Executive Resumes, Personal Branding & Executive Job Search

7 Areas of your Personal Branding (Image) that need your attention

Posted by Tyrone Norwood

May 18, 2018 7:00:00 AM

 

Depositphotos_11886770_original

 

In a great deal of in-person interviews, the way that you present yourself and the way you are received are as important as the accomplishments that you bring to the table. How do you brand yourself to ensure you make the best impression? Most people have developed their “brand” or image generically rather than intentionally creating a professional identity that may set you apart. Whether you’re looking to re-brand or upgrade your current image, your physical appearance plays a significant role. To help you out, here are a few important insights on how to create a professional brand:

1. Attire: When determining a dress code for your branding, it’s always best to review your current environment. Try to research the company culture. What are your colleagues typically wearing? A suit is the safest option, but here is where company culture comes into play. A pair of freshly pressed slacks and a collared shirt, for both men and women, could be exactly what you need to show that you are the perfect fit. In addition, be sure to complete your look with conservative jewelry and a pair of polished shoes.

2. Skin care: Clear, glowing skin quickly portrays your overall health. Enlist in the help of a skin care professional to help you determine your skin type and specialized needs in order to achieve your goals.

3. Grooming: Your grooming techniques can relay your personality and set you apart from the rest of the workforce. Whether you choose a full beard, 5 o’clock shadow, mustache, or decide to be beard-free, make sure that your facial hair is well-kept regardless of the style. Be sure stray hairs have been removed, beard length is tended to, and trim up with edges using a fresh razor.

4. Hair style: Your hair style can exude personal characteristics and play a large role in your overall style. Regardless of the style you select, be sure your hair is freshly washed and styled. When trying to choose a haircut and color for yourself, it’s always best to be conservative to avoid distracting leadership from your skills.

5. Makeup: When deciding your makeup, opt for a look that simply enhances your features as opposed to creating a look that requires heavy lipstick and fake eyelashes.

6. Manicured nails: Your nails might seem like a small detail that no one will notice but in fact it conveys your attention to detail. In order to communicate this great characteristic, be sure to clean and frequently trim your nails.

7. Oral Health: A smile can quickly disarm a colleague and show that you’re warm and welcoming to their ideas. Removing stains and making sure you have fresh breath will portray this.

When creating a personal brand identity, it’s key to remember that it doesn’t have to be generic. Creating a brand that is unique to you and your industry can help you increase your chances of landing a position. Do you have any unique branding tips that have personally helped you?

 

more

Topics: personal branding, branded executive resume, interview, interview questions

Trick Interview Question: Can You Bake Me a Cake?

Posted by Tyrone Norwood

Mar 8, 2013 7:04:00 AM

trick interview questions

I just had to write a quick post to let you all know about an intriguing trick interview question and the trick to answering it!

I was talking to an IT Director who said that he was asked this question when he was applying, earlier in his career, for a position managing a Help Desk. He was offered the job on the basis of his answer. The hiring authority told him other candidates failed to answer this question in a way that would convince him that they had an innate sense of customer service - that is, a natural tendency to deliver top-notch answers, support, and solutions.

How did my client answer?

"What kind?"

A brilliant answer that showed that his first instinct was to determine the needs of the customer.  Other people may have answered: "Yes, I know how to bake a cake," or "If I have a recipe," or "Only if I have the ingredients," or "I'm not that good at baking cakes."

Companies use so-called "trick" questions to uncover qualities in a candidate that straightforward interview questions cannot. Candidates are pretty savvy as to what the interviewer is looking for when asking a question. Questions like the one my client was asked is less easy to "game."

So, how can you be prepared to answer a question that seems to come out of left field? Take a minute to think before you answer. It's OK to do that, even to ask, "Please give me a minute." Consider what core skills are required by the job. How does the question relate? Is it analogous to what you would be doing on the job? What answer could you give that would translate over to the job in question?

This tip may help - or not. Giving the right answer also may not indicate who is best for the job. I can imagine a person who gives the right answer to a trick question might be someone who has a particularly "creative divergent" thinking style, rather than someone with the core skill supposedly being tested.

But if you take a minute, you may be able to "psyche out" the real question behind the question!

PS I can bake a chocolate cake. But only with a recipe and the right ingredients. I'm not so good at white cakes. Why would you want a cake? What's that have to do with anything. I love cake! JC

 

 

 

 

more

Topics: job search, interview questions, trick interview questions

What's new in high tech resumes, executive resumes, cover letters, job search, and personal branding for executives in technology.

Subscribe to Email Updates

New Call-to-Action

Recent Posts

Posts by Topic

see all

About the Author

Tyrone Norwood