Email and Telephone Etiquette

how r u wth netiquette?

The current global economy is moving so fast that we demand technology which allows us to keep up. The internet has made the world much smaller and instantly accessible. E-mail has become the communication medium of choice. It is convenient, fast and mobile. So whilst we are racing through our day we forget to use that old modes of interaction: talking and letters!!!

E-mails are increasingly being used for business instead of letters and memos, but how seriously are we taking e-mail as a mode of business correspondence? How is your e-mail etiquette? or netiquette? Remember it is not what you say but how you say it, Are you effective and professional in your use of e-mails, text (sms) messaging and speaking on the phone? What does your e-mail say about you?

So before you write that e-mail to contact a prospective employer consider the following:

Be respectful

The first time any contact is made with someone do not use their first name; take the time to find out what their title is. We have many choices: Mr, Mrs, Ms, Miss etc. When you are replying to an e-mail and the sender has used their first name, it is only then appropriate to use first names.

Also be polite! Do not forget to use the three magic words in netiquette: please and thank you.

And the reason for my writing to you is …..?

Don’t waffle! Be concise and get your point across in an efficient manner, without leaving out any important information. If you are conveying a lot of details then do so and just apologise for being verbose!!

Watch your tone …

It is very easy to change our tone when we are speaking but more difficult to convey this in an e-mail. Remember when your parents would say “Don’t use that tone of voice with me, young lady (or young man)?” Well we have to be aware of this when writing that e-mail; read it thorough and ensure that you come across as respectful, approachable and friendly. Do not appear to be demanding or curt. Also try not to put your emotions in your communication (unless of course you know the person well). And finally DO NOT USE CAPITALS! It sounds like you are shouting.

Use ryt wds don’t Abbrvt.

Your prospective employer is not your friend (yet), nor a teenager! So use the “full” words. Abbreviation is fine for personal e-mails but business e-mails should be more formal. However, frequently used abbreviations such as Mr. and Ms., FYI (for your information), inc., and etc. are fine.

Use the subject line in your e-mail

Always give your e-mail a title, make it descriptive but concise, about six to seven words in total. The description is used to tell the recipient what is in the body of the e-mail not the entire message!

Watch your Ps and Qs and check your spelling

Use that spell checker that is what is there for!! After this, check again to ensure you have used the correct words eg. it is easy to mix up “from” and “form” neither will be picked up by the spell check but the context of your sentence could be dramatically different or not make sense at all. A minor spelling mistake could be an oversight but a badly constructed e-mail with a several grammatical, typographical or spelling errors will convey a lack of professionalism and attention to detail.

Who are you writing to?

Only send your e-mail to those people who are directly affected by the subject discussed. The “to” person is the one you are asking for an answer or action. “cc” those who need to be aware but are not asked to respond or act upon your e-mail. Once the e-mail has been sent check your inbox regularly and then respond immediately. Include a signature which should provide the recipient with alternative ways to contact you other than e-mails.

Make A Good First Impression

As e-mails are more and more as a mode of communication first impressions are as important here as any other business contact tool. An e-mail may be your introduction a new boss or colleague or even a prospective employer. Take your time putting together a well-constructed message. Remember once you click the send button you won’t have another chance.

top ten tips on telephone etiquette

When you make that phone call to a prospective employer remember always to use good manners. Whether speaking with people in person or on the telephone, good manners and a reasonable approximation of proper etiquette are always applicable. Here are top ten rules of phone etiquette:

1. Always answer in a polite manner – always answer in a polite and courteous manner. Use a simple greeting followed by a short introduction of who you are so the person on the other end knows that they are speaking to the correct person.
   
   
   
2. Watch your volume – always speak just loud enough to be heard irrespective of where you are; anything else will be too loud and annoying for people around you.
   
   
   
3. Always leave your number on voice-mail – if you get someone’s voice-mail, and if appropriate, leave a message; its just good manners.
   
   
   
4. Never eat on the phone – its just common sense! and eating sounds on the phone sounds disgusting!
   
   
   
5. Don’t answer the phone if you are with someone – Be it on a date or having dinner, if the phone rings do not answer it! It is impolite to the person you are with as you are giving someone who is not even there more importance.
   
   
   
6. Don’t call after nine pm – unless it is urgent nine pm is the threshold time for calls; after this people are winding down and it is private time. So be sensitive to other people’s needs.
   
