THE TRANSITION

The Most Important Skills

You Must Learn

In Order to Succeed In the Civilian World

(Part 4)

Dress to impress:  The clothes you need to have in your closet to make an impact on your future employers

Have you ever heard of the saying, “your first impression is your only impression?”  Well that is no joke.  The way you present yourself will make a huge impact on whether or not you future employer hires you for the job.

Did you know?

Within the first three seconds of a new encounter, you are evaluated by what you wear and how you wear it even if it is just a glance.   People appraise your visual and behavioral appearance from head to toe. They observe your demeanor, mannerisms, and body language and even assess your grooming and accessories – watch, handbag, and briefcase. Within only three seconds, you make an indelible impression. You may intrigue some and disenchant others.

This first impression process occurs in every new situation. Within the first few seconds, people pass judgment on you – looking for common surface clues. Once you walk through the employer’s door and you make your first impression, it is impossible to change.  A first impression is virtually irreversible.

When you are in the military, they provide uniforms the same to business casual, business formal, evening black-tie formal and sports wear.

Now you are in civilian world and military uniforms will not cut it.  Now you need to create a dress to impress wardrobe to help you ace the interview, get the job, and start a new life in the civilian world.

Start planning your civilian business wardrobe early. Ask your spouse or a close friend help someone that you know has the magic touch for fashion.

Below are some tips to help you transform from military wear to a Forbes millionaire lookalike!

Step 1

·       Read books on fashion in the working world

·       Look at magazines

·       Jot down in a journal the styles and colors look good on you. Remember not everything we like may look good on us.  So, if you see something that you think looks good make sure to try it in front of a mirror to see how it looks.  Then ask yourself if I were the employer would I hire a person dressed like this person?

·       Learn what style of dress is appropriate to the industry you plan to work in.

·       A manufacturing line supervisor would not wear the same style suit that a Fortune 500 company CEO would wear, and vice versa.   However, remember, you always need to dress up for the interview even if it is a hands on job.  It shows that you care.

·       Wearing clean, neat, stylish and professional shoes is great for creating a professional image. Shoes are the perfect accessory for completing an outfit and should always be polished and well kept. Professionals are encouraged to invest in their footwear and buy quality shoes that they can wear often like a suit or jacket.  For women, choose shoes with a moderate size heel and even purchase the shoe in a half size larger and include insoles for comfort and support. For men, choose shoes that are professional looking and match your suit or ensemble properly to create a consistent professional look.

Step 2

Create a Wardrobe Strategy. You will need something initially to wear on interviews, whether it is with a prospective employer or with a banker to discuss a business loan. Then fill out your wardrobe with daily business attire. The cost may come as a shock if you have not shopped for clothes in awhile. You might want to spend one-day window-shopping to get an idea of prices. Buy the best quality you can afford in classic styles and it will serve you well for a long time to come.

Step 3

Do not overlook the accessories. I bet you didn’t know that its just not the clothing that matters, but your jewelry, watches, belts and ties, briefcase, portfolio and pen are just as important. Showing up for an interview in a sensational looking suit carrying a tattered, beat-up portfolio will spoil the impression you are trying to make. If you wear, eyeglasses do not forget to update your eyeglasses to a current style too.

Remember, Take time to learn how to present an impeccable, professional image. Because you never get a second, chance to make a first impression.   Success comes to those with integrity, those that are resourceful, and those that make a fabulous impression!  If you do then you will have the advantage.