ food preferences. Don’t choose a restaurant that doesn’t have vegetarian options if you know one of your guests doesn’t eat meat. What about the atmosphere? Ideally, you need an environment quiet enough to discuss business, but not so quiet that your every word will be overheard.

An onsite visit eliminates uncertainty. Make a reservation a few days in advance. Use your name, as well as the company name (this puts the restaurant on notice that this is a business meal). If you are not familiar with the restaurant, it’s a great idea to drop in before the event and introduce yourself to the staff that will be assisting you. Request a table that is away from any doors, the restrooms, and traffic paths.

Confirm and avoid disappointment. Confirm with your guest(s) the morning of (or the day before if your chosen meal is breakfast) in order to avoid being stood up. Always program their office and mobile numbers into your own phone, just in case an emergency arises.

Be early. Because you’re the host, it’s not good enough simply to be on time. You need to be early in order to make sure everything is perfect before your guest arrives.

Meet and greet. When you arrive, don’t be seated – wait instead for your guest to arrive. Let the host(ess) lead your guest to the table first, and offer them the prime seating.

Assist with ordering. Help your guest by making a recommendation of the restaurant’s specialties. Encourage a first course if you have the time. Don’t forget that, as the host, you should order last.

Be responsible. As the host, you are responsible for the comfort of your guest throughout the meal. Make them feel special! If you see that they need something, such as a refill, you should be the one to notify your server.

Paying gracefully. A great way to avoid the awkward moment when the bill arrives, is to arrange for payment in advance. Simply give your credit card to the maître d’ before your guests arrive and request that they add the customary tip. You’ll be able to sign and go with no fuss.

Parting with graciousness. You should always walk your guest to the door. Get extra credit by walking them to their car or assist with hailing a taxi. Take your leave with a great handshake.

Hopefully, we’ve equipped you with all the knowledge you’ll need to be the perfect guest and host and your next business meal.

Coming soon—Summer starts on June 21^st! Check back next week for Connie’s blog on how to maintain your professional look with the 3^rd piece without having a heatstroke.

Being the Perfect Guest

Whether you are beginning the interview process or already have your own corner office, knowing the ins and outs of dining etiquette is a must. Remember that dining for business is always an opportunity for you to reaffirm your professionalism image and demonstrate perfect etiquette. Let’s save the nuts and bolts of navigating the table setting for another blog, and focus today on the specific responsibilities we have when we are the invited guests to a business meal.

• Your first responsibility. Above all else, BE ON TIME! Do you know exactly where the restaurant is? How long will it take to get there? In rush hour? Do you know where to park? What about valet service? This is information that you need to find out BEFORE the meal.
• Research ahead. Nothing is more annoying than dining with someone who can’t decide what to order. Every reputable restaurant has a website these days so do some reconnaissance ahead of time! Having a good idea of what you’d like to order in advance allows you to appear confidently decisive at the restaurant.
• Order Well. Have the sensitivity to think about cost when you are not paying. Don’t order the most expensive item on the menu unless your host has specifically recommended it to you. Avoid anything that is messy, can splatter, or is greasy. If possible, order something you can cut with your fork. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things. If your host takes you to a nice Italian restaurant, don’t insult them by ordering a hamburger.
• Don’t be high maintenance. Everyone has their likes and dislikes; however, there’s no need to broadcast your own pickiness. If you have a food allergy or a specific diet restriction (vegan, diabetic), quietly mention it to the waiter. Yet another reason to check out the menu in advance! Being high maintenance sends a message to your host (and others that you’re dining with) that you’ll be high maintenance in the office as well.
• Converse. Duh. This seems obvious, but is important for a variety of reasons. If nothing else, leaving the responsibility of talking to the host will mess with the pace of the meal. If they’re constantly talking, they’ll be finishing their first course while you’re waiting for dessert. Keeping a good flow of conversation is the responsibility of both the host and the guest. A good tip: Depending on what industry you are in, browse the online versions of the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal and brush up on current events. These two periodicals (or one more suited to your career) will definitely provide good topics for conversation.
• Compliment the host. “Thank you for choosing such a great restaurant!” or “What great service!” are pleasantries that indicate your appreciation for the event. After the meal, remember to thank three times for maximum impact. 1) Verbally as you are leaving, 2) in an e-mail upon returning to your office, and (here's the clincher) 3) again by handwritten note on nice card stock.

Stayed tuned for our next blog on how to be the perfect host!

Perplexed by Pantyhose- Part 2

It’s Jill, the Image Matters Summer Intern, here again. Thanks to those who responded to Part 1 of this blog and reaffirmed the value of wearing hose. But for those of you that still insist on wearing a skirt without pantyhose, here are some other options to make your legs look better:

Self-tanning Lotion. I can’t claim to have much experience with this, but the one product I’ve used, I’ve loved, and I’ve gotten several compliments on my “tan”. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum. This product is a great investment. It only costs about $11, available at Wal-Mart or Target. Use the product daily until you are as dark as you want, then once a week after that. Theoretically, the bottle can last you the whole summer. It’s definitely cheaper and safer for your body than actual tanning. One word of advice: Try mixing the bronzer with some lotion before applying. Also, if you notice streaks, or dark/light spots, don’t worry. They can easily be fixed with the next application.

Leg Make-up. Leg make-up seems to be the option if you’ve got more than just pale skin. Leg make-up can hide blemishes, scars, and even tattoos. Leg make-up comes in several different forms (liquid, spray on, and cake), but the liquid make-up seems the most practical for at-home, everyday use. Make sure your legs have been cleaned and exfoliated before using the liquid, and be sure you’ve stocked up on foam sponges for the application process. Brands like Dermablend, Sally Hansen, and Sephora all seem to have a reputable leg make-up product. Cost for leg make-up varies, with a 3.4 fluid ounce bottle of Dermablend costing approximately $31.

For the Seriously Inked. Kathryn Lowell, of Image Matters, says that for anyone in corporate life, visible tattoos are a “permanent reminder of a momentary lapse of judgment.” So, if you have big tattoos that need to be covered, try Kat Von D’s (famous tattoo artist on Miami Ink) Lock-It Concealer sold at Sephora. See the amazing results in these images. Check out the product online by clicking here.

So there you have it—the ins and outs of pantyhose and their alternatives! Feel free to leave a comment with your opinions and thoughts.