Customer Watch: Jewelry for the Job Seeker, Part 2

In this tough economy, kudos to ABC-TV for helping to put employers and job seekers together through the “Good Morning America Great American Job Fair,” being held in various locations around the country. This morning, the Fair was in Hollywood, Florida, where prospective employees had the opportunity to meet some 70 companies looking for employees. 

To further assist job candidates, Good Morning America has been broadcasting some tips for job seekers to help them polish their image and give them added confidence. Along with GMA’s Job Team coach Tory Johnson, this morning’s program featured Marie Claire magazine’s Senior Editor-at-Large, Joyce Caruso Corrigan, who provided some style tips for the job seeker.

Start with a well-fitting, classic trouser or skirt suit in a neutral color, Corrigan advised. Add a pop of color via a blouse or tie to make a memorable first impression. Women, wear pantyhose with a skirt, in order to send the right message.

“Accessories are key,” Corrigan advised. To show you’re “with it” and to convey the sense of strength and confidence, you can “transform any outfit” by adding a gold (or golden) chain. She held up an enormous, thick necklace of golden links, and noted that such a necklace would not be too much. She quoted jewelry designer David Yurman as saying “Your jewelry should be fortifying.” Fortifying is a good term. In image consulting, we talk about the concept of feeling “braced” for important events.  

For those applying for a position in a creative field, a funkier necklace would be appropriate, said Corrigan. She showed before-and-after images of a female job candidate dressed to seek work in a traditional work environment, who added polish to a tailored dark suit by swapping out a white top with a cobalt blue blouse and adding a long golden link necklace.

What a powerful statement jewelry makes. How much confidence it conveys. For more on the power of jewelry for the job seeker, visit my November 19 blog posting.