Contact Info Jacqueline M. Peros
Cell: 917-704-4072
Office: 212-685-5114
Email: jmp@jmpstyle.com
   
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By Jacqueline Peros, on April 1st, 2010
The US Labor of Statistics recently issued a statistic that predicts every American worker will change “careers” – not jobs but careers, at least 3x throughout the course of his or her professional life. This statistic proves there is a whole new career landscape out there and we need to learn how to navigate through it. These 5 tips will help you do just that!
1. DO be flexible & adaptable / Don’t hold on to the “dream” job syndrome
Many companies are thinking outside the box on how to hire and maintain the right employee so it’s behooves the professional to be open to new opportunities, challenges and changes in the workforce landscape. For example, if you are offered a part-time job in the field you want to stay in, take it. While it might not be the ideal situation, you are one step closer to illustrating your talent and it’s a matter of time before you are recognized for your flexibility and willingness to adapt.
2. DO dress the part at all times / DON’T get comfortable
Remember the old saying, “Dress for the job you want?” Well that still holds true today and is relevant Monday – Friday! Companies more than ever, want to project a professional and established image at all times so it’s essential for the employee to continue wearing appropriate attire beyond the initial interview. Casual Friday’s are falling by the wayside.
3. DO elevate the conversation / DON’T ramble
Whether you are interviewing or have been hired, when engaged in conversations or meetings with key stakeholders, always elevate the discussion so that they see and know you are interested in what is going on within the company. If you bump into your CEO and he/she asks how things are going, he doesn’t want to know about your evening plans, he wants the 3 minute elevator pitch on how you think the business is going. This holds true for the interviewer as well. Be sure to prepare your elevator pitch so when asked “why should we hire you?” you will have a pointed and articulate response.
4. DO network; in and out of the office / DON’T get personal
Build relationships with people outside of your current business unit and begin to learn all areas of the business (sales, marketing, finance). This will help round out your knowledge of the company and provide insight into other potential career opportunities. Keep conversations on a professional level versus divulging private or personal information.
5. DO be self-aware / DON’T ignore reactions
Self-aware is defined as “aware of oneself, including one’s traits, feelings, and behaviors.” Having the ability to understand how your overall image and behavior is being perceived provides an opportunity to change the dynamic of a meeting or situation. You have to factor in how you speak – are you saying lots of “um’s” , Are you fidgeting? “Is your voice quivering from nerves? How is your diction? Are you enunciating clearly? Being aware of your body language will also help you understand the image you are projecting. For example, avoid crossing your arms since this projects defiance, keep good eye contact and don’t look down. Looking down or away from person you are speaking with could be perceived as being dishonest or that you have something to hide.
Leave me a comment and let me know if you find these tips helpful! Good luck in your career search!
By Jacqueline Peros, on February 19th, 2010
Tips on how NOT to alienate your co-workers
Before I took the leap into the entrepreneurial world and started my own business, I worked in the fascinating world of technology. I say “fascinating” because there are truly very interesting, highly intellectual and well, “fascinating” people in this industry. Along with these characteristics comes a bit of eccentricity within each person and this was revealed to me on a daily basis in “cube world.”
There are all sorts of etiquette lessons on everything from appropriate dining to email communication to a hand shaking but rarely do I see anything written that highlights the etiquette of sitting in a cubicle. So, based on my profession as an image consultant and years of experience sitting in a cube, here are my do’s and don’ts to be a better cube mate. Would love to hear what your tips or pet peeves are? Comment here or send me an email at jmp@jmpstyle.com
1. Don’t pump up the volume on your PC or laptop while listening to music, a webinar or funny video that was forwarded to you.
Do use headphones so that you are not distracting to those sitting around you. It’s important to understand that your co-workers might be on an important call conducting business.
2. Don’t come to the office looking unkempt, unclean or exuding an offensive odor.
Do pay attention to good hygiene. Hygiene is usually covered in the company dress code guidelines so if you are not sure how this applies to you, ask your human resource person for a copy. However, from my experience this can include but not limited to: opting to not shower, avoiding deodorant, mouthwash or appropriate laundering of apparel. Additionally, clipping of nails whether it’s fingernails or toenails is NOT acceptable. And yes, I did have a cube mate think it was OK to clip his toenails during office hours.
