A job interview is the only time when making a terrible first impression could cost you a lot of money. That or an awkward first date where you’re the one paying. Image and style specialist Colette Werden has nailed the good impression, so much so that she’s devoted her working life to help out the slightly style challenged.
If you’ve got an interview coming up or just want to update your ~personal brand~, sign up to her Pedestrian Coach session and avoid being met with this look from your potential new employer:
Why is personal branding so important to you?
These days, in such a competitive, temperamental economy, people who neglect their personal brand will be left behind. I definitely do not want to be one of those people. I’ve seen how powerful personal branding is first hand. When I enhanced my personal brand – made it authentic, consistent and aligned – I began attracting opportunities and clientele that were once a dream; including the role of Alfa Romeo Ambassador. I live and breathe my “why” through the way I dress, walk, talk and communicate. I gained clarity on that when I developed my personal brand and it strengthened my self-confidence.
And why should it be important to entrepreneurs and those attempting to get a new job?
You can be one of a million in your industry that’s doing the same thing, but the skill or service in itself is not only what people buy – people buy people. You need to develop your unique point of difference to be recognised as a leader in your field or the best candidate for a job. Understand who you are, what you stand for and dress, walk and communicate that powerfully. You will not only ooze an unshakeable sense of self-certainty, you will become a magnet to opportunity.
What’s the most common mistake people make when dressing for a job interview?
They play it safe. They take “dress professionally” literally and conform to the traditional corporate “uniform”, which ultimately lacks their unique personality and blends them into the sea of other candidates. Within 7 seconds of walking into that interview, the interviewer has subconsciously made 11 decisions about the candidate based solely on the way they present themselves. Yes, of course we need to keep the company’s dress code and culture in mind, however we must add our own unique spin, show who we are through the way we present ourselves. When the “outside” is an authentic reflection of the “inside” and the skills on paper, we’re unstoppable.
What’s the worst thing someone could do during an interview?
Put on their “best behaviour” façade and reek of desperation. They have been shortlisted for the interview for good reason – they have the skills on paper to do the job. The interviewer is not on a pedestal, neither is the interviewee – one has an opportunity, the other has the skills to match – both parties are coming to the table with their side of the bargain and it is a discussion about whether they want to work with each other or not. The interview is really about whether it’s a brand and personality fit and the best way to determine that is through being authentic.
Have you ever personally had an interview go horribly wrong?
Yes, when I was 18. I was running late for an interview. When I was reverse parking outside the venue, I went up on the curb and knocked down a few rubbish bins and the contents went everywhere. There was a man paying for parking nearby that witnessed this. As I was running late, I convinced myself that I’d take care of it when I finished and hurried inside. The man that was paying for his parking, was the man interviewing me. I didn’t get the job. Surprise.
What’s the best way to boost your self-confidence?
Be it till you become it. Dress your best, walk like you deserve to be right where you are and speak with purpose. Try it on, again and again – make it consistent. Before you realise, it will become all you know.
If you could give someone just one tip on how to make a good impression, what would it be?
Before you leave the house, make sure you’ve looked after yourself because as soon as you walk through that door, it is no longer about you. Focus all your energy on the person that you’re speaking with – warm eye contact, genuine smile, respectful handshake and be completely present. Make them feel like they’re the only person on the planet.
To get a free lesson in style, sign up to get coached by Colette.
