Personal image and appearance can be a very powerful weapon in both, job interviewing and professional relationships. We will demonstrate in this article the importance of using this, often underrated aspect, to your advantage. If you have any doubts, you will see how image and personal aspect have changed the course of political history in the United States.
Clothing is part of nonverbal communication that projects an image of the person who is wearing it. In other words, through your clothing you are conveying a message or concept that can be positive or negative to the person in front of you. Therefore, we should be aware of our choices when we go to an interview.
• Personal Image
Regarding the Halo effect, have you ever heard about it?
The way we dress contribute to project an image as a part of the non-verbal communication, which can transmits a positive or negative message or even a concept to others who sees you. That’s why generally, clothes are a starting point but never the ending statement.
What does this mean?
We all create a stereotype of perfection, according to an individual concept of what we believe to be perfect and based on it, we analyze and judge others taking into consideration just one single factor, which can be appearance, an attitude, non-verbal communication, clothes, among others.
Mentioning a well-known American case in political history, we can understand how it happens:
In the 1960 American election race, candidates were Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon, polls pointed to Nixon as the winner, and the American press indicated him as the most prepared candidate. Presidential debates were always broadcast by radio, but on September 26, 1960, the first televised election debate took place, a real turning point in that presidential campaign.
What happened that day changed the course of the campaign.
Analyzing just the expression of the two candidates, you can see a huge difference: Nixon seemed to be tense, worried and sweating a lot during the debate, which made his makeup melt, while Kennedy appeared calm, relaxed and without a drop of sweat.
Although at that time the television was broadcast in black and white, choosing the right color of the candidates’ suits was crucial: Nixon chose a light gray suit, which visually made him pale and looking ill, meanwhile Kennedy, in his dark blue suit, created a chromatic contrast giving a healthier and more sober look, suitable for the position in dispute.
In the end, both of candidates had their body posture completely different: Nixon seemed to be uncomfortable and unprepared. Most of the time he answered the questions looking at journalists who were in the studio and did not interact with the television camera, projecting an insecure and inappropriate posture for someone who wanted to be the president of a world power country. Kennedy, in the other hand, seemed like a movie star, spoke looking straight into the camera, as if interacting with the audience watching him on television, always acting with confidence and transmitting a reliable image, indispensable aspects for someone who wanted to become the president of the USA.
The poll leader so far looked sick and his opponent, a Hollywood heartthrob… It was so true that an American politician interviewed after the broadcast summed up the picture: “They embalmed Nixon!”
Wouldn’t an election debate be comparable to a job interview where voters are recruiters?
Kennedy using his personal image as a competitive advantage managed to impress his recruiters and was “hired”! With only 43 years old, he was elected president of the United States.
Do you remember the popular proverb that states “the first impression is the most lasting”? Having just met someone, what is the first information you receive? Is it the appearance? That study by Thorndike, the american psychologist mentioned above, explains that humans automatically maximize others positive information, and minimize the negative ones when regarding someone with a pleasant appearance.
And if you could use your personal image not only to get your dream job, but also for your professional growth, wouldn’t it be great?
Dressing properly is extremely important to project an image consistent with the lifestyle, profession and ambitions. We usually approach our peers and imitate their behaviors. As a result, we tend to trust these people and become more receptive and predisposed to what they have to offer us, for example.
The Halo effect can be decisive in career changes or opportunities. Imagine losing that dream job vacancy because another candidate with equivalent skills and experience on the résumé has attended the job interview projecting a more appropriate personal image than yours, more aligned with the one selected by the contracting company to its own employees.
Choosing the outfit to go outside is not always a simple task, and if it means going to a job interview the level of complexity increases considerably because the choices made regarding shoes, dress, accessories etc, has to be done by using many different techniques, after careful consideration of who will wear it and the company that is offering the job. That lucky pair of shoes you may have, for instance, can unbalance the overall look and project an inadequate image, influencing negatively the final result of the selection process.
And it is important to stress that, in addition to the ideal appearance, having correct attitudes towards others is also very important!
When someone is self employed the same effort must be made to demonstrate the best version of that person, in order to be associated to the idea of competence, seriousness and responsibility, just to mention a few that comprises all professional fields.
What image would you have of a dentist who is wearing a coat that is dirty? Somewhere in the world would a lawyer be seen as trustworthy or successful giving advice in shorts and slippers at its office? These are just a few examples of how to reduce the clientele. The human brain needs 3 to 7 seconds to create an impression, either positive or negative, of someone else and that’s why the appearance is fundamental for expand the client base and keep them loyal, fundamental things concerning self employed professionals.
After reading this post, I would like to invite you to reflect on your personal and professional images, as well as your company’s. Have you ever given thought if your projected image is in fact the same that you idealize? And what image would you want to project professionally? If you are a business owner, what reputation does it have on the market?
My advice is always to carefully choose the style and the colors of clothing and accessories, and to be aware of your behavior towards others, for example in a job interview. Consider investing your money in items that will help you create a great impression and increase your chances of getting hired or advancing your career. With that in mind, we offer personalized service for the job interview’s look and two other services that will surely influence your personal image in a positive way.
Contact us and make your appointment!
If you don’t use the image as a competitive differential yet, you may want to rethink your strategy because the Halo effect exists and leaves no doubt that the first impressions are the lasting one, in which case it can lead to many new exciting opportunities.
Cintia Müller
Personal and Commercial Image Specialist with experience in Italy, Brazil and USA.
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