Professional Beauty From The Inside Out

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Jeannea Spence, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.

PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT

ré·su·mé [rez-oo-mey, rez-oo-mey]
noun
1. a summing up; summary.

Whether you’re just starting your career, making a transition, or seeking a promotion, you need to be poised, professional, credible, and authentic. Your “resume” is much more than the piece of paper that lists your education and career accomplishments – it is a summary of who you are, literally and figuratively. To accomplish your professional aspirations, it is imperative you make conscious choices about the message your “resume” is communicating.

REALLY KNOW YOURSELF
The best way to find your right and perfect career is to know yourself. Clarify your life’s purpose. What are your core values, your vision and your mission? A personal vision and mission statement is the framework for creating a powerful life and will guide you in the decisions you make and the direction you take. An understanding of your values gives you firm bedrock upon which to stand even when the winds of uncertainty are blowing in fury around you. The right and perfect career for you will be in alignment with your purpose, values, vision, and mission. Use this information to set a clear Intention for your job search and create Goals and an Action Plan around that Intention. Refer to it frequently.

EVALUATE
What are your job goals? Have a plan, write it out, and review it often. Evaluate and continually improve your interviewing skills: research interview questions online and practice with friends. Critique each other and offer feedback. Evaluate and adjust your social media presence – check your privacy settings. A first action for some companies in screening applicants is a visit to the candidate’s Facebook page. LinkedIn: spend serious time here building connections, joining groups related to your industry and applying for jobs through LinkedIn. Remember cellphone etiquette (texting or answering a call during an interview is not the same thing as texting during a long college lecture). Determine your Unique Selling Proposition: differentiate yourself from the competition. How can you break through the clutter of applicants and make a positive lasting impression?

SUIT UP
The visual element of your resume is crucial for how you will be perceived in your interview process. When you are well put together, from head to toe, you establish trust in your professional ability. Take a conservative approach, while staying stylish and age appropriate. You want to be all business but not boring. Consider what is appropriate attire for the position you are applying for, every industry has slightly different standards. Invest in your professional style for your future. Yesterday you were a student, but tomorrow you are a professional.

UNDERSTAND THE ORGANIZATION
You’ll be ahead of 75% of applicants if you take the time to research the company before your initial personal contact. Visit the website – you can learn a lot about their culture. Know their products and services and be prepared to ask informed questions about the organization. And once you show up for the interview, be interested in them — not just in telling them about you.

MAKEUP & ACCESSORIES
You are the visual for your brand. Every detail of how you put yourself together is an important part of the package. You want to be attractive, but not distracting. Be conscious of what is currently in style and appropriate for your industry when considering details like hair, makeup, accessories, nails and fragrance. If any of these elements are strong enough to be noticed, make sure you are leaving a positive and professional impact.

EVOLVE
Stay current on trends in your industry to give you the edge to stand out from your competition. By staying up-to-date with knowledge of the industry, you are signaling that you are a great investment to any company. Be aware that you are being perceived as confident and knowledgeable, without being arrogant.