People in today's job market are preventing themselves from succeeding in their hunt for work before they even get in the door of their clients, their networks, or even their potential bosses. They are hip to all the key phrases, they may know everything about the business they're wanting to work with, but there's still one very crucial step they still overlook.Appearance.
In the news, you hear about how "nobody's hiring me" or something along that line. We recently attended a job fair to recruit marketing associates from South Florida and while my business partner didn't see anyone in bikinis, there were others in droves wearing baggy pants, loose jeans, t-shirts, and "wife-beaters" (a not-so-affectionate phrase for tank undershirts stereotypically worn by the type of guys they're named after). Meanwhile, there were 40 or 50 companies, white-collar and professional ranging from BSO to banking to insurance. Those guys were in suits and a tie.
There's a rule in jobhunting. Dress for the job you want. If you want to flip burgers, t-shirts and baggy shorts are great. However, if you want to be a mover and shaker, a leader, nothing less than a pressed button-down shirt (preferably of one color, without silkscreening), a clean tie, slacks, and dark socks and shoes (even if the shoes are clean, well-maintained dark sneakers) will suffice.
The same applies to your potential customers. Think about it. Let's say you're in charge of an extremely limited budget that handles expensive purchases for a company. If you had two candidates -- one looking like he or she was straight off of "8 Mile" and the other looking "Wall Street advisor", which one would you be more comfortable writing a check to? Exactly.
In this day and age, and this economy, money attracts money now more than ever. Those who dress as Haves (even if they're broke) will get more confidence in business transactions than those who dress as Have Nots. And ladies, I hate to say this but trust me, do not bathe in perfume in the desperate hopes that smelling like Chanel from ten blocks away; some customers may even have asthma that you might accidentally cause. Other tips:
- Keep exposed jewelry to a minimum. If there's religious stuff showing, some customers who might not cater to your crowd may think poorly of you. "Guilty by association."
- Tattoos are not professional if they are flaming skulls. If you absolutely must have one, make it inconspicuous during work hours.
- Dress stylish but remember to dress comfortably with the weather in mind. The last thing a customer or potential boss wants are baggy shorts, as well as heat prostration.
- Ear piercings are acceptable. Nose piercings are questionable. If your mouth region has enough holes to constitute a sieve and enough piercings to resemble Pinhead from Hellraiser, you will also evoke the same response as him.
- Hair is crucial. If you don't have it, don't worry. If you do, these rules apply: make sure it's clean, appropriate length, and looks like you combed it (not like bedhair or bird's nests).
Remember, you have a half-second to make an impression to your customers... they'll know instantly and that half-second can either bring you a lot of orders or a lot of free time wondering why sales suck.
And that's Clayfoot Jones' thought of the day. If you are interested in learning more business and marketing tips and tools, subscribe to our free e-newsletter by hitting www.ClayfootJones.com and clicking "Contact CFJ" for the signup link. Thank you for your time, and have an awesome weekend.
-KB, CFJ
