Proper Tipping Etiquette

"The manner of giving is worth more than the gift".

-Pierre Corneille

Tipping is gesture of appreciation for services rendered. But figuring out how much to tip can be very complex. Some businesses may provide a handy tipping-guideline plastic card that may tell you to offer 10% for a specific service, but good patronage may tell you to offer another amount. Different tipping percentages are standard for a range of services. Read on for more hints on how to be gratuity savvy.

At a salon: The standard amount for salon gratuity is 15% to 20% depending on the extent of the services, the skill of the stylist and whether or not you intend to frequent the establishment and the stylist again. Taking all of this under consideration, you'll want to offer a tip in the 20% range. Don't overlook the people who shampoo your hair and those who get you coffee and magazines--they get at least a dollar for their services.

At a restaurant: Offer up 15% to 20% of your total bill. Keep in mind that the amount you tip reflects the total price before any coupons, gift certificates, etc. Just because you get a discount, does not mean that your server did not serve up the full order. If you are part of a party of more than 8 people, you should offer an amount closer to the 20% marker, if not more, depending on the needs of the guests in your party. If, for example, one of your guests insists on getting the salad dressing on the side, extra bread, more water and no avocado, then you definitely want to compensate the server who extended service to include these extras.

At a club or bar: Tip the bartender between 10% and 15% depending on the complication of your drink order. If you just order a beer in a bottle, there's not too much effort involved in providing the service, but if you order a mixed drink that takes time and includes a lot of ingredients, then offer up a more sizable tip, somewhere closer to the 15% range.

Transportation: Whether you hail a cab or take a limousine, you should offer a gratuity between 10% to 15% of the fare. If the drivers are particularly rude or unhelpful, give them the minimum. But if they are attentive to your travel needs and help you in any way beyond the norm, remember and thank them with a 15% or larger gratuity. If you use valet service at a hotel, restaurant or shopping area, offer the driver 10% for the service, but never give change. Another guideline is simply offering the attendant a buck or two for the parking and retrieval of your car. And if you're traveling through an airport, and utilizing the aid of skycaps, offer a dollar per bag and up that amount if the bags are particularly heavy or large.

At a Hotel: It is standard to leave the maid a few bucks for tidying your room. If you have additional needs such as more towels, soap, an extra toothbrush, etc., thank the maid with an additional dollar or two. When checking in and out of a hotel, remember the bellhop with a gratuity of a dollar per bag, unless, once again, you have particularly large or heavy bags.

Overall, think before you tip. You don't want to regret the decision to be stingy at a later date. Like when your hair's a mess and you really need the stylist to squeeze you in for an appointment, but you left such a small tip last time, that she won't make the time to make you look amazing this time.

Please contact us at info@exclusivecorporatimage.com with all of your business etiquette questions!

Accessories for Men & Women in Business

"It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important."

                                                                                                      -Sherlock Holmes

Accessories are the icing on your wardrobe cake. They transform your clothes into a personal statement that communicates your unique message. Top-notch accessories are a wise investment of wardrobe dollars, because they often have a longer life span than the garments with which they are worn.

Accessories for Men

In the subtle world of men's business attire, small accessory items play a key role. The fine details can make or break a successful look, upgrading or downgrading the impact of even a fine suit.
 
SHOES: Shoes should blend in with a man's total look rather than calling undue attention to themselves. Dark colors, such as black, dark brown, and cordovan, are most appropriate. Business shoes should have a lightweight look; with soles no more than ¼" thick and low, trim heels. The thinner the sole, the lighter and more elegant the look.

 
SOCKS: Besides cushioning the feet and absorbing perspiration, sock can enhance or detract from a polished appearance. They should always be dark or neutral-no light colors or loud, attention-getting patterns-and generally coordinate to the trouser.
 
BELTS: A belt is essential to hold pants at the waistline and add definition to the overall look. Choose one about 1" wide with a subtle metal buckle. A properly fitted belt is long enough to fit your waist and fasten in the second hole. The belt color should relate to the color of the suit, the trouser and especially the shoes.

