How Not to Dress for Success: A Lesson in Personal Branding
1 min read. Updated on July 25, 2016
Think one inappropriate outfit can't hurt your personal brand? Think again.
One bad fashion choice can damage your personal brand. Sounds crazy, right? Unfortunately, in today's digital world, it's not. Take Megyn Kelly of The Kelly File's appearance at the Republican National Convention. The Fox News anchor wore a sleeveless dress, leaving her shoulders — and her personal brand — exposed to criticism. Angry viewers took to Twitter attacking Kelly, calling her a “whore” and comparing her to an escort.
While this is an extreme example, it goes to show you that everyone is susceptible to scrutiny when it comes to personal brand. This is never truer than during a job search.
Don't let this happen to you! Take the necessary steps to ensure that your personal brand is telling the right story. Below are some essential resources to help you dress to impress and manage your professional reputation.
While you only get one chance to make a first impression, you have an opportunity every day to promote your personal brand at the office. Make sure your wardrobe is helping to advance your career, not hurt it. Click on the following link for tips to ensure your work wardrobe is setting your career up for success.
When it comes to interview attire, there's no such thing as “one size fits all.” Research the company culture and interview process online before choosing what to wear to your next interview. Click on the following link for more advice on how to select the perfect outfit for your job interview.
Whether you're a social media junkie or newcomer to the scene, it's important to carefully monitor and manage what experts call your e-reputation (in other words, your online brand). This simple task will help you stay on top of your online presence.
Jobs come and go, but your personal brand remains with you throughout your entire career. It's up to you to tell a consistent story about your work experience and goals online, on paper, and in person. Click on the following link to download our personal branding checklist and set your career up for success.
Click on the following link for more advice on personal branding.
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Jenna Mantis is the former Digital Marketing Manager for Talent Inc.'s suite of brands TopResume, TopCV, and TopInterview. With a background in social media and digital marketing, Jenna is passionate about helping brands create and bring to life their unique identities. Outside of her 9-to-5, Jenna can be found exploring the streets of NYC with her rescue pup, Reese.
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