Did you watch the Oscars? Admit it – were you most interested in what everyone was wearing? I know we’ll be hearing about whose dress scored a hit and who was a miss for at least the next week. When you are a high-profile star, what you wear matters as much as the award that you win. 

For a job seeker, how you look can be just as important. This week, in focusing on how small changes you may make can result in big changes for your job hunt, I would be remiss if I did not focus on appearance.

In my last post, I shared a lesson from one of the participants in the Land Your Dream Job Seminar I am offering with Carolann Jacobs from Vivid Epiphany, brain based coaching.

Melanie, one of our participants, landed a job after she made a concerted effort to look for positions that were a good fit for her. Another change she mentioned? A haircut that was more up-to-date and made her feel more confident. She remarked that her interviewer even complimented her on it!

A small change helped make a big difference for Melanie. Have you thought about your appearance? Are you wearing glasses from 10 years ago? Could you use some professional tips to learn how to apply your make up in a more flattering way? You’re in a “youth” industry and haven’t considered touching up your grays? When did you buy that suit you use to interview? What about those shoes? 

I’m not suggesting plastic surgery or even botox, but taking a good look in the mirror and making a change that could make the difference can’t hurt. I met a man at a networking event several months back. We started talking about his job hunt. He said, “I keep coming in number two. My wife says I should dye my hair.” What a shame if that small change could have made the difference (however small), but he hadn’t acted on it.

It would be nice if appearance didn’t matter. If your haircut or suit made no difference in the outcome of your search. Fact is, everyone knows that looks DO make a difference. It’s a competitive market. Anything you do (or don’t do) can make a difference. If a small change can give you more confidence and a possible leg up on the competition, take advantage!

Could you use some help making a few changes in your job hunt? I am happy to help! Contact me to learn how a revised resume and coaching can help make all the difference!