 
HANDKERCHIEFS: Handkerchiefs serve two distinct purposes-fashionable and functional. For functional application, choose white cotton and linen for softness and absorbency. Tucked into a breast pocket, a handkerchief is the least expensive way to polish and upgrade a business suite. The pocket square should coordinate with, but never match, your tie.

 
JEWELRY: Men's jewelry adds subtle punctuation to the total look, but should never be a focal point. Watch, rings, cuff links, and collar pins should be elegant and subtle. There is no better business jewelry investment than a high quality-watch.
 
GLASSES: Frames that closely echo your hair color are nearly always flattering. Select a style that flatters your face shape and your features. As a general rule, they should follow the natural line of the eyebrows.
 
BRIEFCASE: A trim, tailored 3" case looks far more stylish than a bulging, oversized one. Heavy leather is the best look. Black is the traditional color, followed by brown, burgundy, and tan.
 

WALLET: The wallet should be made of top-quality leather in black or brown. The oblong "secretary" styles has more presence than a traditional square and maintains a trim appearance in your inside jacket pocket. Never tuck a wallet in your back pants pocket where it creates an unsightly lump and can more easily be lost or stolen.

Accessories for Women

A modest outfit can triple its face value when worn with an excellent quality handbag, shoes, and jewelry. Accessories also sidestep the issue of weight fluctuation. When did you last hear a woman say, "I've gained so much weight I can't squeeze into my watch"?   SHOES: Shoes are the foundation of your accessory wardrobe. Opt for shoes in black, navy, gray, or taupe and perhaps burgundy. Shoe color should match the hemline or be darker, so the entire look appears "grounded". White, ivory, and pastel shoes don't work in business. Strappy sandals show too much foot. They also inhibit the stride. Closed-toe pumps in leather are always correct in business.   HOSIERY: Neutral-colored hosiery is the strongest and freshest look for business. The well dressed women should never, ever go bar-legged to the office, no matter how tan your legs or how hot and muggy the weather. The entire look is unfinished and un-businesslike.   BELTS: A skirt or pant waistband is generally not a fashion focal point, but a structure that looks best covered by a good-looking belt. Buy leather, suede, or skin belts about 1" wide in the same neutral colors as your shoe. The belt should fit comfortably and securely over the garment's waistband when buckled in the second or third hole. Avoid wider styles if you have a thick waist, short torso or low, full bust-line. The wider the waistline, the narrower the belt.   SCARVES: A scarf can do wonders to coordinate a wardrobe. In a print scarf, select the primary color of the scarf based on the primary color of the suit. For business, wear a scarf in a subtle, tailored way, not tied into a giant flower pouf.   GLASSES: Many women have a small wardrobe of eyeglasses. Thin wire frames in tortoise shell with a smaller lens generally look updated and chic. Try selecting frames in the same color family as your hair for your everyday pair.   PURSES/BRIEFCASES: Carrying both a large purse and an oversized briefcase creates an overloaded, disorganized look, select one or the other. If you opt for a purse, carry business papers in a leather notepad or trim portfolio.   HATS: Some entrepreneurs and women in creative fields were hats as a personal trademark, but hats are inappropriate for the majority of businesswomen. The exception is in very cold weather, where a hat is essential to conserve body heat. Select whatever style provides maximum protection with minimum damage to your hairstyle.   Some of the most important accessories for a woman never see fashion daylight, but these supporting members of the wardrobe team can make or break a professional look. A properly fitted bra can shave years and pounds off a women's figure. Without exception, cheap handbags, acrylic scarves, plastic jewelry, and bargain-priced shoes, will diminish everything else that you own.   The best rule in purchasing accessories is that none of us can afford to buy cheaply. Look Great, Feel Great, Be Great

Can you pass a person in the hallway and know what his or her career goals are?  

Of cause you can! Are your people aware of the message their appearance send to those who are capable of promoting them or propelling them forward in their chosen professions?
 

Exclusive Corporate Image provides educational programs to help men and women learn how to dress and act appropriately for professional environments. For the training your employees need ~ to ensure that their image at work will reflect their own self-confidence, inspire the respect of other professionals, and reassure clients and co-workers that they are committed to the goals of your company ~ Contact us us today at info@exclusivecorporateimage.com

How to Find the Right Pair of Jeans

“I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.”