   
   
7. Calling someone’s personal number – only do this when the owner of the number invites you to ring the number.
   
   
   
8. Use appropriate ring tones – you may feel that you have a really funny cool ring tone but other people may just find it annoying. Be considerate and select a sensible tone.
   
   
   
9. Don’t talk about private issues in public – if you do this it may be awkward or embarrassing for others that may be in ear-shot; its not polite!
   
   
   
10. Finishing the call – use a polite form of goodbye at the end of the telephone call. By doing this the other person knows that the call is over and there is no abrupt or confusing end.
    
    
    
    

The above tips can be applied to all telephone conversations be they for personal or professional use.

Written by

Surj Bahra, AICI

Founder and Principal Consultant

Style Identity

T: 62011534

http://www.styleid.com.hk/

The Essentials of Body Language

Body Language that Speaks Well of YOU

Whatever our professional talents may be, how we look and how we carry ourselves do make a difference in job interviews. Your body language will not get you a job, but they could make you lose the opportunity for getting one!

Body language is a silent but significant visual component that sends message to the people that you come into contact or just by walking into an interview room. It includes messages or statements conveyed through posture, stance, gait, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact and hand-shake. During a job interview, you will need to ascertain that the interviewers will see you as a polished professional.

So how to make your body language work for you? The first question is what message you want to convey. Obviously, you want to project a positive and professional image that scores higher marks in comparing with other candidates. The following are ways to give you extra edge:


1. Powerful Posture
Stand up straight by picturing yourself being pulled up from your abdominal area by a silk cord that goes through the top of your head. You will not only look better, but you’ll feel more assured. Keep your feet approximately four to eight inches apart, under your hips and parallel to your shoulders, with your weight on the balls of the feet. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your arms at your side.

2. Effective Gestures
Gestures can help you communicate your views more effectively. Moreover, it is very important that your gestures do not make interviewers uncomfortable or feel distracting, such as finger-pointing, crossed arms, wringing your hands. Use open palms with fingers together to indicate openness and politeness.

3. Confident Movement
Move purposefully and deliberately. Practice by watching yourself on a videotape or toward a full-length mirror until your movements are graceful, natural and relaxed.

4. Dynamic Facial Expressions
Effective facial expressions include natural smile in a friendly manner, nod to show your understanding, animated to indicate interest, and more effectively, try to camouflage your feelings by masking your expressions of fear or disappointment. Moreover, your direct eye contact will determine your credibility. If possible, you want to be at the same eye level as the interviewer and let him or her looking you over for the first 2-3 seconds.

Effective body language generates a tremendous amount of rapport and trust to interviewers. When you gain trust, you gain a higher chance of interview success.


Written by:

Yvonne Keung

ProDynamic Asia

Director & Principal Consultant

Unit 503, 5/F, Silvercord Tower 2,

Hong Kong Tel: (852) 23192822

Web: www.prodynamicasia.com

Etiqutte for Interviews

Basic Etiquette

Successful people posses three common characteristics:
1) They are competent in their skills

2) They are confident in demeanor

3) They are considerate of others.

They are three Cs of Success. Etiquette directly affects the last two characteristics – confidence and consideration. When we know the behavior others expect of us, we turn self-consciousness into self-confidence, thereby allowing us to show consideration for others. We create an atmosphere that free us to then focus on being competent in our jobs. This is especially important as companies streamline and downsize their labor force to reduce costs. Being successful is now more competitive than ever.

People usually form their opinion of us in the first thirty seconds of seeing us by judging our appearance, our visual communication and our speech. They evaluate our inner qualities later.

Packaging ourselves with (a) the right code of behavior (b) the proper attire, (c) appropriate speech and (d) good body language may determine whether we get the job we want. The wrong packaging of us may not mean the loss of our jobs, but it can reduce our job security in today’s climate of downsizing.

The business codes are a set of etiquette rules. We seldom enjoy playing a game without first learning the rules. Nothing builds confidence like knowing the rules of the game.

Meeting and greeting in business involves the six Ss:
1) Stand

2) Smile

3) See

4) Shake

5) Speak

6) Say


Learning and using the six Ss allow us to focus on other people. It also portrays confidence. Making a good impression requires that we show more interest in the other people than ourselves. We all know people who remember names and always seem relaxed and affable. We like and remember those people.