3. Don’t make unnecessary noises and by “noises” I am referring to passing gas, belching or plain old tapping on your desk.
As for the “do” here, I don’t think I need to elaborate.
4. Don’t put your feet up on the furniture (i.e., desk). If we weren’t allowed to do it at home, we shouldn’t expect to do it at the office. I personally never enjoyed viewing the dirty soles of my cube mate.
Do invest in a foot rest. Some individuals may need to keep their feet elevated during the day so this would be a good option.
5. Don’t remove your shoes. While other cultures might require shoes to be removed as soon as you enter a dwelling, here in the office world, this is a no-no.
Do keep your shoes on at all times. You might get an unexpected visit from a senior manager and while you scramble to put your shoes back on, you’ve already made a negative impression.
6. Don’t shout across the floor. I was taught that if I shouted to someone located in another room, this was considered bad manners so I wasn’t allowed to do it.
Do engage in conversation with your co-workers but opt to use a meeting space or common area that will allow you to speak more freely and openly.
7. Don’t lunch loudly. Often there isn’t enough time in the day to get work done let alone take an hour for lunch so it’s common for one to eat at their desk. If this is the case, please remember what your parents taught you which is; don’t eat with your mouth open.
Do try to eat your lunch in the designed cafeteria so that are you not distracting those around your cube. Additionally, if you opt to eat at your cube, remember to throw out your lunch packing in the cafeteria. There is nothing more nauseating than lunch remains after a few hours.
By Jacqueline Peros, on August 20th, 2009
5 Tips to Monitor and Manage Your Online Presence
According to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, there are 150 million users on Facebook today and 300 million expected by end of 2009. For the company, these stats are quite impressive but what are the implications for the users? The major implication I see is that our personal and professional lives are colliding on this much loved “social” community. With so many users, we are bound to “run into” people beyond our friend list.
While family and friends use this social media outlet to share and exchange stories, photos and updates, there is something else going on beyond just the personal exchange of information. What is it? Companies now realize that this is an invaluable source for pre-screening job applicants and they are actively perusing profiles to gain a better understanding of who you are and whether you would or would not be a good representation of their company brand or image. Can they do that? Yes and it happens often. In an interview with CBS, Tim DeMello, who owns the Internet company Ziggs, estimates that approximately 20% of companies are secretly scanning online profiles before they interview applicants. He goes on to say what they often find is shocking — including profiles that detail drug use, orgies and illegal behavior. This interview was done a few years back when we weren’t faced with such challenging economic times so the percentage of companies scanning online profiles has grown significantly.
As a user, you do have the ability to adjust privacy levels in order to limit the information seen but there is six degrees of separation in this community and you need to be aware that your FB friends and their friends can tag you in a photo and that photo might not put you in the best light. While the latter is harder to control, you can and should control what you chatter about and what photos you upload that would be considered inappropriate. Not clear on what would be considered “inappropriate?” Anything that would make your mother gasp in disbelief.
The following tips will help improve your chances of not only getting the interview but also avoiding the pink slip!
1. Pay heed to privacy – review your privacy settings for your profile, news and feed sections to see what is currently checked off. FB gives you various options: Everyone, My networks and Friends, Friends of Friends, or Only Friends. By selecting “Only Friends” you will be able to manage who sees what.
2. Post with prudence – you’ve heard the saying; a picture is worth a 1000 words, well bear this is in mind when you upload a photo. The saying stems from the fact that a viewer absorbs a lot of information very quickly and as a result makes “assumptions” very quickly. If a viewer sees a photo of you that he/she deems inappropriate, you have no chance to change their perception of you.
3. Profanity-proof your page – maintain acceptable language at all times. And for those friends that “post with passion” ask them nicely to refrain from doing so on your page.
4. Limit the 411 – don’t divulge your social calendar with references to any late night partying. Employers might assume that you’re not taking your job search or career seriously enough.