--Yves Saint Laurent quotes (French fashion designer, b.1940)

Jeans are the staple of many a wardrobe, but if they do not fit right, you’ll find that you won’t wear them. Often, it seems like hit or miss when you are looking for jeans. . . even the ones that are in your size don’t seem to fit you right. Since jeans are an important part of any casual wardrobe, it’s important that you get the fit right so you look great and feel even better.

There are specific things to look for in a pair of jeans and you’ll learn how to find the right pair of jeans in the tips below. You may even want to print this page out and take it with you when doing your shopping.

Make Them Fit Your Body Type

Jeans will be far more flattering if you choose a pair that suits your body type. The great thing about jeans is that they really do work for anyone . . . you just need the right style. For women who are a bit heavy in the hips, a nice flared jean will help balance this out and draw attention downwards. Petite ladies will look best in low-rise jeans that come just up to the hipbone, while a high-waisted pair will help keep a larger stomach from being too obvious. Tapered legs look best on women who have narrow hips, since they create the illusion of curves.

For men, when it comes to jeans, the perfect pair isn't too far away. When it comes to style, there are two main options: snug and loose. Jeans that are looser or baggier will give you more range of motion and freedom. If you're going out to do chores or to play with your friends, these more comfortable jeans will serve you well.

Choose the Right Pockets

Pockets may seem insignificant, but they really do have a lot to do with how a pair of jeans looks on you. Small back pockets, or ones with lots of detail, will tend to make big bottoms look even heavier and draw a lot of attention to your backside. Opt for no pockets at all or look for ones that are large enough to be in proportion with your bottom. The opposite is true for women with smaller behinds, detail and smaller, fancy pockets will tend to add bulk to that area.

For men, I have heard it said that one of the cutest things is their butts. So for men keep the detail to a minimum. Honestly, I can’t think of anyone that wants to focus on the detail on the pocket and that's exactly what happens when you see those pockets. Your butt isn't being checked out...all that stitching is. Let's find some pockets with less detail, ok?

Pick a Yoke to Enhance Your Body

The yoke is the top part of the jean, most visible at the back and the curve of the seam can make all the difference in how your jeans fit and look. For example, a yoke seam that curve upwards from the hips will tend to make your bottom look larger; while a flat yoke line creates a wider hip. A “V” shaped yoke is one of the most common types and it is also quite flattering to all body types and usually fits well, so when in doubt, opt for this one. A wide yoke will allow your jeans to fit better if you are on the larger side.

Match the Wash to the Occasion

Where are you planning to wear your jeans? Part of picking the right pair of jeans is choosing the wash, or how distressed the fabric is. You can get your jeans already faded or stone washed. Obviously, these are all for a more casual outfit. If you are thinking of wearing your jeans to work, you’ll be better off going with a plain color . . . often the darker the better for less casual situations. Dark blue or black jeans wear well for casual occasions.

Choosing the right jeans for you requires knowing where you will be using them and which style will flatter your body type. Use the tips given here to help you select the perfect pair of jeans and then go find yourself a pair that not only fits you and is comfortable, but that looks great, too.

Dressing For Your Promotion in 2009

Your big interview starts long before it is scheduled. From the first day on the job, you should be positioning yourself for a promotion. The following guidelines will help ensure you are conveying the right image messages.

Position Yourself to be the Best Fit for a Promotion
You know you are the ideal match, but how does your boss feel? Make sure when you are going for a higher level position that you have considered all factors that your boss will take into account before offering you that big promotion.

It's Never Too Late to Make a Great Impression
You're going for a promotion, so dress the part. Take dress cues from your boss as well as other employees that are one level above you. When you arrive for your interview, be confident and enthusiastic that you are the best fit for the position.

