Got An Interview? Grab Your "Magic Feather"!

When coordinating an interview, I am frequently asked about appropriate attire for the meeting and the office environment.  I do not deviate on the simple advice that I give.  Dress for CONFIDENCE.  Dress for the position and make sure that you are wearing something that gives an additional shot of confidence.  In the movie “Dumbo”, Dumbo needed his “magic feather” to soar under the big top.  In a somewhat similar way, make sure you have your "feather" with you on the interview.  Don’t be afraid to make a statement with your attire and own it. Confidence is heard, seen, and felt, even over the phone. 

I have been following the postings of Beryl Pleasants, a franchise owner of Bucco Couture on Linkedin.  Beryl works with professionals (men and women) as an image consultant, helping them accent and own their image.  I had the opportunity to meet with her and chat about clothing and how important your self-image and self-confidence are in your professional life.  Beryl and I had a great conversation on the topic of professional attire (after I got over the fear of having a professional image consultant see me in my “professional battle gear”).  We are our own worst enemy when it comes to things like that.  The voice that is repeating our “flaws” regarding image is relentless and very powerful. Don’t listen to that voice.  I am no fashionista: but I offer some simple advice, own your image, wear something that fits well, and grab your “feather”. 

This is an interesting study to consider:

“Studies have shown that wearing nice clothes in the office can affect the way people perceive you, how confident you're feeling, and even how you're able to think abstractly.

In a study completed at Yale in 2014 that used 128 men between the ages of 18 and 32, researchers had participants partake in mock negotiations of buying and selling.

Those dressed poorly (in sweatpants and plastic sandals) averaged a theoretical profit of $680,000, while the group dressed in suits amassed an average profit of $2.1 million. The group dressed neutrally averaged a $1.58 million profit.”

From:  “It turns out that dressing well can actually make you more successful”  Business Insider -David Green

Figures don’t lie here, folks!  Dress for confidence and it will shine through.  The numbers above would support investing the resources to look and feel good for the interview and for your new job.  Another thing I always say is: “You must be qualified and quantified for the position for which you are interviewing." Confidence in your appearance can help on the quantifications regarding your offer. 

There is more to this topic than a single post can cover; there will be more posts coming soon.  In the meantime, if you would like some help, feel free to reach out to Beryl and have her help you find your “feather”.  She is amazing!