It's ALL about Presentation...
February 12, 2007 10:26 AM
Firstly, an apology. I've been off-line for the past fortnight. I am told by a well-known ISP that 'upgrading the exchange' is supposed to improve speed and performance. Unfortunately, the outcome has been just the opposite, with the subsequent and continued loss of ADSL to all the poor souls associated with that particular exchange; and it is only through a back-up plan that I have managed to gain some sort of service to work with. Not ideal, but functional, so here goes.
I've been appalled recently by the number of people I've met who are relying solely on a CV, referral or recommendation for their next job, project, contract or assignment, only to fall at the first hurdle when meeting their prospective employer or client.
And WHY?
Well, mostly because they've forgotten the basic and fundamental social skills of presentation and awareness. Don't they realise that no matter how good they look on paper or electronically, presentation is equally as important, and in some cases, even more so.
Look the part, feel the part, act the part and you'll get the part; or stand a very good chance of being short-listed.
It's just not good enough these days to have the qualifications or credentials; they are only part of the package and NOT the whole package.
In the supermarket world of recruitment, employers are looking for an edge; that little bit extra that's going to make the difference to their organisation. You may make it past the first trawl if it appears you possess sufficient skill credits for the job they are recruiting for; but when they or their agents finally meet you, they are looking for something extra, over and above those credits. And that's all down to you and how you present yourself.
So, look your best, and if you lack a certain understanding of sartorial elegance (as I do), then ask your partner, spouse or family to help you.
Feel your best means giving yourself the air of self-confidence and self-belief that you are the right choice. Don't be late or rushed and appear comfortable and relaxed with yourself, even though you may be nervous and on-edge for the meeting; clients and recruiters will expect that to a degree. And last but by no means least, act the part. You don't need to blind your interviewer with greater knowledge than he or she will necessarily possess. Practice what it is you want to say; stick to what you know; tell them how you might tackle the job and talk about what it means to you personally. Be passionate and committed.
Remember, you're there for a reason. Don't allow yourself to be seduced by that CV sitting in front of your interviewer. It may be the ONLY reason you're sitting there in the first place. So, the rest is up to you and how you present yourself; and the best way to do that is to stick with what you're comfortable with and what you know.
It may not be enough to get you that job or win you that contract, but it's going to give you the very best shot at presenting yourself in the best possible light. Just like in the supermarket, it's often the packaging and presentation that persuades a customer to purchase; particularly when the contents appear all too similar.
Comments
Look the part and feel the part - wise words indeed but what does this really mean?
Suit? Tie? or the infamous 'smart casual'?
The truth is it can mean many of these things and none at all - I find key to getting this right is good old fashioned legwork and research, but equally balancing this with what's important to you
Recruiters and potential employers are typically looking for a certain image, looking to see if you will fit into their culture and they will expect to see certain things - some are looking for a pinstripe suit and stripy tie and some for a more casual and comfortable appearance - so do the legwork, do the research and find out who you're about to be sitting in front and what their expectations are likely to be. In this digital age of free information it's certainly not hard to find out great insights into the person you're about to meet
Then, after you've done the research, balance this with what's important to you - do you want to wear a £1000 suit and have them concentrating on that or do you want to portray the 'real' you - sometimes simple things like not wearing a tie can speak volumes about you and the fact that you're confident in your appearance
A wise man I know keeps telling me that these encounters are all just simple transactions - make sure you decide up front what you want to get out of them and what you want to give
Steve Sutton - February 20, 2007 6:51 PM
Never was a truer word spoken. Thank you kind sir, for your observations and commentary. You are deserving a wider forum for such wisdom than my humble column.
Enlightenment always comes to those who search for it.
Charlie - February 21, 2007 6:45 PM