Do Whatever it Takes
Keep track of your attendance - take time off only when truly needed. Pitch in where needed - if you are caught up on your projects, offer to help out and put in a few hours to assist others with their work. Attend workshops, seminars, and classes offered by your company. These are often free and your employer is likely to take notice of your work ethic and desire to learn. Keep track of your job performance - include the number of hours you worked overtime (whether paid or unpaid), new skills you have acquired, continuing education credits, etc. All of the above will help position you as the best candidate for the promotion.

Ace Your Big Interview
You have prepared for your interview. Make sure you deliver the right message as you sit across the desk from your interviewer. The following how-to guide will help you dress for success and land that much deserved promotion.

Embrace the Neutral
You want to appear confident and competent during your interview. Women, think olive green, taupe, navy, chocolate brown or black for your suit. Use color sparingly - that pop of color is great on a day-to-day basis, but for a promotion interview use that tool in moderation. Consider wearing a basic beige, blue, green or sand-colored blouse. Men, opt for a navy or other dark colored suit with a white or neutral dress shirt (Tie if appropriate).

Trendy is as Trendy Does
Unless you work in the fashion industry, leave the trends behind for your big interview. Don't wear anything that might distract from what you are saying.

Don't Go Gaudy on Accessories
Accessories can make or break an outfit. Woman should keep accessories simple. If you like to wear pearls, this would be a good day to wear them. Small pearl earrings and a matching pearl necklace are stunning. Of course, forget those anklets and wear one ring per hand to keep your look simple and stylish. For men, a simple watch is great, but don't overdo it - no gaudy or big-faced watches.

Hygiene is Important
Don't overdo your fragrance, or better yet, skip it. Consider getting a manicure - clean, neat nails are attractive and will leave a good impression. Getting a haircut before the big interview may give you the visual and emotional lift you want during your interview. Pop a breath mint a few minutes before you walk in the door. As you pass through the threshold remember you have what it takes, and always remember to smile.

Maximize Your Chances for Success

You have the tools necessary to get your promotion. Prepare, dress appropriately and set yourself apart from the competition by making a great impression and letting the interviewer know - You are the best choice for the position!

Call us today for help with your non-verbal communications - Your Presence and Your Protocol. http://www.exclusivecorporateimage.com/

How to Take the Stress Out of Holiday Dressing

When the holidays roll around, so does the stress of what to wear. During the holiday season there are a lot of parties, receptions and dinners. Sometimes formal wear is expected and it can be difficult to figure out whether you need several outfits, or just one to wear everywhere.

Fortunately, there are some strategies you can employ to make your holiday dressing just a little easier. Planning your holiday wardrobe ahead of time will help reduce stress and let you get your wardrobe shopping done ahead of time. All you need to do is follow the tips given here.

Look at What You Already Own
There is no need to spend a huge fortune on holiday clothing. You can probably use some of the items that are already in your closet and add some festive accessories to make them look new. If you have a nice red or green blouse, for example, you might add a pair of earrings or festive necklace from the current season to make a classic blouse current. Pair this with a nice black skirt or pair of slacks to complete the look.

Holidays are A Great Time For the Classics
The holidays are a great time for the classic little black dress. Do not be tempted by trendy holiday outfits, as you will not be able to wear them next season. Instead dress classically for the holidays and feel good about spending a little on some great trendy accessories.

Choose Versatile Clothing
When you are buying a new holiday outfit, avoid making it too holiday specific. A dress with an embroidered Santa can only be worn during Christmas, and chances are you won’t want to wear it to every single party, so it would get very little use.

A smarter option would be to look for separates in holiday colors that can be worn together or with something completely different. This expands their versatility outside of the holiday season. A burgundy sweater will look great with jeans anytime or combined with dark green pants works ideally for Christmas.

Go Light With the Brights
While a brilliant red shirt combined with a bright green skirt might be in the holiday spirit… it also looks over the top. Instead, if you are going to wear shimmering or bright colors wear only one bright color. If they are in your color palette, the jewel tones look great for the holidays.

If you are not comfortable with shimmering fabrics and bright colors, do not feel you have to include them in your holiday wardrobe. You don’t. Add a little shimmer or brightness with your accessories or not at all. Be holiday specific with your fabric; velvet or burnt velvet will always get you compliments on your holiday outfit without the flash.

