Britney Spears and Me

I never, ever, expected to have my values compared to those of Britney Spears. Not that I'm questioning her values (or mine for that matter) - all I know about her is what I see on television or read online. The reason my values were questioned is because I recommend that job seekers bring a portfolio to carry extra copies of their resume, their list of references, and a notepad and pen, to their interviews.

The person who wrote to me suggested that accessories and appearances shouldn't count when you're job searching. Instead, he said, personality, skills, and cleanliness are more important. My suggesting anything to the contrary, he continued, was right up there with the values expressed by Britney Spears.

Everything he mentioned, your skills, your experience and your expertise, do count, of course. But, when everything is equal - you and another candidate have the same qualifications - it's the extras that do make the difference. Dressing professionally, carrying a portfolio rather than a handful of papers, and communicating well all contribute to making a good impression. It's not a question of values. Rather, it's a question of presenting yourself as a candidate who will impress the hiring manager, both as a candidate for employment, and as a potential employee who will be an excellent representative for the company, if hired.

That's what does matter. Here's why everything you do during an interview­ from what you’re wearing. to how you treat each member of the interview team, to what you say or don’t say during the interview is noted, and taken into account in the hiring decision and why first impressions do matter.

What do you think? Poll: Do Appearances Matter When Job Searching?