Six Not-So-Extreme Makeovers That Could Land the Job

Everyone has things about themselves they wish were different. Whether it's a ho-hum wardrobe or unruly hair, these things can affect how we feel about ourselves, which impacts the image we project to others. These insecurities can zap our confidence and, depending on the depth of our dislike, lead to career disaster.

Here are some fix-it ideas for the most common image problems:

Makeover Tip #1: Take control of your mane.
For women, stylish hair is likely to be one of the first things people notice about you. A striking hair cut that compliments the shape of your face combined with a color that compliments your skin tone and eye color is essential. The same is true for men. A spokeswoman for Frank Gironda Salon and Spas in Chicago's western suburbs notes "We have clients, men and women, who come to us looking for a more professional style. A lot of people have been wearing their hair the same way for years. An updated
style, a color treatment or highlights to cover or soften new grey, gives them the fresh and polished look they're seeking."

Makeover Tip #2: Add color to your voice.
Renee Grant-Williams is a professional voice coach and author of Voice Power, Using your Voice to Captivate, Persuade and Command Attention. Her clientele includes top stars like the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Christina Aguilera and Tim McGraw. But she also works with attorneys, public speakers and politicians to improve their vocal skills. "One of my clients was a mid-level executive who had been out of work for 17 months. He had great qualifications, but in interview feedback he was told he lacked presence and seemed timid." She's helping him put more color and drama into his voice by using variations in pitch, speed and stronger consonants. "Consonants are very arresting and when elongated at the beginning of key words can add color and great emphasis to you what you have to say."

Makeover Tip #3: Clothes make the man . . . and woman.
Grant-Williams' same "timid" client walked into her office the first day with light brown hair, pale green eyes, khaki pants and a beige shirt. "Everything about him seemed quiet and somewhat bland. We've suggested he change his clothing to darker, more dramatic colors to increase his physical presence." Joyce Heiss, a human resources consultant for Sikich HR Solutions based in Aurora, Ill. adds, "A professional and well-tailored wardrobe makes a huge difference when making a first impression. Updating
your wardrobe can help mask all of the other areas where you may be deficient."

Makeover Tip #4: Polish your presentation skills.
"Presentation skills are essential for anyone," notes John Connellan, Founder and President of The Executive Technique in Chicago, which helps managers and top-level executives improve their presentation and communication skills. "Whether you're asking for a loan at the bank or addressing your colleagues in a staff meeting, you must be yourself and let your personal style shine through. People want to see the real you, not an actor." The Executive Technique provides customized solutions to improve
communication style and delivery. For more information see their website at
www.executivetechnique.com.

Makeover Tip #5: Words - Use 'em but don't abuse 'em.
An often-overlooked area of speech that can be quite annoying to listeners is the overuse of words and phrases such as "like" or "you know." Even the best communicators can fall into the bad habit of wearing out these words, especially if they have school-aged children at home. In addition to sounding immature, overused words and phrases are wasted words that take the focus off what you are really trying to say. To purge these throw-away words from your speech, keep a stroke count each time you say the word, in a matter of days you'll have kicked the habit.

Makeover Tip #6: Improve your people management skills.
The ability to manage people is an essential skill in today's work world. Lea, an inside sales manager on the East Coast, recently participated in her company's feedback program for supervisors and managers. She says, "The feedback I received from my
employees, co-workers and my supervisor on my skills and abilities related to people management really helped me identify areas in which I excel -- and where I need improvement." Working with the program leader, she's learning how to identify and relate to different types of personalities in a way that is motivating and inspiring. Lea and other managers at her company are now reading the book, Type Talk at Work -- How the 16 Personality Types Determine Your Success on the Job by Janet M. Thuesen.