If you are at all familiar with this Shel Silverstein book, then you know about a search. Finding the missing piece. When I first read this book, I thought, what a cute little story about a circle missing a pie-shaped piece. Then as an adult, as a parent reading it to my child, it held a different meaning. Finding independence and being ok with it. Knowing that you can survive on your own. Knowing that one must take care of one’s own happiness and not be dependent upon another to provide it. Figuring out that maybe there isn’t a piece missing, that you are alright just the way you are.

Many years gone now, with middle age setting in and a couple careers later, I see a different story. I see the story of a search – a search for the perfect job, the perfect candidate/applicant, the perfect client/customer, the perfect partner, the perfect you. And, typically, perfection is short-lived. Sometimes, smaller is adequate and sometimes, ”good enough” is just that. 

I am not your missing piece.
I am nobody’s piece,
I am my own piece.
And even if I was somebody’s missing piece,
I don’t think I’d be yours…”

“Hope I haven’t bothered you. Would it be alright if I just sent you an email with some details and perhaps you will think of someone who might have an interest? Thanks for your time.”

The search is what drives some of us, not the finding. Because once the piece is found, our search is done, over, ka-put. I guess it comes down to the age-old question, “Which is more important? the journey or the destination?”  Is finding happiness settling for less?  Once you reach the destination, is the journey over?

So, what is your missing piece? Is it the perfect job?  Is it the perfect applicant?
Maybe it is the perfect client? Or a whole database of clients?
Perhaps it is you that has become your missing piece. Perhaps your search has been for yourself, finding that right you in what you do, who you, ultimately, are?  Will you know it when you find it/you, or will it be too small or too big? Will you make it work or will you move on?

Maybe, just maybe, you can roll on just as you are.

“Have you really tried?”

Rayanne Thorn, @ray_anne is the Marketing Director for the online recruiting software company, Broadbean Technology.  She is also a proud mother of four, happily engaged to Tom, residing in Laguna Beach, California, and a daily contributor for Blogging4Jobs.  Connect with her on LinkedIn.  

Using wardrobe & image to get the job in a hyper-visual, hyper-competitive world.

How’s your job search going? You’ve networked. You’ve updated your LinkedIn profile and used social networks to learn about leads. You’ve revamped your resume to tailor your background and experiences to each job posting. And then finally, an opportunity presents itself. You’ve got an interview lined up for next Friday at 1:00pm. Have you thought about what you’re going to wear? Fashion isn’t frivolous. Thinking about image and wardrobe are more important than ever. The Department of Labor reported that in January 2010 there were 14.8 million unemployed Americans. Hiring managers are inundated with applications. How are you differentiating yourself from the pack?

Personal image, according to Robin Fisher, President of Polished, a full-service personal styling and image- consulting agency, is what you visually and non-verbally communicate to the public through personal appearance and social etiquette. 55-70% of your first impression is determined by your clothes, grooming and posture.€ If you are exclusively invested in your content and you ignore the power of your image, you are missing a critical element of your overall effectiveness. Are you allowing a professional image to support you?

Jacqueline M. Peros, of JMP Image & Style, suggests that an applicant do research on the standard or accepted attire for not only that particular industry but also the corporate culture of where he/she will be interviewing. You wouldn’t want to show up in a creative/artistic ensemble in a financial corporation. It’s imperative to communicate that you fit in and appropriately represent your industry/company.€  So stand out, to not be screened out. Think critically about what’s appropriate, professional and comfortable to ensure a positive return on your image.

According to Lisa McLatchie, the stylist behind Practical Fashionista, don’t forget a business formal look, is more conservative and refined.  For men and women, that means a classic, tailored suit in neutral or dark colors. Wearing big patterns and anything too bright, trendy and sexy is distracting for the interviewer.€ Use color and accessories to incorporate personal style with conservative suiting.

Kimberly Gomez, Image Consultant & Fashion Stylist, Impeccable Image LLC and I offer these interview wardrobe and grooming basics for women and men.

• Wear a suit  either pants or [women] a knee-length [or just above] skirt; colors: navy blue, gray/charcoal or black; no brown: brown is a subordinate color.
• Wear a light colored, no see through blouse/shirt; colors: white, ivory, blue, light green [no bright or loud colors].
• Women: wear necessary underpinnings i.e., shell, blouse or camisole. Avoid revealing the 6 B’s: breasts, butts, backs, bellies, bras and briefs.
• Invest in a properly fitting bra and seamless underwear. Wear a shaper, if necessary.
• Women: Wear flesh-colored hosiery with a skirt.
• Make sure shoes are in good repair and polished: women 1-3 inch heels okay but no stilettos; men: black and brown shoes okay.
• Invest in a quality, black or dark brown brief case.
• Cover all tattoos and do not wear any body piercings.
• Wear minimal, conservative jewelry such as pearl earrings, watch.
• Don’t overpower with cologne or perfume.
• Women: Wear neutral makeup. Men: Don’t wear any makeup! [Just wanted to see if you were paying attention!]
• Be well groomed [face, teeth, hair, nails].

Need more help. Check out Melissa McGraw and Jennifer Gregory’s terrific site, WorkChic to get outfit suggestions for the perfect suit for your next interview. The duo puts together looks that blend professional silhouettes with trendier pieces.  Be sure to follow them on Twitter as well @workchic.

Judith Rasband, owner of The Conselle Institute of Image Management, says, Creating an authentic, appropriate, attractive image will allow you to feel more confident, more capable, more productive and appear more credible.€

Everyday is an opportunity. If you are dressed for it, I see a job in your future.

Photo Credit Work Chic.

Dena A. Lorenzi is a guest blogger for Blogging4Jobs. She’s an independent marketing professional and fashion enthusiast who blogs as @FaithInFashion on Twitter and presents her You : The Brand seminar to college seniors and corporations.