The six Ss are:

1) Standing – for senior personnel and when greeting or meeting others shows respect and deference.

2) A Smile – by one person usually encourages one from another. It takes only twelve muscles to smile, but takes seventy-two to frown.

3) Seeing – into a person’s eyes means we are friendly, that we are interested in the other person.

4) Shaking – in general, hands is always the proper greeting for many people. Our handshakes should be firm (not crushing) and dry. The web between our thumb and index finger should meet the web of the other person’s hand. If necessary, we should wipe our hand before extending it.

5) Speaking – our name slowly and distinctly is important.

6) Saying – the new acquaintance’s name back to him or her when we are introduced helps us remember it, and people like to hear their name used in a friendly way.

In a competitive world, the businessperson who makes an impeccable impression will be the one who gets the job, makes the deal or gets the big promotion.


Written by,

William Wing Wai Lee, AICI
Treasurer of the AICI Hong Kong Chapter
Imagio
17H Block 8 Kornhill Garden
Quarry Bay, Kowloon
T: 9238 9203
wmailto:willbill_@hotmail.com

Make up for interviews

Make up Perfection

There are two common mistakes people make when applying make up for an interview situation. The first is wearing too much make up, and the second is wearing too little. Depending on your relationship with make up, you may have several questions when it comes to how to apply make up for a job interview situation.

Why wear make up?

In a workplace situation, make up is worn to make you look fresh and lively. It is used simply to create a polished look and cover up minor blemishes. Even people with fantastic, blemish free skin can benefit from a minimal amount of makeup to emphasize their best attributes. However most of us are not fortunate enough to have perfect skin and our minor imperfections can be smoothed and our best traits enhanced with a simple make up application that should take less than 5 minutes.

What is the difference between a day and night look in make up?

There are times when you might like to use make up to not only help you look fresh but to actually make you look different. Fake eyelashes, bright colors, red lipstick, and the smokey eye are all fun to play around with, however they should all be reserved for night time looks. They would send entirely the wrong message if you were to wear them during the day. In the workplace, we want to keep things simple.

What does your make up say about you?

By applying a little bit of make up, you show potential employers that you take pride in your appearance, that you pay attention to details, and that you know the value of image (which is equally as important to companies as individuals). And you manage to do all that before you even say a word!

So now that we know why it is important, how do we achieve this fresh look?

Natural Makeup by Sunee LaClaire on Polyvore.com

1. Start with a color palate that matches your skin tone. If you are not sure about what colors those are, go to a make up counter and seek assistance. You don't always need to feel obligated to buy all the products. You just need to get a better sense of what suits you.

2. Apply concealer that matches the color of your foundation to the under-eye area.

3. Apply a lightweight  foundation. A tinted moisturizer with SPF protection is a safe alternative to traditional foundation formulas.

4. Use a powder to set (especially important if you have oily skin).

5. Eye shadow colors should be matte and all in a similar color range. Apply a lighter color just under the eye brow. As an option you can also apply soft toned hue to the eye lid.

6. Use a subtle brown or grey eyeliner as thin as possible to give definition to the eyes.

7. Curl your eyelashes and apply a thin formula mascara. By making sure your eyelashes are not in front of your eyes, you make it easier for your interviewer to establish eye contact with you. Brown or clear mascara is a great alternative to black if you have lighter eyelashes.

8. Brush on a blush or bronzer to give some definition to the cheeks. It should be lightly applied and the color should stay in line with your tone.

9. Apply lip gloss or lipstick as your last step. If you prefer gloss, make sure it is a neutral color and not too shiny. Avoid glitter. If lipstick is more your style, use a color which is close the color of your lips.

10. Smile! You are ready to step into your interview looking confident and well put together.

Written by

Sunee LaClaire, AICI

Secretary AICI HK Chapter

Director

Immaginare Limited
+852 9422 0400

info@immaginareconsulting.com

http://www.immaginareconsulting.com/

The Importance of Colour

Colour Comes First

When preparing for a job interview, the colour of your clothes is one of the last things on an interviewee’s mind. While the colour of your clothing may not be the deciding factor of whether or not a company will hire you, it is a proven fact that there are deeply rooted psychological feelings behind colours. Choosing the “right” colours for your interview may influence the initial impression your interviewer has of you. It is a job interview, and since you’re going in you may as well pull out all the stops!

