Do you want to set yourself apart from the others at an interview?

Do you want to make a great first impression that shouts: “I am the ONE you seek”?

Your message is that you know how to “sweat the small stuff”, and it’s the “small stuff” that matters. If you arrive sloppy and disheveled, the recruiter gets the impression that if you don’t care about your appearance, are you going to care about your job performance and their company?

Think about it… If you were on that other side of the desk would you hire YOU?

• Choose an outfit well before your interview.
• Try it on, is it dated? Does the outfit make you look and feel confident?¨
• Have your clothes professionally pressed and/or cleaned
• Sit down in it to make sure it does not gap anywhere (especially important for the ladies)
• Check for unsightly holes or stains
• Polish shoes and handbag, and any portfolios
• Have an unfussy hairstyle that will stay out of face, so you will not “HAIR ACT”, guys this one is for you too
• Watch the cologne and perfume, better yet skip it
• Be careful of “clink and clank” of jewelry, very distracting to recruiter
• Look in 3-way mirror to do a check fit. Remember the interviewer will see you coming and going.
• Yes, that stain on the back of your pants, from the Italian restaurant will be seen, and you cannot back out of the office now can you?
• Dress in an outfit and have family or friends give an honest opinion. Image is… head to toe.

Remember the importance of your face, since most of the time the interviewer will be focused on it. Be aware of everything from your make-up to your teeth. I suggest a trip to the “close up” mirror just to be sure all is ship shape.

Make yourself an interview checklist so that you have the process down. My wish for you is that you find employment that makes you so incredibly happy and fulfilled that you jump out of bed in the morning to start your day.

Okay, okay may be corny, but you get my drift!

For more articles please visit LAR Consultants

A few more business dining tips to keep you looking smooth and like a polished professional…

Have you ever been the host of a business lunch?
Do you know the correct protocol?
Do you know how to look smooth and cool, like you have been schmoozing clients for years?

If this is all a bit mystifying for you, read on. Here are a few ways to successfully mix food and business. There is a reason why the word “business” comes before the type of meal you are going to have. Do not forget you are there to conduct business first, it is not all about the food.

 Watch your vocal tone and what you are saying, especially if you are in a your industry’s watering hole.” Loose lips sink ships”. There may be eyes and ears all over the room listening
 in to your important conversation or pitch. Who wants the competition to get the account?
 
 Start building a good solid business relationship with your client or customer over the meal. A certain amount of small talk is expected. Revealing your marital problems or last night’s conquest is not what I have in mind. Avoid if possible the “old hot button topics” of religion, politics and sex.
 
 Mirror your client when it comes to ordering your meal. If your client orders a 3-course lunch then so should you. This way you will avoid sitting there with no food when their course arrives. So next time, you are hosting a client, remember these important tools of the trade to keep you looking refined. Many an important deal has been made over breaking bread, along with a career taking a nosedive without the proper business dining skills. 
Enjoy!
For more articles please visit LAR Consultants

Well you should be thinking about your Fall wardrobe right about now. Have you made that ‘must have for Fall’ list yet? Before you venture into the stores and buy something on impulse read this for tips to keep you from doing something crazy.

Create a ‘to buy’ list and don’t veer off into the makeup department no matter how much that new Chanel lipstick is calling your name.

Wear proper undergarments and shoes for a good view of your outfit. CAN’T STRESS THIS ENOUGH! Don’t forget your TC Shapewear!

Shop mornings – it’s less crowded, the merchandise is tidy, and the sales associates are fresh and more helpful.

Look for the most important item on your list first, while you are bright and alert AND before lunch. (Definitely buy lingerie BEFORE lunch).

Follow your intuition – if you have to talk yourself into it, it’s not right!, so pass.

Always check for quality workmanship no matter whose name is on the label. Even some of the top designers have poor workmanship. This, I know for a fact.

Check stores return policy- and use it, rather than settle.

Never, ever shop when you are hungry and tired. BAD decisions are made on an empty stomach and when you are fatigued!

Only buy clothes that flatter your figure and are comfortable, no matter how hip and happening.