It's become more important than ever for professionals to display strong interpersonal skills when looking for work. This would include communication, body language, and image, whether in-person or online.
Professional attire goes hand in hand with interpersonal skills. Looking the part is often just as important as hard skills.
- Understand what’s appropriate in your field and dress to fit in, even in your profile pictures.
- Make sure your interview clothes fit properly, and are not too tight, too sexy, or too loose.
- Pay attention to your accessories, that your bag or briefcase is clean, and other accessories are not noisy (like dangly bangles or watches that beep on the hour).
- Don't wear strong perfume or strong smelling lotions. If you aren't sure if yours is too strong, ask a close friend.
- Think about your color choices, for example, if interviewing for an academic position, it's not advised to match the mascot's colors, or those of the opposing school. If you're giving a presentation, make sure the your outfit doesn't blend in with the background behind you.
For your online image, consider the following:
- A consistent name for yourself, for example always using your full name, or initials, or a specific typography.
- Use the same name for your publications, URLs, email addresses, and portfolios.
- Check online professional organization directories, to be sure you are listed in your preferred way.
- Create social networks beyond facebook and LinkedIn. Are there specific networks for your field like academia.edu, educause, or regional networks?
