Today it is important to have an opening statement about yourself that distinguishes you from your competitors. Successful pitches provide the audience an insight about you, your values, your achievements and why you are the person they should hire.
These are the three critical questions to consider:
• At the end of the interview will they want to have a cup of coffee with you?
• Have your achievements made a significant difference in any organization?
• How many folks know about you and respect your reputation?
The folks who are successful in obtaining the next position and continue to move forward include these three elements in their opening piece about themselves.
They are the executives who are memorable and highly sought after in any organization.
The biggest challenge most folks face in the business world is protecting their professional brand. The most significant mistakes begin with being careless with their image. Here are the seven most common areas of neglect:
1. Lack of impact- Appearing nondescript because of poor facial expressions (lack of a warm smile)
2. Weak body language- Slouching which shows lack of confidence
3. Inappropriate clothing choices – Business casual does not mean beach wear.
4. Old fashion style shoes- Tips too round or square
5. Ragged cuticles and nails
6. Chipped nail polish for women
7. Dated hair style
Your professional brand must always appear current and appropriate for your industry. You never know whom you will meet at any given moment.
One of the biggest fashion challenges for women is selecting the right pair of shoes to complete a polished look to an ensemble.
Here are some tips:
• Wear a ballet flat with slim, hugging pants that end above the ankle
• Wear classic loafer pumps or smooth leather flats with trouser cuffed pants
• Wear boots or platforms with wide leg, loose pants.
When you pair the right shoe with these different style slacks, you will always look smart and fashionable. Check out zappos.com or Nordstrom.com to find the right shoe for you.
A presentation uniform is a set of clothing you wear only when speaking to a group.
This outfit must be in the best condition. It must also be able to relate to your audience. Here are a few tips to help guide you to make the appropriate clothing choices:
• Color- Check the color of the room so that the color you choose you will stand out and not blend into the background.
• Fit-Never too big, Not too tight
• Reveal-Never wear anything too revealing. That means no cleavage for women.
• Boldness- A tie should be distinctive but not so bold it becomes distracting.
• Appropriateness- Know what is appropriate for your group. Is a suit necessary if it is a formal presentation? Or will it be a jacket with a companion pair of slacks or skirt for an informational one?
Remember these simple tips and be remembered for your talk instead a fashion faux pas!