There are no clear cut rules of colour; one colour does not always work for everyone. It’s vital to remember that above all of the rules of dressing and style that you feel confidant about yourself and your appearance. Colour is only enhancing the great things about you. In addition, take into account your interview situation. What industry are you applying to? If you are applying to a traditional business profession only use an accent of colour near your face that compliments your eyes. This will draw attention to your eyes and improve eye-contact. If you are applying for a job within the fashion or design industry, bolder use of colour and prints may demonstrate your creative flair.

As a general rule I recommend my clients to choose a well tailored suit (this is imperative!) in a neutral colour such as black, charcoal, grey, navy, dark brown or tan. Your suit should always be immaculate and perfectly pressed; it proves your attention to details. I then suggest a shirt/tie or accessory near the face that compliments eye colour. For ladies, a necklace, earrings or scarf in a colour that matches your eyes works well. Keep your accent colours about the waist and simple. Always remember not to go overboard with the complimentary colour. This colour should be used sparingly, not as a distraction from the most important part of the interview – you.

Having your colours determined for you by an image consultant is a life-long investment that will help you to look your best. Many people feel that they understand which colours look good on them, but there is a real science to choosing a person’s colours. Sometimes the colours I choose for people are shades that they would have never expected to suit them.

Colours themselves have psychological profiles and meanings. There have been studies done to prove that people get anxious and energetic from the colour red, or that babies are most likely to cry in yellow rooms. Hospitals have found that patients are likely to recover more swiftly in a green room. Colour has a deep psychological connection to us as human beings. First impressions are determined in the first 15 seconds of meeting someone, paying attention to these colour profiles will help you to choose the right hue.

Black: Black is a colour of authority and power, it is a shade that demands respect and seriousness. Black is timeless and almost always fashionable, it can slim the physique and is a great backdrop for most accent colours. Despite being fashionable, black does not always look great with everyone’s colouring so it is important to know which colours look best on you.

Blue: Blue is one of the most popular colour choices for men and women. Blue is one of the most recommended colours to wear to an interview due to its many flattering shades, and its association with loyalty. Policemen, IBM employees, and newscasters all prefer to wear the colour blue. It has also been reported that when salesmen wear blue they make better sales, further proving the point that blue promotes feelings of trustworthiness and loyalty.

Brown: Brown and tan hues are also a recommended accent colour to use for an interview, it inspires feelings of reliability and stability. A dark brown rouses feelings of acceptability and assurance. Brown is a practical colour, the shade of the earth and all that is organic. When you wear brown, people listen to what you have to say.

Pink: Pink is generally not a great colour to wear to an interview for men or for women. On a man pink is overly feminine and difficult to pull off. For a woman to wear a pink suit it implies the youthfulness of girlhood and you might not be taken seriously.

Yellow: Is definitely an attention-getter. Yellow traditionally is thought of as an optimistic colour and also improves concentration (ever wonder why legal pads are yellow?). Yellow is an acceptable colour for men to wear in ties and is an “up” colour.

Green: Green reminds people of nature, it is a calm and refreshing colour to the eye. A darker green is masculine, conservative, and also the colour of money. Green is a great colour to wear to an interview; there are many flattering shades for all skin tones.

Purple: Use purple carefully, light purples are considered feminine, but a deep purple or plum is currently very in fashion for men and women. Purple inspires feelings of luxury and wealth, dating back from the Middle Ages when kings and queens were adorned in plush robes in rich purple hues.

Red: Red is a colour of power and strength. Bright reds can appear to be flashy and self-centered, while darker shades of red are still eye-catching, a deep shade of maroon is not too over the top. For a job interview bright red should be generally avoided, as it comes off too vigorous to potential employers but once you got that job, red is a great colour to wear!

Keep these colour tips in mind next time you prepare yourself for an interview. Colour may not always be the first thing to spring to mind, but pay attention to how you react to colour in the world around you. A bright red “Sale!” sign catches your attention. The word sale was not what caught your eye, it was the bright eye-catching colour of the sign that caused you to stop and look. Always remember, colour comes first.