Avoid Going Too Skimpy
If you are going to an office party, be careful not to show off too much skin. A scoop neck dress or a slightly lower neckline on your blouse might be fine, but save the plunging necklines and cleavage baring dresses for your own parties.

Test Drive Your Holiday Clothes
If you are going to go short or low be sure to give these outfits a “test run” before the big evening. Also if you have not worn an outfit since last year, try it on before the big night. Do not pop on an outfit for the first time before you run out the door to an important function. At least wear it around the house the day before to see if it stays in place as you move, if it pulls anywhere, or if it gets too short when you sit down. This ensures that your dress supports you at your big event. The more confident you feel about your outfit, the more comfortable you will be and the more fun you will have.

Choose Comfortable Clothes
Holiday parties and family gatherings are often long and can be somewhat socially awkward, so it is key to wear something comfortable. Do not tell yourself you will be all right in those high shoes or too tight bra. Being uncomfortable does not look good on anyone.

Holiday dressing shouldn’t be stressful, so make sure you read these tips and then do your clothing shopping nice and early …you won’t regret it. With the right selection, you will have some lovely new clothes to use all winter long, holiday or no holiday. Pick up some cute, festive accessories and you will have just the right amount of holiday cheer in your wardrobe.

Following the above guide for the holiday season party circuit is sure to assist you in looking fabulous and function appropriate. If, or when in doubt, the stylist services at Exclusive Corporate Image, LLC are happy to provide attire suggestions. Happy Holidays and enjoy!

Is your short skirt affecting your bottom line?

Wearing nylons during warm weather months can be uncomfortable, and that’s the naked truth! Some employers try to accommodate their female employees by allowing them to come to work without hosiery. Usually, this is considered a perk. As we shall see, however, the facts of the matter leave us with barely a leg to stand on!

For several reasons, the image presented by a woman with no hosiery can be inappropriate for the workplace and may lead to problems there. For instance, when “given an inch”, sometimes the unfortunate tendency among workers is to “take a mile”. Once an employer permits a relaxation of the company’s dress code in one area, employees may assume that they have their boss’s tacit approval to make comparable adjustments throughout their wardrobe. Soon, the company’s dress code will have faded into the mists of memory, a relic of bygone days.

During warmer weather, women may elect not only to leave their hosiery at home, but also to arrive at the office in short skirts, sundresses, and other types of casual clothing that generally reveal more skin. This casual, more revealing clothing can make a woman appear less-than-serious about her career, or frivolous about her professional goals within the company. Studies have shown that women who dress in this manner at work earn less money and are taken less seriously than their male counterparts who dress more traditionally. The woman who dresses too casually at the office relinquishes her business power to her male colleagues who are clad in polo shirts, slacks, and loafers with socks. While their attire may be equally casual, the men’s clothing reveals less skin, allowing them to retain some level of personal comfort while maintaining their professional image.

Additionally, the more revealing attire may make an unwanted “provocative” impression on male managers, particularly those who are older and may have more conservative tastes. Leaving a male manager with this type of impression may be the last thing that a female employee intends to do. Nevertheless, she must remain mindful of the potential for misinterpretation.

Many women find it quite a challenge to present attractive legs and feet without benefit of hosiery. If you decide to report to work without hosiery, please take the time to properly prepare for it! Ensure that your legs are carefully waxed, thoroughly moisturized, and evenly tanned. Apply fresh polish to toenails. Smooth out rough heels and soles (using a pumice stone, if necessary). Always wear sandals that fit your feet perfectly.

Short skirts and navel-revealing midriff tops are perfect for social outings or weekend activities. But, they seldom work at work! At the office, the female employee is more likely to enhance her career by paying attention to the company’s figures rather than her own. The only statement that her clothes should be making is, “I’m here to work.” Simply put, the more skin a woman reveals in the workplace, the fewer promotions, salary increases, and other benefits she reasonably can expect.

