Did you know that a potential employer can determine a lot about you
as a person within twenty seconds of meeting you just based on your
appearance? Or, that smiling during a job interview is not only good for
making an impression but it also reduces stress hormones? Truth be
told, I didn’t either until I attended “How to Make a Lasting
Impression,” an event hosted by the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
The event featured three panelists who discussed their unique but very similar areas of expertise: Kate Perrin of PRofessional Solutions, LLC who explained the importance of well-written cover letters, detailed resumes, and the power of networking; Robin Fisher of Polished Image and Style
who discussed the impact your attire can have in the job market; and
Denise Graveline, a social media consultant and speaker trainer who
presented on the do’s and don’ts of a job interview.
At the conclusion of the event, attendees were able to walk away with
new tips to assist with job searching, etiquette in the workplace and
personal image and style. The tips outlined below are my favorite
takeaways from the event and can be helpful to any working professional:
• Always include a cover letter. A cover letter is
an important part of the application process because it allows you to
elaborate on key points from your resume and it also shows your
potential employer that you are a good writer. Even if the job
application only requires a resume, send a cover letter as well – either
as a separate attachment on the application’s website or via email.
• Have a detailed but concise resume. There is
nothing worse than a resume that offers an explanation that is general
and unclear. For example, “I managed media relations for the firm in
2012.” Going into more detail will be helpful. “I managed media
relations for The FUN Foundation that included media hits in the Washington Post and The New York Times.”
• Network, network, network! As the old saying goes,
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and this can be true. If
you are referred to a job by one of the company’s current employees,
your resume will automatically be sent to the top, bettering your
chances of landing an interview (and hopefully the job).
• Wear your size and your color. It is safe to say
that we all come in different shapes, tones and sizes, so our clothes
should too. What looks nice on your friend may not look as nice on you
because of the differences in your body but rest assured that it is
okay! What’s more important is wearing clothes that flatter your figure
and staying true to your size and skin tone. You will look better and
feel comfortable.
• Connect your personality and your style. When job
seekers are called in for an interview, they usually wear the typical
black suit and white shirt. While this is safe, it is okay to
incorporate a splash of your personality into your style. Consider
wearing a pastel colored shirt with the black suit or throw in colorful
but subtle accessories to make your outfit pop.
• Smile! Smiling boosts your serotonin and serotonin
influences your mood. Smiling also reduces stress hormones so when
you’re nervous and fidgety before an interview, give the hiring manager
your best smile to help dry off those sweaty palms and ease your nerves.
• Three options are better than one. When you’re
asked to describe your skills in a job interview, give the interviewer
three strengths, interests or traits and let them decide which one they want you to elaborate
on.
• Be meaningful and memorable. When you give the
interviewer those three options, consider telling a story or using
alliteration. For example, if you’re asked to describe yourself, you can
respond with alliteration by saying, “I’m intelligent, innovative and
independent.” The interview is your stage. Show your potential employer
what is meaningful to you and give them something to remember.
Good luck!
Written by: Jenna Boyer