Written by,

Eve Roth Lindsay
Managing Director
Savvy Style, Colour Me Beautiful HK
402 A Baskervile House
13 Duddell Street

Central, Hong Kong

T: 25222592

image@savvystyle.com

www.colourmebeautiful.hk

http://www.savvystyle.com/

Grooming and accessories for interviews

Do you know that during a job interview your business attire is more important than you think?
How would you like: your talent and personality, or your shocking pink nail polish get you noticed?

With the appropriate business attire, surely it helps you to enhance the right impression on the day of your interview.

The 3 tips for your interview:

1. Fragrance
2. Personal Hygiene

3. Accessories

1. Fragrance

Avoid using too much perfume, cologne, or aftershave, as not everyone like your favourite fragrance as much as you do, and you do not want your fragrance overwhelm your interviewer. You may use sparingly; ideally the person next to you shouldn’t able to smell your fragrance.

Do not attempt to use fragrance to cover your body odor, in fact, it will have chemical reaction and believe me it doesn’t smell plesent at all. For how to cope with body odor, please refer to Personal Hygiene.

2. Personal Hygiene

Ensure your nails are clean and trimmed, no shocking color nail polish nor any Nail Art, as your interviewer will think you spent more time on your own beauty than work.

Make sure your hair is clean and well trimmed, especially men’s sideburn should be trimmed tidily and ladies hair should be tidy and neat. Avoid being frizzy. Hair products such as hard wax should do the trick.

Beware bad breath and body odor. Avoid eating anything that would give you bad breath such as onions or garlic before going to the interview. Alternatively, chew some chewing gum before going to the interview but make sure you dispose it before entering into the job interviewing company. The best way to eliminate body odor is to detoxify your toxic, visit your nutritionist or naturopathy doctor. In the mean time, you can use underarm care products such as underarm sweat sheet or deodorant to prevent embarrassment.

3. Accessories

Keep interview accessories minimal and professional. Women should not have any dangling jewelry and no more than 1 pair of earrings. Men should limit their jewelry to wristwatch and cufflinks only. Face (body) jewelry and ankle bracelets are prohibited for both men and women at an interview.

Although there are exceptions for various industries, remember that an interview is not the place for fashion statement, so go for conservative option when you are in doubt.

Written by Rigel Ng

Vice President of Events of the AICI Hong Kong Chapter
Touch Up Production
T:96505018 F: 25505220
mailto:rigelng@yahoo.com.hk

What to wear to a job interview

Winning Image For Job Seekers

You have to formulate your strategies before going to interview. One of the significant strategies is to build your winning image. People tend to associate well-dressed and well-groomed persons with confidence and achievement. Winning image is derived from immaculate grooming and well coordinated business attire in mint condition.

Dress tactics for Men

Be formal

It’s better to over-dressed than under-dressed. Wear dark solid color suit or pinstriped pattern. Both three-button and two-button suits are appropriate.

Match with long sleeve shirt in white or light color. Avoid dark color shirts. Straight collars are more formal than button-down collars. All clothing items should be clean, pressed and well-tailored.

Wear a tie with a solid color or small pattern that complements the color of your suit or your shirt. Avoid large pattern or bold prints. Your tie knot needs to be in proportion to your shirt collar.

Attention to details

Wear solid dark socks that match the color of your trousers. The socks should be long enough to cover the legs when you sit down. If you can pay attention to the details of your image, you are perceived as professional and the one who pays attention to the details of work.

Keep it classy

“A man’s sole reveals a man’s soul.” A pair of black oxford shoes is necessary to finish your classy look. Avoid thick soles. Polish your shoes, keep them shined and repair the nicked and worn-down heels.

Make it neat

Keep your resume and notepad in a briefcase or portfolio. You look neat and organized. Avoid briefcases with garish logos.

Keep it simple

Wear a simple designed metal watch. Avoid over-sized, sporty, or plastic watches. Besides a watch, no other accessories are preferred except your wedding band.

Dress tactics of Ladies

Be elegant

Keep in mind to project an elegant image, not an outdated one. Skirt suits are accepted by all organizations while pant suit is accepted by some organizations. It is safe to wear skirt suit in solid color or pinstriped pattern. Avoid flashy fabric.

