There will be many instances during your climb up the corporate ladder when a first appearance adds considerable weight to your future success. From that very first interview to a presentation to an audience of high flyers, you’re most often judged on those first five minutes. Use these expert tips to guide you:
DURING A JOB INTERVIEW
Dress the part — how you present yourself reflects more than just your taste in clothes. It can indicate attention to detail, perceptiveness (of current trends and self-awareness — what works for you versus what doesn’t) and confidence levels, says Madge Gibson, a partner at leading SA executive search firm Jack Hammer. Someone who is well attired will be treated more professionally than someone who is sloppy or inappropriately dressed.
Present high energy levels. Someone who comes across as alert, focused and full of energy and enthusiasm is far more appealing to an employer than someone who is sluggish, depressed, or quiet, says Gibson. “A ‘high energy level’ is the number one request from clients when describing the preferred attributes of a new executive,” she says. On the other hand, if you’re hyperactive, fidgety and too talkative, this may put off an employer, as you may be perceived as “exhausting and hard to work with”.
IN THE BOARDROOM
“Be prepared, know your stuff and contribute. Find out what’s on the agenda and be an active participant,” says Gibson. “Five-star employees contribute quality input to the direction and success of a business.” Ask yourself: Are you a driver or a passengerr “Yet at all times, maintain a balance of confidence and humility,” suggests life coach Lisa Steingold. “Always show that you are
willing to learn from others.”
GIVING A PRESENTATION
Professionalism is the name of the game, and that includes power dressing, good eye contact and clear, concise speech, Gibson says. Know your subject. If you’re using a PowerPoint presentation, avoid frilly fonts and excessive pages and ensure your slide show is succinct (see Shape, March 09, p24). “And above all — check, recheck and triple check for spelling, grammatical and formatting errors, as unnecessary slips in this area will devalue your message and make you look like a rookie,” Gibson warns. Steingold says you’ll feel much more enthusiastic about making a difference if you work for a company and with people whose values coincide with your own. “It makes it much easier to give presentations or to present proposals when you speak from ‘the vision’ rather than from memory. It enables you to speak with confidence and inspires faith in those around you.”
WHEN ASKING FOR A RAISE
Deal with the facts and not the emotion, and do your research, says Gibson. “Know why you deserve a raise. What have you contributed over the past year over and above the general expectations of your roley Have you contributed to the bottom line in any way What have your business achievements beeni Present the business case, keep it friendly and don’t get emotional,” she adds.
Comments