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The Hosiery Dilemma

Not Wearing Hosiery	Wearing Hosiery
Sends a casual message in the workplace.	Makes a professional impression at work.
Requires time-consuming and expensive preparation.	Provides a quick, inexpensive solution.
Legs MUST have a deep, even suntan.	Instantly provides a “tanned” appearance.
Skin tone MUST appear perfectly smooth ~ free of ANY blotches or blemishes.	Helps to “smooth out” the appearance of pale, blotchy, or uneven skin tones.
Legs and feet MUST be moisturized.	Makes dry skin less noticeable.
Legs must be waxed WEEKLY or shaved DAILY. (Shaving leaves an appearance of “stubble” after only 24 hours!)	Slight “stubble” is camouflaged.
Provides NO support for legs with varicose or “spider” veins.	Support hose will protect legs and prevent additional damage from broken veins.
Pedicure MUST be kept current. Nails MUST be freshly polished.	Toes are invisible in pumps or sling-backs.
Heels and soles MUST be kept moisturized and smooth. If necessary, a pumice stone should be used on feet to prevent a cracked, crusty, rough appearance.	Pumps keep heels and soles invisible.
Bare feet with bunions, damaged toenails, corns, hammertoes, extra long toes, blue veins, or injuries are frequently distracting.	Unsightly feet are hidden and therefore create no distractions.
Unnecessarily emphasizes the legs and feet, minimizing the effect of “continuity”.	Creates a streamlined appearance.
Requires the wearing of open-toe sandals or back-less mules to prevent damage from body heat and perspiration*.	Hose absorb moisture from body heat and perspiration (which naturally gravitate to our shoes) … slowing damage to footwear.

* Sandals should fit the feet perfectly. Toes should neither extend over the edges nor should they touch the ground. Heels should not spill over the back of the sandals. There must be no pudginess between straps ~ either at the toe or along the straps of the sandals.

Elaine M. Simmons, AICI FLC provides educational programs to help men and women learn how to dress appropriately for professional environments. For the training your employees need ~ to ensure that their image at work will reflect their own self-confidence, inspire the respect of other professionals, and reassure clients and co-workers that they are committed to the goals of your company ~ contact Elaine today at  http://exclusivecorporateimage.com/

On An Interview

A recent series of articles by “On Style” columnist Christina Binkley of the Wall Street Journal brought Ms. Binkley into contact with several executive recruiters (a.k.a. “head hunters”) and personnel officers of major corporations and law firms throughout New York City and Washington, D.C. During her interviews with these experts, the author discovered that even 30 years after the publication of John T. Molloy’s ground-breaking how-to “Dress For Success”,
the problem of personal appearance still presents a minefield for many movers-and-shakers in the corporate world. If decision-makers operating in the rarefied atmospheres of Wall Street and Pennsylvania Avenue have difficulty determining which tie to wear, or whether pumps or sandals would be more appropriate, then how can mere mortals here in the Sunshine State be expected to traverse successfully such an esoteric labyrinth?

To shed some light on this topic, I decided to do a little research of my own. First, I compiled a brief questionnaire, posing such questions as (1) “When an applicant arrives for the interview, do you think he or she is dressed appropriately?” (2) “What is the applicant’s body language telling you?” and (3) “What differences do you perceive among the ‘Traditionalists’, ‘Baby-Boomers’, ‘Generation Xers’, and ‘Millennials’?”

Then, I passed my questionnaire to several senior level executives of various industries, including some Florida-based entities as well as nationally recognized firms. These individuals include representatives of the healthcare, construction, insurance, employment, and social welfare fields. I asked them to respond to the questionnaire on the basis of their observations
in the course of performing their professional duties. I was surprised by some of their answers. Candid comments regarding appropriate dress among employment applicants included, “The younger generation does not understand the rules, or chooses to ignore them. These concepts
(of appropriate attire in the workplace) often are lost on the younger applicants.”

Before heaping too much opprobrium on the “younger generation”, we would do well to recall that “Dress For Success” is a phrase that has been around longer than they have! It has become so thoroughly ensconced in the idiom that we often forget what a fundamental concept it represents: first impressions really do matter, and one’s appearance really can be a determining factor in how one is perceived by colleagues, clients, and members of Management.