5. Communicate your cause – inform all your “friends” that you are either looking for a new job or that you want to excel in your current job so please run by any photos they might want to upload and tag you in that might be questionable. Additionally, have them refrain from making any references to past party experiences that you might have joined in and lastly, to please refrain from using profanity when posting to you. Unfortunately guilt by association is still very much in play.
By Jacqueline Peros, on July 7th, 2009
5 Tips to Monitor and Manage Your Online Presence
According to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, there are 150 million users on Facebook today and 300 million expected by end of 2009. For the company, these stats are quite impressive but what are the implications for the users? The major implication I see is that our personal and professional lives are colliding on this much loved “social” community. With so many users, we are bound to “run into” people beyond our friend list.
While family and friends use this social media outlet to share and exchange stories, photos and updates, there is something else going on beyond just the personal exchange of information. What is it? Companies now realize that this is an invaluable source for pre-screening job applicants and they are actively perusing profiles to gain a better understanding of who you are and whether you would or would not be a good representation of their company brand or image. Can they do that? Yes and it happens often. In an interview with CBS, Tim DeMello, who owns the Internet company Ziggs, estimates that approximately 20% of companies are secretly scanning online profiles before they interview applicants. He goes on to say what they often find is shocking — including profiles that detail drug use, orgies and illegal behavior. This interview was done a few years back when we weren’t faced with such challenging economic times so the percentage of companies scanning online profiles has grown significantly.
As a user, you do have the ability to adjust privacy levels in order to limit the information seen but there is six degrees of separation in this community and you need to be aware that your FB friends and their friends can tag you in a photo and that photo might not put you in the best light. While the latter is harder to control, you can and should control what you chatter about and what photos you upload that would be considered inappropriate. Not clear on what would be considered “inappropriate?” Anything that would make your mother gasp in disbelief.
The following tips will help improve your chances of not only getting the interview but also avoiding the pink slip!
1. Pay heed to privacy – review your privacy settings for your profile, news and feed sections to see what is currently checked off. FB gives you various options: Everyone, My networks and Friends, Friends of Friends, or Only Friends. By selecting “Only Friends” you will be able to manage who sees what.
2. Post with prudence – you’ve heard the saying; a picture is worth a 1000 words, well bear this is in mind when you upload a photo. The saying stems from the fact that a viewer absorbs a lot of information very quickly and as a result makes “assumptions” very quickly. If a viewer sees a photo of you that he/she deems inappropriate, you have no chance to change their perception of you.
3. Profanity-proof your page – maintain acceptable language at all times. And for those friends that “post with passion” ask them nicely to refrain from doing so on your page.
4. Limit the 411 – don’t divulge your social calendar with references to any late night partying. Employers might assume that you’re not taking your job search or career seriously enough.
5. Communicate your cause – inform all your “friends” that you are either looking for a new job or that you want to excel in your current job so please run by any photos they might want to upload and tag you in that might be questionable. Additionally, have them refrain from making any references to past party experiences that you might have joined in and lastly, to please refrain from using profanity when posting to you. Unfortunately guilt by association is still very much in play.
By Jacqueline Peros, on June 15th, 2009
1. Shop for fit, not size – for every U.S. size there is approximately 12 variations in that size and this does not take into account the variations in color dyes which can alter the size (some shrinkage can take place).
2. Practice the 80/20 rule – 20% of the clothes in your wardrobe are worn 80% of the time, so reverse this statistic and start wearing the other 80% that has been lying dormant in your closet. It will not only preserve your favorite pieces that you’ve been wearing repeatedly but also give you new options to wear.
3. Streamline your wardrobe – donate articles of clothing you know you will never wear again. This will help you see more clearly those items you forgot you had because you couldn’t see everything.
4. Separate your suits – mix up your suits and use each piece as a separate ensemble. Pair your suit bottom with a sweater and a different textured type of jacket (i.e., leather or corduroy blazer). Alternatively, pair suit jacket with your denim jeans for a modern casual look.
5. Use friends & family – borrow or swap clothing and accessories with family or friends. This helps to inject new pieces into your wardrobe without spending any money.
