Breaking the Chain of Appearance

You might think that the way you look is the way you look. Wrong. If you have not watched the show, I recommend you watch “What Not to Wear.” The hosts are clothing experts. You heard the old saying, “Clothing makes the man?” I disagree but it can make a man or woman look much better.

Here are a few secrets:

1. Hiring managers like no red flags. If you are too heavy or look like you are improperly dressed, your poor first impression will likely give the competitive advantage to the other person even if you are better qualified.
2. There are interesting statistics on height. An image consultant recently stated that every inch of a man’s height equates to $7,000 per year higher earnings. Since some of us are not giants, we may feel disadvantaged. However, with striped shirts, tailored clothing, and the right fit for our body type, we can “appear” taller.
3. The proper appearance does have an impact on hiring, promotions, and clients liking to work with you. Ok, so they are bigots. Yes, you have the right to look like a slob. But the impact is so large that investing in the right diet, exercise, clothing, and make-up is investing in your future success, self-confidence, and health.  So, women, now you have an excuse when you buy more…

First impressions and daily impressions are important to success and to your brand. This is just as important as the resume or the interview; if you want to truly be competitive.

How do you break the chains of appearance?