Q TIPS:
Quick and Quintessential Tips to Guide Your Job Search and Work Life
Job-hunting tips from the November 3, 2008, issue of
QuintZine.
Focus on things you CAN control:
Producing quality work (those who are employed); this is the time to prove you are
reliable and capable of producing results in difficult times.
Updating your professional collateral (resume, cover letter)
to highlight key skills, accomplishments -- what are the most pertinent skills in your field, and
how can you prove that you've mastered them?
Expanding your professional network -- how can you leverage social networks to meet new
people cross-functionally, across industries, across geographies?
Developing a "Plan B" -- if your current company/industry is in a restructuring phase,
what other companies/organizations/industries can benefit from your talents?
In these stressful times the No. 1 thing that someone can do to help
protect his or her job, client base, or maintain sales, is to have the best
image possible from head to toe.
For men the No. 1 thing to do is to make sure that you are not matching your superficial appearance with their suit and tie (brown hair
with brown suit jackets or ties that match the shirt). Ties are a power tool. When choosing ties, look for bold classic colors such as jewel tones
or raspberry and magenta. A tie should not detract from the face, so an angled stripe that draws the eye upward is best. Patterns should be very
small and never paisleys or florals, which suggest femininity and will diminish credibility. Navy suits are the best because even an inexpensive
suit looks good in navy. Be careful with black that you don't look too "slick" or "gangsterish". Brown is not a power color. Psychologically it's
"earthy," as are suits in olive green, which say "nature".
For women, the biggest credibility killer is the blazer jacket, turtleneck, and chain combo. While some people think that this look is conservative and
suitable for the office, it actually appears matronly and not powerful. Women can find great fitted jackets in interesting styles and with shape
built in that are more polished and professional. Wearing bright vibrant colors will separate you from the pack and distinguish you as
"bright" "happy" and "energetic." Avoid "food" colors like lime green and orange. Go with the classic jewel tones or great colors like magenta,
fuchsia, and shocking pink (not baby pink). Avoid pastels, which sugest timidity. Make sure to wear professional makeup and great bold accessories,
and you have the winning combination!
For both men and women ditch business "casualty" even on "Casual Friday".
Once you notice the difference in looking your very best every day, you will
never want to let that image down.
When you look like an expert from head to toe, you are treated like an
expert and the boss will find it more difficult to get rid of someone so
important to the company.
-- Sandy Dumont, THE Image Architect,
where Dumont offers a no-cost eBook, "Tattle Tale Looks."
Have a system in place to get and stay organized. Job boards and online
resources are helpful but have actually complicated the job-search process.
It is critical that your system can track which resume and cover letter went
to what company and when, enable you to quickly access your research,
monitor timing of follow-up calls and e-mails, and provide a contact
management system. Whether you have a handwritten notebook, use a
spreadsheet, or an online tool, an organizational system is crucial to
job-search success.
Focus on things you CAN control:
