Okay, we’re a creative group of people, it comes natural to heighten our style in thought, action and fashion. So, chances are, falling into the blue suit/skirted suit category is not always a good fit.

However, you will find no argument from me when a candidate shows up dressed like they are ready to go to work. ‘He’ is dressed in a sport jacket, pressed collared shirt or even a cashmere turtleneck, well tailored trousers, and perhaps even polished shoes! ‘She’ is wearing an outfit that she could walk from work to dinner in, or meet a client…comfortable, solid colored jacket, with a layered shell, paired with Hollywood slacks that match the same material as the jacket. Heels and bracelet compliment the statement and present smart simplicity with strong self-image.

Less is more. Adding bohemian flair to casual outfits or business attire is a great idea, but do not show up in ripped or dirty jeans, or any wrinkled clothing at all! Stay away from an inordinate amount of jewelry, or indulging the interviewer with plunging decolletage. Perfume/cologne – a little bit goes a long way. Subdue tattoos.

The basic premise is that perception and presentation is everything. You might as well figure the manner in which you ‘package’ yourself in presentation is just as important as what you say during your interview. It helps to know in advance how formal or informal the company dress code is – ask your recruiter if they haven’t provided that information.

Appearance should enhance your presentation, not overwhelm it.

Try to be remembered for your skills and your ability to reflect that in dressing smart.

When in doubt, it is better to be [dare say] too conservative than to be too flashy.

Use the best hardware…your brain – or a web cam!

http://career-advice.monster.com/interview-preparation/Dressing-for-the-Interview-by-Indus/home.aspx

http://mensfashion.about.com/od/theoffice/a/4interviewtips.htm

Becoming involved with social media requires a time investment on such variables as marketing, optimization and monitoring. This has opened a new job market for positions such as blogger, social media consultants, community manager, enterprise architect, social media strategist and director of social media. Since 2005 social media jobs have increased by 325%. For more information on this phenomenon visit Jobs in Social Media.

Everyone has a different view of what to include in their own resume’. Screening candidates for over twenty years, I have a format that I recommend to my candidates that is clear, concise, and easy to follow.

First, a resume should be no longer than 2 pages, not including reference information. Resumes that are in excess of 2 pages, tend to give more information than required. Keep in mind, the purpose of a resume’ is to get a meeting, not to completely tell the viewer everything you have ever done.

The look of the resume is very important. It should be in a easy to read typeface that is universal for all readers. Extremely decorative fonts may be nice for the viewer, but difficult to read for the potential client. The format of the document should be suitable for copying or faxing. Avoid screens of color or ink, they don’t reproduce well and the viewer will not be able to see all of your work. Use at least 12 point type on all of the body copy. Headings should be bold and slightly larger for emphasis.

Here are the elements I look for in a good resume’: An Objective statement, Hardware/Software skills, Educational background, Work History, Awards & Honors, and References.

Objective
An objective statement should communicate to the viewer your intent for your next career move. Sometimes objectives are listed in a cover letter. This can be okay, but quite often a cover letter may become separated from the main document and the resume’ can be misconstrued. Usually a couple of sentences are enough. It should be direct enough to make your vision clear, but not so detailed as to the specifics of company, one goal position desired, or give any impression of inflexibility.

Hardware/Software
Everyone should list the types of computer systems they are familiar with as well as the specific software they have “hands-on” experience. The ideal list will be sorted from expert to least experience.

Educational Background
A complete listing of your professional training is essential. It is not necessary to list the actual year of completion, but it is critical to list the field of accomplishment or training. Continuing education is good if it is pertinent to your individual career path.

Work History
The work history is probably the most important area. The job history should be from current job back to previous jobs. There should be no gaps in the history. If you have freelanced in between positions, you should show that work history from the date it began to current. If a job lasted for 6 months or less it is not wise to list it. I would show the time as a contractual period for simplicity. Some people will truncate or shorten their work history to the last 10 years. I prefer to see all work history. You can keep the details brief, but it can be very misleading in an initial assessment if you do not include the complete picture. You may be considered for a more junior position due to an assumption formed by your resume’. Some people are concerned about being discriminated against due to their age. I personally see it as an asset, not a liability. I do find it deceptive if a candidate neglects to incorporate a large portion of their career in an attempt to compete with a younger crowd. The listings should show start date and completion date. Avoid listing every position change or promotion within a company, by the date it happened. It can lengthen the resume’ and it is excessive. Tell me about your rise to prominence in brief detail. You should list the position titles, but show the entire company history. In some cases it is important to list the reason for departure. This information, however, is usually addressed in a face-to-face interview.

Awards & Honors
Achievements are important to list. Keep in mind they are irrelevant if they do not apply to your career path.

References
It is okay to provide references as an attachment or at the time of an interview.

The portfolio is the single most important element for a creative professional. We all should have one! It is something that is constantly changing and can be customized to fit a particular audience. Ideally, the portfolio should represent your greatest skills or work to date. Do not include anything in your portfolio that you do not enjoy or believe to be a personal asset. The other thing to keep in mind is that clients look for work that is marketable. Fine artwork should be kept in a separate book from commercial work.

Student books are different from an seasoned professional. Somethings that are common to both are:
1- The portfolio should be 15-20 work samples minimum
2- The presentation of the work should be uniform in size and manner by which the samples are presented. E.G.- 11 x 17″ black board & mounted.
3- The nature of the work should represent the type of position for which you are applying.

The portfolios should include as much diversity within the work as possible. It communicates a range of talent. Broadcast, web, and interactive multimedia samples will make a huge difference in your earning potential.

Unlike the resume’, a portfolio should be focused on an individual’s work for the last ten years. Anything older than ten years must be of high importance such as a award-winning design, campaign series or something that is near and dear to the individual.

Self promotion pieces always make BIG points with potential employers. The more customized the better. They won’t necessarily get you the job, but they will get you in the door.

A portfolio case is the best way to submit or present a book. Avoid spiral-bound books with large samples or pages where the sheets become entangled. It disrupts the viewing ease.

Always revisit your book and update the work. An ideal method of initial presentaion is through an online or interactive CD portfolio. Another idea is to mock up a mini-portfolio book. Keep in mind, this is just for a taste of your work, not the final presentation. You must get in front of the client to truly communicate the essence of your work.