6. Be kind to your feet – take footwear to get polished and if necessary, resoled. It is less expensive to get your shoes/boots fixed than to go out and buy a new pair.
7. Invest in new accessories – purchase scarves, handbags or fashion jewelry in the newest trends or colors to help keep you current and modern looking. Purchasing a few new accessories is less expensive than investing in a whole new outfit.
8. Care for your fabrics - don’t feel the need to take everything to the dry cleaners all the time. Many dry cleaning solutions break down fabrics quickly. Be sure to immediately remove dry cleaner plastic wrap when the garment comes back from cleaners; leaving the plastic wrap on breaks down the garment’s fabric more rapidly.
9. Imitation is the best form of flattery – get ideas about how to pull together outfits, colors, and patterns by taking notice of store mannequins or visiting retail websites.
10. Befriend your tailor – find a great tailor in your area and be sure to take any clothing to him/her for alterations. Proper fit is everything and you will look polished and professional at all times.
By Jacqueline Peros, on January 18th, 2009
In recent articles titled, Designers sober up with chic office wear and The wardrobe of TV’s career women both talk about how the economic climate is impacting what women wear to the office. Muted colors, minimal jewelry, and sensible heels are in and everything else is out. Now while I agree with what is considered in, I disagree with the implication that these ideas were ever “out.”
As an Image consultant, I work with many executives and regardless of the industry they work in; I always urge them to air on the conservative side in their wardrobe selections. My general rule is that anything you would wear on a weekend evening out, should be avoided in the workplace. Why? Because studies show that an opinion is formed about an individual within 7 seconds of a meeting so within the confines of an office environment, it’s critical to project (within those 7 seconds) a polished and professional image.
My top 10 list for inappropriate office looks:
1. Tracksuits or other work-out type outfits – just because your firm participates in casual Fridays doesn’t mean they are suggesting you come in looking THAT casual!
2. Flip-flops, sneakers, open toe strappy sandals, stilettos and for all you croc loving folks, please leave these at home!
3. Visible art and body piercings – while I believe in self-expression, it’s better kept for after work hours.
4. Plunging and revealing necklines (no cleavage should be showing), no midriff tops and finally, no tank tops, camisoles or any other shoulder or back revealing tops.
5. Mini-skirts, yes even with a pair of tights.
6. Excessive, Glittery Jewelry – statement necklaces (all the rage now) should be kept for weekend looks. However, if you are in a creative industry, this could be considered appropriate if not overly done. Additionally, avoid large dangling earrings and bangles. The point here is to never allow your accessories to distract from what you are saying.
7. Excessive make-up – keep the smoky eye for the weekend.
8. Fishnet stockings – even if Vogue deems them as a critical addition to your wardrobe, please keep them for the weekend.
9. Ill-fitting anything – nothing screams “I don’t care about my look” more than an ill fitting jacket, pants, top or outerwear. The best investment in your wardrobe is a good tailor.
10. Barely dry hair and unkempt facial hair – I’m often sitting on the subway in the morning and notice so many women with damp hair heading to work. It’s not just that it’s damp, but the look is completely disheveled. Take a few more minutes and dry your hair completely! You never know who you will run into first thing in the morning. Additionally, men sporting a mustache or beard, please be sure to keep it well groomed.
So before you leave for the office in the morning, check to see if you are projecting a polished and professional look. If not, take a few more minutes to ensure you get it right.
By Jacqueline Peros, on September 27th, 2008
New York Unemployment rate reached 5.8% in August and this figure does not even take into account the recent Wall Street woes. This economic downturn has propelled many people into the job search arena. For many, the thought of interviewing is overwhelming and intimidating. The simple truth is that if you don’t prepare properly, you won’t do well. And it’s not just about preparing properly, it’s about differentiating yourself amongst the many individuals you will be competing against to secure the job.
Here are a few guidelines that will help differentiate you before, during and after the interviewing process.