Wear a skirt that falls to your knees. Avoid tight skirts which look indecent. Always dress in tailored fit.
Simplicity is the key, your blouse should avoid ruffles, lace, low neck-line, and shiny fabrics. Any girlish design will weaken the professional image. Choose non-clinging material such as cotton or silk. All clothing items should be clean, pressed and well-tailored.

Keep it polished

Wear classic black pumps without garish frills. Your shoe style should be closed toe and closed heels. Low heels around 2 inches are appropriate. Avoid flats which look too casual.

Wear a neutral color panty hose to finish the polished look. Bare legs cannot command respect in a business environment.

Orderly manner

Neatly arrange your documents, resume and notepad in a briefcase or simple-designed handbag. Avoid using a purse.

Subtle not flashy

Wear a simple designed metal watch. Avoid over-sized, sporty, or plastic watches. Watches with shiny diamonds, crystals, or charms are not appropriate. Dangling earrings are distracting. Minimal accessories are preferred. Keep in mind that no jewelry is better than cheap jewelry.

Your dressing power is the right strategy to command positive impact, while your professional image helps your confidence shine through.

Written by Carolyn Chan, AICI
www.posh-image-consultancy.com

Positive Mindset

Winning formula for job interviews

When preparing for job interviews, it is fair to say that most of us choose to focus on what there is to ‘do’. We have a ‘to do’ list of what to bring, what to wear, what to say, what to research, how to sit, how to shake hands, how to introduce ourselves, and the list goes on. Whilst I think these are important factors, I consider all of these as secondary to what really makes the difference. I strongly believe that your being, and by that I mean your mindset, is the primary factor that determines your interview result. This is an internal facet that I term as the hidden image; it is not something that is tangible, however people always get a sense of your self-perception and self-confidence when you enter a room. Hence your hidden image largely dominates the judgments that are made about you.

Often interviewers are looking at candidates who have very similar backgrounds, experience and presentation skills, consequently the hidden image becomes a crucial factor for differentiation. During my last interview I had two candidates, Clara and Agnes. Both ladies had the same academic qualifications, they had diligently prepared for the interview with a similar to do list, and came to the interview in a dark crisp suit. The main difference was that Clara was nervous and doubtful, fearing that this interview will be unsuccessful, and Agnes was positive, energetic and vibrant. Again it was not about what they did, but more about their mindset and way of being that determined the result.

The key question is ‘who are you being’ during the interview?

Are you being scared and unsure? Are you being resigned and cynical? Are you being confident and motivated? Or are you being self assured and optimistic? Your answer to these questions will give your interviewer the biggest indication on whether they will pursue the interview any further. It is impossible to anticipate everything you will encounter in your job interview, and that’s where preparation can fall short. However if your mindset is positive and you are being confident, you will be able to tackle most questions and challenges that may come your way. Here is a simple and easy method to ensure that your mindset is aligned with having a successful interview.

1- Be aware. Reflect for a moment on how you currently feel about yourself. If it’s not positive then think about what is preventing you from feeling that. Whatever it is, it’s definitely not worth making you feel less than great at any point in time. A good way to shift your focus is to focus on all the great things you have in your life, and be grateful for them (think of at least 10 things). Being confident and capable comes from the inside out, and to do that you must have total certainty that you are the ideal candidate!

2- Take Charge. Since all your behavior is evaluated and branded, why not take charge of the messages you communicate and define your own way of being? First you need to become aware of the image you want to create. Think of three words that you would like your interviewer to describe you as, (such as competent, dynamic, and confident) and then align it with your attitude and behavior. Remember if you can’t name it, you can’t have it!

3- Be Authentic. You can only really be confident on the outside if you feel it on the inside. When you are at the interview, let go of all worries of the past, fear of what people think, concern of the future and whatever else is clouding your space. Be present in the moment, completely engaged what you are doing at each moment and enjoy the experience!

Remember it is your mindset that shapes your actions, and ultimately the outcome of your interview. Use these simple and easy tools to create a way of being that inspires both yourself and your interviewer and win your next interview without any interview jitters!

Written by Sonia Samtani, AICI
www.soniasamtani.com

Gain Trust and Opportunity With Your Look

Gain Trust and Opportunity with your look

It is so amazing to see the makeover of Susan Boyle below by Harper’s Bazaar. She looks unbelievably stunning!


