Dress for the Job You Want: Artsy Professional

'Tis the season for a shiny new job, career upgrade, or fancy promotion! Actually, everyday of the calendar year is just as good as any to go further and do more when it comes to making a living. Someone once told me that you should never not be looking for a new job and I must say that I agree. Even if you're happy in your current position, might it be time for a new title, more responsibility and, above all else, a raise? Despite discouraging news reports about the unemployment rate, there is still opportunity a-plenty out there. You might just be surprised at how a simple change of outlook and attitude can land you a great new gig.

A great place to start with an attitude adjustment is your wardrobe. One of the best pieces of advice that I can ever give to an adult is to dress for the job you want. Do it everyday. So, you work a part time retail job in the mall, but your lifelong dream is to be stylist to the stars? Well, a raggedy pair of jeans, hoody, and a random pair of shoes won't do! You've heard the expression "fake it til' you make it". If your career goal is to make others look fabulous, you should start with yourself. Pretty simple, right?

Right.

Now, this "projection", if you will, works two ways: (1) It builds your own confidence and helps you to visualize yourself in the career that you desire. (2) It makes others see you as that sought after stylist, great American designer, graphic art genius, rock god, or whatever it is that you hope to become. Don't underestimate people's inability to be unimaginative. Many times, you have to paint a clear picture for them, so dressing in a way that conveys your aspirations is extremely important.

Like I said before, do it everyday. Of course, you want to look the part on those interviews, but by no means should you wait until you're being considered for the job of your dreams to look your best. You never know when you might meet a person who's in a position to help you along your career path. Make a great impression on everyone you meet and you just might get where you want to be, faster than you ever imagined.