Your appearance and the way you project yourself physically are the ways you are currently packaging your product i.e., "advertising" your worth. After your years in the executive or professional ranks, reminding you that appearance is a critical hiring element may seem presumptuous. This section serves only as a reminder of the importance that appearance plays. So, take a good look at yourself as others see you. It is an absolute fact that if your appearance doesn't measure up to some interviewer's preconceptions, you've provided them with an automatic de-selector. Nothing else that occurs in the interview really counts. The first five to fifteen seconds of an interview set the tone for the rest of the interview and ultimately determine whether you get the job or not. You are an actor on a stage when the interview begins. You must project vitality, confidence and attention to detail in the way you dress, your grooming, your posture.
But paying special attention to your appearance each day has another, perhaps more important and personal value. That is, "the better you look, the better you'll feel." Spending the time it takes to look good is a way of whistling in the dark, of keeping up your spirits.
S. Eric Wachtel, president of Wachtel Associates, New York City, a firm specializing in executive recruitment and organizational planning and development, laid it right on the line when he said:
Far too many older executives reinforce the stereotypes which produce hiring prejudices. They don't pay attention to their personal appearance and general presentation. I continue to be astonished at the numbers who come into this office needing a haircut and wearing messy shirts with frayed collars and cuffs. Their suits are rumpled and either lack taste or are out of style. Their entire appearance-lack of general grooming, poor posture, low energy level-screams, 'This person is a poor risk. Don't consider hiring him or her." They appear defeated, and reinforce this impression when they speak. Their voices are weak and shaky; they are either obsequious or overly engaging-too "up". They completely fail to sell themselves, to present a positive image.
Clothing. Begin by taking a really good look at your wardrobe. Check each garment for pulls, loose buttons, frayed cuffs, etc. Then put on the suits that pass muster and stand in front of a full-length mirror. Make sure the suits fit smoothly, without wrinkles or unusual bulges.
Consider: How long has it been since you bought a good new suit? If your answer is a year or more ago, this is one place where you shouldn't economize. Go to a first-class shop and buy a new suit, complete with new shirt or blouse, shoes, and other appropriate accessories. Buy in tasteful, muted, somewhat conservative colors (blues, grays) in natural fibers (wool, silk, cotton). Your clothing must match and blend harmoniously. If the store has a wardrobe coordinator, ask for his or her help and accept the recommendations he or she makes. Then, have the suit tailored to fit. Don't cut comers here. A few years ago, the exact same advice was appropriate for business women. Stylish and feminine clothing designed for business women is now available, and some dresses are suitable for an interview, especially in the summer. Still, women can't go wrong with a good, solidly tailored business suit.
What you wear tells the world the slate of your self-esteem. If you have lost weight, get your suits retailored. Don't just throw on any old thing, even to go to the library. Dress to increase your self-esteem-as though you were going to a most important business meeting. It does matter.
Hair: Look at your hair. Are you waiting too long between haircuts? Go to a barber or hairdresser and get a good stylish cut. Consider carefully your present hairstyle. Can it be a de-selector? Anything which interviewers look on unfavorably or which hits on any of their preconceptions or prejudices should be avoided. Some possible de-selectors: Males wearing their hair too long or with sideburns may be viewed as messy, unkempt or failing to keep current. Women who wear their hair long and "down" may give the impression that they are trying too hard to look youthful. (If you like wearing your hair long, and then at least put it up into a businesslike chignon or in a clasp at the nape of your neck.)
Men: If you've been going to the comer barbershop for years just because it's handy-then find out who cuts the hair of the person you know with the best-looking hairstyle-then go to that stylist to get your own cut.