Makeover by Harper’s Bazaar



Back in April 2009, when she was on the stage telling the audience that she would like to be as successful as Elaine Paige, none of the judges and audiences took her seriously. However, when she started to sing, everyone stood up applauding for her bravura performance.

Why didn’t the judges and the audience believe in her ability before she sang? Where did the prejudice come from? It was very obvious that her appearance and body language didn’t match with what she had said according to the audience’s point of view. The poor appearance prolonged the time of acceptance. This also prolonged the time of her success in life! Just like what she had told the judges, she had never got a chance to show her talent until that night! Having such an outstanding voice for so many years, why couldn’t she make it faster to the entertainment industry? What made her wait for 47 years to be successful?

Let’s imagine, if Susan’s appearance on that night was like the picture on the right hand side shown below instead of the one on the left hand side, would the perception of the judges and the audience be different? Would they believe more in what she had said?



We are usually taught not to judge a book by its cover. However, in reality, people just cannot stop judging a book by its cover. What should we do then? Face and deal with the reality! Have your best image both inside and out. Congruency is important for us to earn trust from people and opportunities in our work and life.

Written by Priscilla Chan


Priscilla Chan, AICI

The President of AICI HK Chapter
P.C. Image Consulting
9/F, Delite Mansion, 1-3 Granville Circuit
T.S.T. Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: 27399683 Fax: 37640608
www.pcimage.com.hk

Interview Preparation

First Impressions – At the Interview

Written by Shireena Shroff

Ever wondered how long it takes for someone to form an opinion about you based on their first impression? Only SIX crucial seconds. A mediocre first impression makes people think you and the services you provide will be mediocre. On the other hand, a fabulous first impression tends to make people believe your capabilities and services will be outstanding as well. The image you present should be a reflection of who you are, and your abilities as a professional.

Imagine walking into an interview room, you are nervous, palms are sweaty and heart is pounding. In this economic crisis, finding a job, or even retaining your job is stressful! There is more pressure on details like appearance, speech and behavior. Colors, styles of clothes, body language and speech all come together when assessing your image. Remember, with so many people fighting for the same jobs, you have to identify how to stand out, and be remembered. As an ex-recruiter, I understand the power of image and how it can help convince an interviewer that you are an absolute perfect fit for the job.

Prepping - Interview:

• Fully research organization, - remember to find details about organizational structure, and company statistics

• Understand profile of role you are interviewing for. Example - if you are interviewing at a bank for a Relationship Manager position, use networking websites - www.linkedin.com to get in contact with RMs and find out about the role and responsibilities

• Prepare a list of questions about the company, reporting structure, and company culture to ask the interviewer. It demonstrates passion and sincerity for the job.

• Always carry a pen (not one you stole from a hotel room) and notepad for taking notes

Dressing - Interview:

• Wear colors that compliment your skin tone and brighten your skin, hair and eyes

• Men should stick to wearing a suit and buttoned shirt. If environment of organization is formal, or you are meeting someone very senior, a tie is a good idea

• Ladies should avoid off the shoulder blouses and distracting jewelry. Acceptable jewelry for men is a watch and a wedding band.

• Men should avoid spiked, gelled hairstyles, and ladies should tie up very long hair

• Men should always wear work shoes (never sneakers or casual shoes) and it should always match the color of belt

• Ladies generally opt for closed shoes instead of open-toed sandals

• When choosing ties, avoid crazy patterns and chose solid colored silk ties.

Behaving & Speaking - Interview:

• When entering interview room, walk confidently and always smile. This is your window of opportunity to create a GREAT first impression!

• Give a firm smooth handshake

• Sit upright and remember not to slouch. Slouching and bad body posture gives the impression you are uninterested or have low-self esteem

• When exchanging business cards, take a few seconds to look at the card, instead of immediately sliding it into your pocket or bag.

• Speak slowly and think before speaking! When asked a difficult question, take time to deliver an appropriate answer instead of nervously rushing to answer

• Maintain eye contact when speaking and remember to sound passionate, intelligent and sincere

With these tips you are recreating your self-image to be more confident, powerful and positive, and perfecting a striking first impression! Use these tools to impress a recruiter and land your dream job!

Shireena Shroff Manchharam, AICI

Sheens Image Consulting Private Limited
Founder & Principal Consultant
Hong Kong +852 61170230
www.sheensimageconsulting.com