The Prep
Research, Research and Research
I cannot stress how important this component is to a successful interviewing strategy. Yes, we all know the importance and need to do our homework in regards to researching the company itself but there are two areas that many candidates forget to take into consideration; the interviewer(s) and the competitive landscape. Familiarize yourself with all three areas and you will differentiate yourself amongst the many other candidates vying for the same job opportunity.
- Company Information -check out the company’s website, recent press releases and other current information. Resources such as Skyminder and Wolff Worldwide can provide tremendous insight into a company’s profile and financials. Moreover, talk to individuals working in the industry and get their perspective on the company’s strengths, challenges and culture.
- Competitive Landscape – use business resources to understand the competitive landscape. Visit Hoovers and learn how competitors differ in their business strategy and positioning of products and services.
- Garner Information on Interviewer(s)- I compare this concept to developing a successful marketing campaign. Marketers must understand the demographics and psychographics of their target audience in order to craft a relevant and compelling message. Applying the same strategy to interviewing will help you communicate your message more effectively. Fortunately we have a access to a plethora of information at our fingertips. Google your interviewer(s) and obtain as much professional information as you can. Check out their profiles on business networking sites such as Linked In or Plaxo and review their career path, accomplishments and associations they belong to. Moreover, you should reach out to mutual contacts to better understand what the interviewer is looking for or how they run their departments.
The Interview
Keep in mind that the interview is a two way street and as important as it is to a company to select the right candidate, it is equally important for you to ensure the company is the right place for you.
- Attire – be sure to select the appropriate business suit for the interview. For men, this includes a dark suit, dress shirt and tie and laced up shoes. For women, a skirt or pant suit with blouse or sweater and pump (2 -2 1/2″) is appropriate. Cologne and Perfume should be kept at a minimum or not worn at all. Too much of a scent is distracting.
Be aware of your body language
- Have a strong hand-shake
- Maintain good eye contact at all times
- Remember to smile
- Maintain good posture (slouching translates into “I’m not interested”)
- Keep arms open (crossed arms depict defiance)
- Asking the right questions – we have all been on interviews where we are inevitably asked “So, do you have any questions for me?” Here is where all your research will pay off. Change the “interview” scenario to a “conversation” scenario. Too often, interviews begin to take on an inquisition feel because the interviewer and candidate are just trying to get through the process as quickly and painlessly as possible. You as the candidate should take the initiative to change that. Begin an interesting dialogue with the interviewer about the current company opportunities and challenges and where you feel your skills can be applied. Ask questions regarding the competitors you have researched and offer your perspective or insight. Providing value and key insights will set you apart.
The Follow-Up
Timing is everything. Be sure to send a Thank You letter immediately following the interview. Email and handwritten letters are both acceptable formats.
In the follow up letter be sure to summarize the challenges and opportunities discussed during the interview and clearly articulate how your skills and expertise can be applied to these areas. Remember, always be relevant, articulate and on point. Lastly, include a specified time line on when you will follow up in order to check on the status of the job opportunity.
By Jacqueline Peros, on February 19th, 2008
How often have you heard the saying, “change is good?” And when you do, how often do you really believe it? Change invariably brings on a series of expected and unexpected events so it’s not a surprise that we experience a bit of trepidation regarding the “unexpected” events. However, it’s these unexpected events that more often than not, bring about the most interesting and surprising changes we thought possible.
Being an Image and Style professional, I get to witness first hand how change (small or large) can impact one’s life. By the time I finish going through a client’s wardrobe and help them identify their distinct style personality as well as their ideal color palette, their body language changes; they stand taller, they exude more confidence and most importantly, they are smiling from ear to ear.
After following up with my clients they tell me how amazed they were at the initial reactions they received from their colleagues, friends or family. One client was called into her manager’s office where she was thanked for setting such a wonderful example for the rest of her team. Another client told me he couldn’t believe he waited so long to make the change because he didn’t realize it would bring about so many new personal and professional opportunities.
We are all creatures of habit. We like the security and comfort our routines bring us but unfortunately that can also lead to a predictable existence. If you feel as if you are walking down that path, ask yourself if you are presenting your “best” self in all life’s endeavors and if the answer is no, perhaps it’s time for a change. Who knows what could happen….
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