There seems to be a great deal of confusion regarding the definition of “appropriate dress” for the workplace. Among my survey’s respondents, the “older generation” seems to be slightly more in tune with this concept, apparently being willing to forgo a certain level of personal comfort in exchange for a higher salary, whereas younger applicants seem to think that “comfort is everything”. Apparently, it all depends on one’s perspective ... and the salary range!

When asked to share their pet peeves, the survey respondents were equally outspoken. Jacqueline Glover, Office Manager at Workman Commercial Construction, replied, “Business Casual has taken over. People want to draw outside the lines and not follow the rules.” Andrew Flick, an Advisor at Northwestern Mutual Insurance, indicated that he dislikes “ties that are too short, clothing that is wrinkled or ill-fitting, and shirts that are too blousy.” An executive from the healthcare industry (who asked not to be named) replied, “My pet peeves include clothing that is too casual or too tight-fitting. Big jewelry is also a distraction.” Other respondents stated that they are put off by visible tattoos, “cleavage”, sandals (rather than shoes), and blouses that are not tucked in.

When asked to comment on verbal versus non-verbal communication, respondents of the survey provided some very revealing data. Many applicants, it seems, are unaware of how much information they are communicating about themselves, without ever uttering a word! Susan H. Zingaro, Executive Vice President for Sales and Recruiting at FirstPRO, Inc. (an executive search firm), commented, “Body language is the key indicator as to how interested a person is in a particular job.” It can directly affect the impression that the applicant makes on the interviewer. “Good eye contact,” according to Ms. Zingaro, “a firm handshake, and good posture all are very important during the interview process.” Mr. Flick of Northwestern Mutual laments, “A lot of times, they (applicants) are unprofessional. They seem not to know the importance of it.” And, according to Paul Ryan, Senior Account Executive at David Wood Personnel, “Most applicants do not have their thoughts in order for the interview.” Their discomfort is telegraphed by their body language: I am nervous. How quickly can we get this over with? On the other hand, many applicants need to be aware of their verbal communication skills, as well. Says Ms. Glover of Workman Commercial, “Often, they (applicants) are so eager to impress that they will give a long-winded answer that does not even address the question!”

In compiling questions for my survey, I thought it might be helpful to include one about the impression that applicants may be making on the Receptionist. Ms. Glover states, “She sizes them up the instant they walk through the door! Nine times out of ten, she knows what the company is looking for, and ~ within 15 seconds ~ she knows whether or not the interviewee has ‘it’.” Reinforcing this point, Ms. Zingaro of FirstPRO, says, “This has always been important. If the candidate treats the Receptionist professionally and with respect, then his or her behavior should be consistent in the new job.”

Overall, how are applicants throughout the employment spectrum are perceived? Well, it depends on whom you ask. One survey respondent in the social welfare field said, “Boomers typically are seeking their ‘next’ career or a move up from their former position. Traditionalists have longer stints at previous jobs and now are looking for ‘meaningful’ work. ‘Generation Xers’ want flexible work schedules due to family needs and the pursuit of their education. ‘Millennials’ don’t want to have to work too hard, and they tend to leave their jobs more frequently for ‘greener grass’.” Ms. Glover wrote, “Traditionalists and Boomers know the game and play it very well. I think ‘Generation Xers’ expect that their degrees, skills, and personality will be sufficient to get them by. They don’t seem to realize that ~ while those things may help them to keep the job ~ as an applicant, they first must get through the door (for the interview). One cannot put the cart before the horse. And, ‘Millennials’ know the rules, but they want to modernize things, and put their own special spin on it.” Finally, Ms. Zingaro avows, “Representatives of the ‘X’ and ‘Millennial’ generations often have the opinion that they don’t have to work so hard, that they are entitled to everything because they have a degree. They seem much less generous than members of the older generations.”

While some of the above comments may seem to spell doom and gloom for the future of the free world, let us not despair! After all, everyone is young, once. With a little education and encouragement, even these unruly “young ’uns” can be shown the importance of appearance and image awareness. If you perceive a need for that sort of assistance or training at your company, just have your Human Resources Department contact me, Elaine Simmons, at http://exclusivecorporateimage.com/