Your Professional Image in Medical Sales
Do you have “the professional look?” If not, how do you get it? Think about these important questions.
- Do you own a business suit and tie? Is it up-to-date?
- Does your make-up or nail polish detract from your appearance?
- Consider the company and job – do you need to remove or cover up any body jewelry or tattoos?
- Is your answering machine, voice mail message and call tones professional?
- Is your email address professional?
What Should I Wear To The Interview?
The first impression is a lasting one. When you walk in the room the interviewer will form an opinion of you through non-verbal visual cues. Therefore wardrobe is very important.
Men and women should wear a conservative two-piece business suit, preferably dark blue or gray. In addition to this, a conservative white or pastel colored long-sleeve shirt or blouse and clean, well-polished dark dress shoes are best. Open toed shoes are not considered formal and should not be worn in an interview. Men’s neckties should be with a conservative pattern. When in doubt, be professional and conservative.
You are selling yourself. It is important to be well-groomed. If you feel you need a haircut, you probably do.
Monitor Other Areas of Life
If you are seeking a position, it is important to display a professional image. Listen to your outgoing message on your answering machine or voice mail to make sure it is appropriate for an employer to hear. Be careful with the music you select on the call tones of your cell phone, songs such as “Take the Job and Shove It”, may not help you get that job of your dreams.
Also, if your email address is not professional or might need explaining during an interview, think about changing it. Contact information listed on your resume should always be appropriate and up-to-date. If you put an email address or phone number on your resume make sure you check this often, otherwise leave it off.
Beware of your image on social networking sites that are open for public search. Google your name to see what can be found about you. Getting a free account on www.linkedin.com can also be very helpful. Linkedin is a social networking site for business professionals. Ask your past managers, coworkers or clients to give you a reference and add this to your linked in profile.