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The Indisputable Character Primer for Work and Life

Interview Tips

Common Myths:

Job Search Secrets

• Make it a priority to develop relationships with mentors and advisors throughout your education and career. Networking is pivotal. Consider your sphere of influence, your contacts, your personal friends, long-lost relatives, old professors, previous employers, favorite clients, be creative!
• Sign up for internships. Even unpaid ones.
• Create a resume that has as much style as it has substance. Never develop this all-important document too quickly, or without outside help.
• Prepare well in advance for every interview. Have the ideal wardrobe ready, review your portfolio, know what's on your resume, know the company's exact location, know the title (and ideally, the name) of the person with whom you'll be interviewing, pay attention to details like your hands and nails, never wear shoes that are in poor condition.
• Send a handwritten thank you note and follow up with a phone call.
• Keep your voice mail messages brief and always state your name and phone number slowly – write it as you say it.
• Return all phone calls within one business day.

S-U-C-C-E-S-S

Gain the advantage when seeking a job, making friends, winning over clients, and impressing people!
"Don't let your clothes, your image, your manners or your overall "look" sabo-tage your chances for success."

S-U-C-C-E-S-S

S-ophisticated look. Style. Sharp dresser. Self-assured
U-nderstands the importance of good manners and good listening skills.
C-learly in control. Cool, collected, composed.
C-ommunicates well. Conversational, but doesn't monopolize.
E-xceptional attitude. Easygoing. Excellent people skills. Enthusiastic.
S-peaks well. Clear voice and diction.
S-incere, impressive, someone I could trust.

Your image, in personal and professional life, is priceless! Learn how to present yourself, feel more self-assured, get (and keep) a fulfilling job, socialize with confidence, achieve balance by setting effective boundaries for personal life and career, and project every day "The LOOK of Success" in your wardrobe, decorum and overall appearance. Sue's savvy tips help you go places!

Confused About Casual Dress?

Dressing casually in the workplace should be considered a privilege, although many people consider it to be the norm. Years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine going to work dressed in jeans, but today many people do.

Although some people claim that dressing casually increases efficiency, others feel it decreases the decorum in an office. Some people believe that casual dress is here to stay, while others say it is on its way out. Formal Friday's and Dress Up Days are new themes in some offices.

Employees may enjoy dressing casually, but not all customers appreciate the relaxed attire. After all, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish an employee in an office from the delivery person, and in a retail establishment, this can be a problem if it is difficult to identify someone to help you.

Many people equate casual dress with casual activities; relaxing, running errands, exercising or cleaning. However, what you wear to work should be dictated industry standards and customer expectations.

The following should never be worn in a business environment unless specified by your employer.

Dress for The LOOK of Success

• Wear dark colors to look slimmer, more fit, more influential, more confident. And
  keep in mind, a jacket or blazer always makes you appear more in control.
• A study by Clairol reports that women who wear make-up enjoy higher salaries. It's a
  reality -- people who look good make more money, get promoted faster and more
  often, and are most likely to enjoy lifelong success.
• Don't wear these clothing styles that make a less-than-effective first impression, even in
  a casual work environment: sweats, t-shirts with slogans or graphics, spandex,
  sleeveless tops, athletic shoes, sandals, vintage clothing, headgear.
• Go to work dressed every day as if it were your first day on the job.
• When developing a wardrobe to make you look more polished: only go shopping
  when you already look and feel good...ask for a clerk's help...stay away from major
  sales...and avoid impulse buying.
• Consider changing hair style every 3-to-5 years and shaving beard or mustache.
• You are always better off slightly overdressed than underdressed.
• If in doubt, leave it out.

Winning Etiquette Advice -- in Personal and Professional Life

• Never drop in on anyone unexpectedly. Call ahead instead.
• Always arrive a few minutes early; there is no such thing as fashionably late in business
• You've got two ears and one mouth; use them proportionately.
• Take an interest in others and learn to ask questions to get people talking about themselves; you will be perceived as a great conversationalist.
• Learn to give and receive compliments. When you receive a compliment, accept it graciously. When you make others look good, you make yourself look good too.
• Always be positive, and think before you speak!

Social Graces in Business Places...

The way you handle yourself is just as important in the office as it is at a business lunch, formal black tie affair or social function related to business. Some companies would never consider hiring someone for an important position without first taking them out for dinner. Why? Because the way a person handles him or herself in a more relaxed atmosphere can be very telling. Company picnics and holiday parties can be potential problems: mix a festive occasion, a party after hours, and plenty of free food and alcohol and you have a potential disaster.

Tips for successful meetings, dinners and other work-related gatherings

Dazzle Them with Your People Skills

• When mingling or meeting someone new in a business or social setting, initiate a conversation with light topics like the weather, movies, TV, restaurants, work, sports and current events. And similarly avoid talking about finances, illnesses, gossip, or controversy.
• Always remember: eye contact, eye contact, eye contact.
• Repeat a person's name in the conversation to remember it easily. But don't use first names unless you are asked to.
• 8 off-putting gestures you should never use: pointing, covering your mouth, rubbing or fondling body parts, fiddling with jewelry, tapping a pencil or pen, swinging your leg, putting hands in pockets, putting hands on your hips.
• Whenever you must handle conflicts, be direct, be a good listener, address problems immediately, and control your emotions.
• When dining with colleagues, follow the 13 commandments of the Business Lunch,
  starting with "be on time"...and "don't order spaghetti or other difficult-to-handle
  meals."

Getting the Message Across

• Smile when you speak on the telephone! Your upbeat attitude is reflected, and
  appreciated, in your voice.
• Use cell phone savvy. Turn off your cell phone when in a meeting or interview. Know
  where and when to talk. Know the "5 worst places to use a cell phone."
• Never place anyone on hold for more than 30 seconds. Avoid the hidden troubles of
  not returning phone calls.
• Keep your e-mails short, always use spell check, never forward jokes or special
  promotions unless requested, use a businesslike tone, and never write in all CAPS
  (that's SHOUTING).
• Proofread all your correspondence, at least three times. Check diligently for grammar,
  punctuation, spelling and correct names.