Hot Careers

Last week I read an article titled Suits are Passe.  Although I have two relatively new business suits, I feel a little over dressed in them.  When I make a sales call, I want to look stylish.  When I make a presentation, I want to look sharp, up to date.  The article I read addresses women’s attire only, so I decided to explore deeper since I coach many people in job transition through my recruiting, outplacement and volunteer activity.  I contacted many of my colleagues, both men and women in the Dallas area and in other states, since I recruit nationwide.

Additionally, I talked with job seekers to hear their views.  The difference between my colleagues and the job seekers demonstrates the need for discussion.  I gathered enough information to publish a two part series.  Part one is for our female readers.

Mitch Byers, HR Director at Jefferson Dental Clinics summarizes the research, when he says, “Like so many other things in life, it depends….It depends on the company and the position. Someone interviewing for a position as press foreman at a local print shop might dress business casual or wear a golf shirt, where a bank manager position around the corner would warrant a suit.”  But there are guidelines to gain, as a result of my un-scientific research.

Suit or No Suit

Whether you are the interviewer or interviewed, you need to update your look.  Ann Luna, sales recruiter, who places sales professionals in the Dallas area recognizes what can happen.  “Don’t pull out your 2001 business interview suit and attempt to squeeze yourself into it because that was what you wore the last time you interviewed.”  What looked great a few years ago is no longer the norm.  Although a suit is not really wrong, some companies want to see how you’d fit within their casual atmosphere through how you dress.

If you are in the financial, banking or legal industries, suits will work and are ordinarily required.  Gaudy jewelry, low cut blouses or tops are not a good way to begin.  You need to be hired for your skills, not how you look.  Pants suits or a layered look, with dark slacks and a colorful jacket over a plain blouse can be quite stylish.  A pretty scarf or elegant piece of jewelry on a boring suit may help you feel more confident.

Dye or not  Dye

Dying your hair can be an asset or liability.  Beautiful white or gray hair may actually be an asset, yet if you are competing with 20 year olds, you may want to cover the “snow.” Your hair needs to look natural.   A touch of gray may be better than solid black dye which could look severe.  Many women have highlights in their hair, which may provide a more fashionable appearance and competitive edge. You don’t want the interviewer to be staring at your coal black hair rather than asking about your accomplishments!  Women need to be sure their roots are not showing.  Unless you are interviewing for a beautician’s job or a retail establishment where tattoos and purple hair are the norm, you need a complimentary hairdo.  Many women with long hair may prefer to wear it swooped upward.  Just be sure it’s not falling in your eyes, as the interviewer might be greatly distracted, wanting to swat it to see you better.  Maroon or brassy red hair is better left until the new colleagues are sure of your competence.  You can be more flamboyant, based on the area of the country, the interviewer’s preference and the specific industry.

If you have been out of high school or college for more than five to ten years, are you still wearing your hair the same way?  A good hair stylist can help, even if you have challenging hair that is too curly or too straight.

Heels or No Heels

Unless you are going to an advertising agency where everyone dresses like fashion models, the extreme heels with platforms are not advised.  Really!  Your wobbly walk might be the focus, rather than your skills.  Low heels or stylish flats are appropriate.  No tennis shoes, of course!  Nice sandals are fine in the summer.  More people are wearing fashion boots in the winter.

Culture or no culture

An interview is two-way communication.  Will you fit the corporate culture?  Be sure to ask the person who contacts you for the interview what you should wear.  The companies who are business casual all the time may want you to see how you fit their relaxed atmosphere.  And you need to determine if sharing a cube with someone in this company could be disasterous.

You simply need to look sharp.  Although some hiring managers and recruiters are a bit disappointed that suits are no longer as common, they are looking for your skills and personality fit more than how you are dressed.  You need to feel comfortable in what you are wearing.  As Ann Luna said in her comments, “You can be up to date without being too trendy.”

Your appearance is just one rung on your ladder to success.  You need to suit the company but what you wear is only one factor in achieving the goal.

I want to thank my colleagues who took the time to respond.  Space is limited for comments, but all their ideas are incorporated in this article.  Part 2 will be shorter.  Men’s attire is far less complex, but equally as important.  Feel free to add your comments.

Ruth Glover is the author of MORE than a Paycheck: Inspiration and Tools for Career Change. If you’re thinking about a career change, you’ll want to read the 20 stories about real people who have moved their careers in various directions.  You may contact her though www.morethanapaycheck.net.

Anxiety is part of job search.  The monotony of trying to manage the sheer idiocy of applying online through difficult applicant tracking systems, the lack of response when you had a good interview, not being able to reach the recruiter…all are significant reasons for stress in your life while you look for a new job.

Problem: Loss of Control

“I can’t do this any more.  I’ve been out of work so long.  My MBA and EE degrees don’t help.  I attend many networking events and send out resumes.  What is wrong with me?  I am so de-moralized.”

Problem: Shame/Embarrassment

I don’t want to go to the upcoming family Thanksgiving dinner.  My brother-in-law is a lawyer who never looked for a job and he doesn’t understand.  We can’t afford the travel and expense for food contribution they expect.  I would rather stay home, but the family really wants to go.

I attend a faith based unemployment group where others seem to be getting jobs and return home completely deflated.

Emotions run rampant during your job search.  You cannot eradicate the emotions entirely, but pessimism can ruin your efforts.  Here are simple survival techniques to assist you.

Exercise

• Take a walk
• Go to the gym
• Quick no cost exercises at home, like crunches
• Coach or participate in a team sport
• Yoga
• Chair exercises

Relaxation techniques

• Write affirmations on “post-it”  notes, putting them in visible locations (on your computer, on the dashboard, on the bathroom mirror) to remind you to breath deeply
• Listen to music periodically
• Turn off the music and brainstorm creative solutions; write them down
• Visualization: go to the beach in your head for a few minutes or picture  your new office
• Get enough sleep
• Don’t exercise before bedtime
• Pray

Volunteer work

• Offer to help someone with a project, demonstrating your talent
• Volunteer to do a pro-bono project for a favorite charity
• Become a foster home for the Humane Society
• Serve food at a local homeless shelter

Rewards

• Take a walk after making five superior job contacts
• Go to a cheap movie
• Talk with an old friend
• Clean a closet or drawer
• Write an email to someone you haven’t seen for awhile
• Post a motivational or humorous slogan

Time management

• Choose a “career partner” who can be objective (not a family member) whom you will call daily at a specific time to report your  job activity
• Maintain a record of how you spend your time
• Make a daily/weekly/monthly list of things to accomplish.

These suggestions are simplistic but they work.  You can Google “depression job search” and you’ll find six million articles to assist you with more sophisticated ideas to help.  If you are immobilized for more than three weeks, you may need to see your doctor as you don’t want to spiral downward any longer.  You may have a health issue.

The bottom line:

If what you are doing is not working, try new methods.  People like helping others.  Don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions and help.  This is not a good time to feel shame or lack of confidence, but to take control of the roller coaster in new ways.  Maybe your brother-in-law will have a good contact for you on Thanksgiving!

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