By MARVIN WALBERG
Scripps Howard News Service To land a job these days, prospective job seekers need more than an impressive resume. Their dress and image need to mirror their credentials.
Dick Lerner, a certified wardrobe consultant and certified custom clothier, points out, "An investment in an appropriate wardrobe is an investment in career success."
In his book, "Dress Like the Big Fish: How To Achieve the Image You Want and the Success You Deserve," Lerner offers sensible, practical advice for everyone from entry level job seekers; retiring or recently discharged military personnel; women and men re-entering the work force; and anyone looking to land a job in our tough job market.
Here are six proven fashion tips, compliments of Dick Lerner:1. A well-chosen wardrobe includes high-quality individual pieces that mix and match and can do double and triple duty during the workweek.
Learn the difference between a blazer and a sport coat.
2. Business casual does not mean jeans. Casual is not casual at all. It may mean no tie or scarf, but it does not mean trendy.
Those who don't know what casual is could hurt their chances for career success.
3. Black, navy and charcoal are the core colors of business for every professional woman.
And mother was right about wearing good shoes (closed toe only, with a low heel) and carrying a matching purse -- leather of course.
4. Wear wool. It is no longer itchy and scratchy. Wool is found in long-wearing, high-quality fabric. Cotton is best for shirts and blouses -- and no-iron is the label to look for.
5. Buy fewer pieces, but better quality. An investment in a fine suit that can mix and match will last longer, so you spend less in the long run.
Choose year-round pieces that can be dressed up or down.
6. Dress for the job two levels above you. You won't get a second chance for that first impression.
According to a UCLA study, 7 percent of your image is what you say, 38 percent is how you say it, and 55 percent is who and what you are.
Your image is your chief attribute.
"When knowledge and skills are equal," stresses Lerner, your image is a powerful tool that says, 'I am the most qualified.'"
(Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.)GETTING HIRED
