by Angela Copeland | May 18, 2015 | Advice, Newsletter, Personal Brand
One of the questions I’m asked over and over again is, “What should I wear?” What should I wear to an interview? What should I wear to work? When should I dress up or down?
The answer to this question can be tricky. When I started my career in engineering, I wore a golf shirt, khaki pants, and steel-toed boots. As a project manager, I wore business casual most days. As a member of corporate management, I often wore a suit.
In a way, what you wear to work is as much a costume as anything else. It’s what you put on to be taken seriously each day. It’s what allows you to fit into your environment.
On one hand, you want to be yourself. On the other, your number one goal at work isn’t to make friends. It’s to get things done.
And, unfortunately, people judge you for what you wear. So, what should you wear?
When it comes to interviews, a good rule of thumb is to find someone on the inside to quietly ask in advance. If you’re interviewing at a corporation or traditional business, a suit is often the correct choice. Stick with neutral colors in your suit, your shoes, and your makeup.
But, if you’re interviewing at an advertising agency or a start-up, the full suit look could really turn folks off. Consider something slightly less formal, and with creative accents. Add a little more color than you would at a corporation to show creativity is part of your brand.
When it comes to day to day wear, it’s often best to take hints from those around you. In a creative environment, you will want your style to look more up to date. Similar to when you were interviewing, you’ll want to add in more color, more creativity, and more of your personal brand.
But, if you work at a corporate, beware. It may seem fun to stand out initiatlly. You may be known as the one with the interesting hair, crazy shoes, or big tattoos. But, it’s likely in a corporate environment that’s all you’ll ever be. That person with the unusual look. It’s less likely you’ll be considered for promotions or management roles if you don’t fit into the corporate culture.
It’s sad, but true.
Now, I’m not trying to tell you not to be yourself. If you have no career aspirations of moving up, by all means, wear what you feel the most at home in.
But, if you plan to move ahead, you need to consider your wardrobe carefully. Selecting the wrong “personal brand” for your environment can sideline you in a way you never expect, and may never know for sure. It’s rare that someone will be truly honest with you if your style is causing you to be overlooked.
Again, I’m not encouraging you to not be yourself. But, consider your environment and think of your goals. Remember you’re at work to make a living, not to make friends. Friends are a great bonus, but you also need to stay focused on your goals. And, sometimes, especially in corporate, part of reaching that goal is being able to fit in along the way.
If you do have a strong personal identity that clashes with your work, remember that you can always wear your favorite clothes at home, outside of the office.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | May 18, 2015 | Job Posting
Zappos is seeking a Senior Software Engineer in Las Vegas, NV.
As a Sr. Software Engineer, you will be developing a mix of new features for the site as well as investigating cutting-edge technologies to make the site better (either more robust, able to handle more transactions, or simply provide a better customer experience).
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Zappos job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | May 18, 2015 | Job Posting
International Paper is seeking a Controller – Recycling Business in Memphis, TN.
This position is in the Recycling division of International Paper. We are one of the world’s largest paper recyclers, handling more than 6 million tons of paper every year. We have recycling facilities throughout the United States. A majority of the recycled paper is used in our mills, with the balance sold domestically and worldwide.
The Recycling Zone Controller is a business partner with the Zone GM and a key leader of the Zone Management team. They direct the financial activities of the Zone by establishing and maintaining effective fiscal procedures and controls, reporting and analyzing performance, and partnering with the Zone General Manager to plan and direct the actions needed to maximize the financial performance of the zone. They provide leadership to the finance staff within their Zone to direct the financial policy and procedures, and provide coaching and guidance with their professional development.
The Zone Controller position has responsibility for 3-5 plants in a geographical region, and will manage a finance staff of 4-7 people. Total annual revenues in our zones range from $30-60 million.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the International Paper job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | May 17, 2015 | Job Posting
Medtronic is seeking a Project Coordinator II in Memphis, TN.
Perform a variety of activities including administrative duties; coordinate scheduling and travel arrangements and meeting logistics; maintain up-to-date departmental policies & procedures; prepare report analysis producing comprehensive visual and document specific departmental projects; Process invoices, check requests and other billing requirements; and perform various projects as assigned
May support any functional area such as finance, purchasing, or human resources or for a specific project/business/technical unit. Gathers, collects, records, tracks and verifies data and information from multiple sources. Compiles, reviews and analyzes data. Uses software for functional area, to compile and generate reports, statistics, timelines, tables, graphs, correspondence and presentations. May design processes to enhance work flow. Provides data and information to others on functional unit processes and procedures.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Medtronic job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | May 16, 2015 | Job Posting
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is seeking a Digital Marketing Strategist in Memphis, TN.
