The Ugly Truth about Your Looks and Job Search

Posted By: Robyn Greenspan
Filed Under: robyn greenspan, executive job search, executive careers, executive recruiter, executive presence, executive interview

Comments (4)

I recently spoke with a high-level search firm recruiter and he shared a story about an executive he called a perpetual "bridesmaid" — the one who always comes in second to the candidate who ultimately gets the offer.

On paper, this executive was outstanding and articulated his value well during the interview, however, the recruiter told me, the candidate needed to get his act together and make an effort to spiff up his appearance.

It may be a sad commentary that we can't simply be judged on our accomplishments, but presentation is often a conscious or unconscious factor as to who gets hired. You don't have to be a movie star; in fact, there have been studies as to whether better looks actually equates to bigger success. You do, however, have to show more than a passing interest in your personal care, grooming and hygiene.

In addition to the money you may have spent on a professionally produced résumé, executive marketing materials and coaching, here are some small investments that might land you the job:

Get a good, contemporary — but age-appropriate — haircut that makes you look and feel your best.
Buy a new suit. Even if you are interviewing in a business-casual company, dress up for the first meeting.
Teeth-whitening strips are inexpensive and available at every drugstore. Get them even if you think they're not necessary, because if you smoke, drink coffee or red wine, it shows in your smile.
If you've needed an excuse to get to the gym, competing for a six-figure job might be the motivation.
Smell clean and the interviewer shouldn't be able to get a whiff of your cologne before you've even entered the building.

You don't have to go overboard and get a spray tan, facial rejuvenation and a full-on makeover, but look presentable. Executives are hired to represent the company.

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Robyn Greenspan's avatar Robyn Greenspan
Robyn Greenspan is the Editor-in-Chief at ExecuNet, where she is responsible for setting and driving the editorial content engagement strategy across the private business network's publications and expert-led programming. She is also a Huffington Post blogger. You can follow her on Twitter @RobynGreenspan

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Posted by Investment calculator
10/07 @ 05:17 AM

Impressive publish! STICK WITH IT!

Posted by Kalpesh Patel
10/02 @ 02:15 PM

This is very ture in the era of dress down environment. Someone said "The dress is an index of mind..." You can reflect what your mind is by the way you dress and present yourself. At least most of the time. One does not have to pretend, but improve your life style. People respect someone who respect himself/herself. Dressing up appropriately is one of the ways to show that you respect yourself.

Posted by Bare minerals store
09/29 @ 02:21 PM

Does this site have a page on Facebook?

Posted by Cheap Hosting
09/28 @ 06:46 PM

Great post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Cheers!