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It’s not about what you think about yourself, but what others think about you that will deliver the results you want.

 

Turn up to an interview with a Homer Simpson tie on and you might as well walk straight back out.  Interviews are a serious business and comedy regalia is reserved for those ironic chaps who come and fix your computer when your email doesn’t work.

So how should you approach the interviewing catwalk?

First impressions count – still

We have between 5 and 15 seconds to make a first impression: I know that, you know that.  It’s been written about, talked about and banged on about ad infinitum since the early days of image consultancy – but, if you’ll forgive me, I’m going to teach you to suck eggs, and underline again how unbelievably important it is; especially when you are interviewing for a new placement or promotion or working on a new or emerging business

Like it or not people will make an emotional decision to ‘buy’ you (or not) based pretty much on their first impressions of you, your likeability, and their instinctive feelings about you. Once accepted on the face of it, you can then build further on that cornerstone and add the layers of interpersonal qualities, of expertise, and delivery that are part of your brand and that any sensible business relationship requires.

Physical judgements

Of course it isn’t only what you look like that is being judged, but your voice (pitch, pace, clarity, volume, tone, accent), your direct but respectful eye contact and your handshake – no limp wet lilies please or bone crunching grips, these last few factors make up 38% of your first impression so are high on the list of important issues.

Smarten-up & look the biz

Now, your overall appearance is said to represent 55% of everyone’s first impression of you, so make it wonderful.

Ladies: ensure you wear a little make-up.  Statistics show that you have a greater chance of securing good relationships in business when you use some make-up – a minimum of a little blusher, mascara and light lipstick

Men: if your shirt collars are curly, ties too long or hanging at half-mast, cuffs frayed, suits shiny, shoes needing a buff-up – need I go on? – looking a mess isn’t going to convince people of your professionalism, no matter what business you are in.

In trade, a clean, smart, branded uniform/overalls is going to look a whole lot better than a shabby suit in all instances. A great example of this attention to detail is in Pimlico Plumbers in London whose staff at all times wear smart overalls, carry quality collateral and who run a fleet of ultra-clean, undamaged vans. They show that they are proud of their business and from the very first meeting want you to know who they are and that they can be relied upon at all times.

Be perceived as virtuous

What is interesting in the above example is that PP are definitely not the cheapest, but the integrity they show through their presentation underlines the fact that they CAN do what it says on the tin and do it well, and for this peace of mind, people will pay more for their perceived reliability. This is absolutely what you should be doing for yourself and your business.

Making your great interview impression

Firstly, being current is an important part of having a good professional image. This doesn’t mean that you have to be a fashion victim, far from it; an over-trendy appearance won’t give an impression of a sharp mind, but then neither will a dated dress-sense: it also doesn’t mean that you have to be formally suited and booted if that is not appropriate in your line of work. If you wear clothes that show you are really aware of the economic and social climate and the job to be done, you will be seen as in tune with modern trends both in business and in your personal life.

Less than 10% of what people think about you is down to your message

From the previous percentages you will see that now you have only 7% of that first impression left, and that is for your actual message. You want to be sure that you are being heard and not dismissed, and it is the perception of you by others and your appropriateness to your particular industry that will effectively get your message over and build your own personal brand.

It’s not about what you think about yourself, but what others think about you that matters.

 

Plan in 2010 to develop your personal image as part of your own personal brand ‘marketing campaign’ and set your goals for your big picture vision.

 

You might also be interested to read How to Get Yourself Noticed

 

Written by Tessa Hood | Principal Consultant & Founder | Changing Gear Limited

Changing Gear is a specialist consultancy working in Personal Brand and Reputation Management.

Edited by Simon Lewis | Editor | Only Marketing Jobs

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