Under the direction of the Director of Marketing, the Digital Strategist is responsible for the development and execution of all online, mobile, and social marketing strategies including web search, display advertising, social media management, video/audio content creation, email marketing campaigns, app, website and blog content management. This position cultivates audiences at the regional level, increases community engagement with and visitorship to the Brooks –both digitally and on-site.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Brooks Museum job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | May 15, 2015 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “The Power of Grit.”
This NBA basketball season has been an exciting one for the Memphis Grizzlies. If nothing else, Mike Conley’s recent injury and subsequent return to the game has demonstrated that the Grizzlies, and the city of Memphis, have some serious grit.
Grit is defined as having perseverance and passion for long-term goals. A gritty person is able to stay the course in the face of adversity and setbacks, often not requiring much outside positive encouragement. They find the strength from within.
The concepts behind grit have been around for years. But, in 2013, educator and researcher Angela Lee Duckworth got the world talking when she introduced the idea of grit during a moving TED Talk. She became interested in grit when as a teacher, she noticed that it was often not her most intelligent students who were doing the best in her class. It was the grittiest.
In fact, when it comes to careers, much of our success also is determined by how gritty we are. To learn where grit comes from, and how to become grittier, read my entire column here.
Go Grizzlies!
by Angela Copeland | May 15, 2015 | Job Posting
Dropbox is seeking a Program Manager of User Operations Systems in Austin, TX.
- Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of User Operations team goals and priorities, key processes, and tools functionality
- Consolidate the team’s systems and tools needs, create technical requirements documentation, and prioritize the needs
- Lead build vs. buy decision making process for User Operations tools involving internal and external experts
- Work with internal PMs and developers to create the roadmap for any key internal tools
- Build smaller internal tools with contracted developers when needed
- Lead User Operations software procurement and integration with external vendors
- Provide input into creating specifications, development and integration of complex systems and tools for larger team / multiple teams
- Mentor User Operations team members interested in systems and tools development
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Dropbox job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | May 15, 2015 | Job Posting
Kellogg’s is seeking a Sales Representative in Memphis, TN.
In your role as a Kellogg Sales Representative, you will be part of our success by:
- Selling, negotiating, and executing business plans through fact-based selling techniques to achieve win-win results
- Identifying selling opportunities to grow Kellogg Sales during each store visit
- Identifying and selling to indirect HQ, customer District Managers and buying groups
- Growing base sales through maximizing distribution, increasing share of shelf and ensuring Planogram integrity
- Selling creative displays to be placed at optimal locations, maximizing sales
- Selling incrementally to support ads and brand marketing activity
- Selling in Kellogg innovation and gaining proper shelf placement
- Prioritizing and determining optimal retail coverage patterns
- Communicating sales survey orders to the Account Executive
- Identify opportunities, and communicate to third party merchandising resources
- Developing trusted customer relationships by anticipating customer needs; providing solutions and guidance related to business opportunities
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Kellogg’s job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | May 14, 2015 | Job Posting
SRVS is seeking a Controller of their business office in Memphis, TN.
Under the supervision of the Director of Finance the Controller will supervise the Business Office Manager, GL Accountant, and Bookkeeper, coordinate the month-end close, review all entries made to the general ledger for accuracy, ensure that all Balance Sheet accounts are reconciled, prepare the annual agency budget, compare monthly operations to budget and work with interdepartmental staff to explain and reconcile significant variances, assist the Director of Finance with preparation of internal and external financial reports and prepare year-end audit schedules as requested.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the SRVS job posting here.
by Angela Copeland | May 14, 2015 | Job Posting
Nike is seeking an Innovation Solutions Manager in Portland, OR.
Nike’s Sustainable Innovation Solutions team is looking fora talented and energetic self-starter with a passion for new challenges to joinour team.
As the Innovation Solutions Manager, you will play acritical role building upon Nike’s rich innovation history. It will be yourresponsibility to accelerate the creation of Nike’s global Innovation Solutionsbase to new heights through aggressive, disruptive thinking, creative problemsolving and project execution. You will work daily with experienced leaders whoare on the forefront of rapidly transferring innovative technologies andprocesses to product design and production. You will be leading projects in thedelivery of initiatives with our current and new partners, including researchorganizations, universities, and industrial and technology partners.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Nike job posting here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.