We have the pleasure of welcoming our newest addition to the Paladin Team and the new voice of Paladin - Cindy-Lee Pijoos. Cindy is taking over my role as Recruitment Coordinator. She will be the point person for our working Associates and initial inquiries from Candidates and Clients.

Cindy’s story about finding Paladin is a classic case study for how social networking can help you find a job. Recruiters, mentors, bloggers, and even Forbes continuously buzz about personal branding and networking through online communities to find a job. After reviewing Paladin’s postings online, she contacted me through a direct message on Twitter. Her social media savvy gained her an interview, and her experience and professionalism won her the role.

Cindy graduated with an integrated marketing communications degree in PR. She comes to us originally from Cape Town, South Africa and has lived in various cities before settling in Chicago. She thoroughly enjoys volunteering, cooking, and networking - so be sure to introduce yourself at the next event.

As we welcome Cindy as the new face and voice of Paladin, I am personally taking the next step in my career. I have recently accepted a position in social media, which will be a new challenge I am very excited to take on. My passion for interactive, online marketing has spooled through my experience at Paladin. I am happy to have had a chance to hone my social media experience in my Paladin role and look forward to staying a part of the extended Paladin family!

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

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.