The va va voom edge!

how to stand-out from the crowd and land that job

Brilliant CVís do not land jobs. Neither does the being in the right place right time factor guarantee a successful career launch. The best candidate does not necessarily get the job; the best interviewee does. To truly achieve a stunning debut into the corporate world Graduates NEED an edge. A competitive edge. Something unique and memorable which allows them to shine brighter than their fellow interviewees; all each with stunning grades. Leading personal branding coach and image expert, Lesley Everett has identified the key tips for graduates to develop a powerful personal brand, and face the interview panel with the Va Va Voom edge!

Personal presentation and exceptional communication skills combined with personality and charisma ensure graduates stand out from the pack. Research shows that over 90% of first impressions made are based on our personal package. Hereto we can make two conclusions. One; it is crucial our image says the RIGHT things about us and Two; Image then is a powerful tool to propelling graduates into their chosen career. A tool which can be manipulated and utilised as a major influencer!

Lesley Everett explains it is essential during the interview process that the individual makes an outstanding impression on the interviewer within the five few seconds of walking through the door.
Within seven cool seconds, in fact. You already have the qualifications for the job, as do most of the other candidates, so your differentiator is personality, enthusiasm, energy and passion. Your people skills.

No one could argue that graduates today are lacking in confidence, skills, ambition and drive. In fact they possess these qualities en masse! What many are missing is a certain polished finesse that university life does not encourage, which generally comes through age and experience. However, a little image renovating is not expensive. Most graduates just need a little (or a lot) of fine tuning - firstly by making them AWARE of their image, itís importance and the part personal packaging plays in the perceptions of others, and secondly by educating them HOW to manipulate their best qualities to make them invaluable to a potential employer. They must ësellí themselves as the candidate the interviewer has to have. Call it personal pr for a Brand Me image.

During an interview an employer will be looking at your ability to reflect their corporate brand as well your ability to the job. He already knows you potentially could do the job based on your application and qualifications.

Lesley suggests a little homework will go a long way. Make a point of checking out the companyís website. Determine for yourself what you think the organisations values are. An intuitive candidate will ëworkí with this info to perfect their personal delivery. Visit the offices if necessary and try to talk to somebody who already works there or hang around outside the office at lunchtime to absorb the type of people and the way they''re dressed. What is the culture like? Absorb that. It''s important that you feel you can work in the environment and culture of the organisation. Getting employed is a two-way process. You must match what the employer wants with what you have to give. And remember, an employer is not doing you a favour. He hasnít got the time or resources to sample you. From the outset, make sure you project wholly who you really are when it comes to personal presentation and communication.

Key personal branding tips for interviews:

1. Invest in a quality suit for interviews ñ it doesnít have to cost a fortune, just make sure:
a. The fabric doesnít crease easily
b. Itís not shiny
c. It fits well on the sleeves, shoulders and trouser/skirt length and width
d. There are no threads or linings hanging down
e. Itís current and hasnít been hanging around in the wardrobe for a few years!
f. And itís not borrowed!

2. Dress appropriately, however, avoid dress-down even if the company has a dress-down policy. Instead make sure your look is stylish and up-to-date. Bear in mind your slick pinstripe suit, although current, may not always be the right choice for more casual industries.

3. Remember enthusiasm and energy (although not too much!) are incredibly positive influencing attributes. Your interviewer will be looking for this. Be yourself. Remember to smile, not a cheesy nervous grin, but an open genuine smile.

4. Never lapse on your grooming ñ this says a lot about your professionalism, attention to detail and how you view your self-esteem. Check your clothes for fluff, pet hairs, stains, snags and pulls. Guys and gals ñ clean neat nails. Ladies, always wear some make-up, but keep it natural.

5. Take along a quality pen and notepad rather than a cheap biro and sheet of paper. Again this gives absolute clues as to your standards and approach to work.

6. Always offer a handshake on arriving and leaving, even if itís not offered to you. Make sure itís firm but not bone crushing or a limp wet fish. Get feedback on your handshake from family and friends. Itís often the very first contact you have with a new person. Make yourself memorable for all the right reasons.

7. Watch your posture at all times and donít slouch. Sit with your back to the back of a chair, preferably with both feet on the ground. Try to avoid cross legs as this can lead to fidgeting. Keep your arms unfolded and avoid excessive hand gestures and hand twiddling/tapping/picking.

8. Demonstrate your listening skills by not interrupting and keeping good eye contact when the interviewer is talking. Pay attention. Look like you mean it. To give a great interview you have to show the interviewer youíre pleased to be in the hot seat. Yes, enjoy the hot seat. Itís your time to shine and sell yourself.

9. Donít arrive cluttered up or laden. Leave any luggage, excess books or newspaper at reception if possible. Ladies try to combine your handbag with your briefcase rather than carry the two.

10. Make sure the mobile is switched off!

11. Be aware of your overall body talk ñ donít fidget and fiddle, or frequently touch your face or run hands through your hair. These are all classic tell-tale signs of nervousness and possibly insincerity, and will not be congruent with your positive words.

12. Is your voice upbeat and not monotone? Test yours out by leaving yourself a lengthy voicemail message and get feedback from others too. Do you sound as interesting and vibrant as you could?

To read further about how to cultivate your personal brand read Walking TALL ñ key steps to total image impact, by Lesley Everett. McGraw-Hill, 10.99. Also, The Image Iceberg tips booklet. Both available via www.leconsultants.co.uk

Lesley Everett is managing director and principle consultant at LE Consultants Ltd; an image and communications soft skills training consultancy. She is the UKs leading Personal Branding Coach and runs open and bespoke personal branding/positive image impact seminars and masterclasses and is a regular key note speaker at high profile events.