Maintaining a successful presence for professionals in transition

Being displaced from your job is an upsetting and even traumatic experience under any circumstances. Projecting a defeated or stressed outlook, however, is unlikely to attract your next position. In fact, it’s likely to do the opposite.

You need to take some time to rebuild your professional image from the inside out. There are a multitude of things you can do to enhance both your personal outlook and the professional presence you convey to potential employers.

One way to continue to maintain a positive and professional state of mind is to commit to dressing each day as you would for a day on the job—as you would on a good day, like when dressing to meet a client. This is slightly less formal than job interview attire (i.e., trousers, jacket, and blouse for women -- shirt and tie for men). Appear as if you are coming from or going to an office. When you’re out and about during the day (especially during lunch hours) you may run into former co-workers or other associates who may be in a position to help you network to find that next position. Dressing in sweats and t-shirts suggests you’re on hiatus from your job search, or are not serious about re-entering the workforce. A successful person is busy, important, and mindful to always promote themselves—even on their personal time!

Further steps you can take to reinforce your professional image while in professional transition include being prepared to promote yourself at all times. Carry a business card that reads like a mini-resume with your key selling points/core competencies on one side. This networking business card should appear professionally done – even if created on your home computer. Make sure to use a heavy card stock, appropriate font and ink color, and check carefully to eliminate errors. This card is specifically for networking, and allows you and those with whom you network to represent you and your core competencies to your best advantage to potential employers. In addition to the networking business card, carry hard copies of your resume at all times. You never know when you’ll be in position to present it to someone of influence. Promoting yourself as not only professionally attired, but prepared and serious about your transition to another, better position impresses potential employers and co-workers.

Ensure that your professional image is seamless. Every contact while networking should promote your personal brand. Dress to match your resume. Behave in a positive and professional manner. Hard copy and online resumes should be identical, and send a follow-up email message to anyone to whom you’ve given a paper resume. Attach the electronic version to your follow-up email thanking them for their interest in you. Don't forget your digital image as an extension of your total professional image. An auto-generated email signature in your email correspondence reinforces your brand and professional objectives. Use the opportunity to address the position you strive for with a title such as, “Project Manager” or “Administrative Professional” followed by “seeking challenging opportunity.” Include a link to a social network profile (i.e., LinkedIn or Facebook), or your own personal website. Ensure the link you use is connected to your professional image and information. Market yourself with utmost professionalism at every opportunity.

To promote yourself in person, take that professional presence, tools, and positive energy and network with others as much as possible. According to CareerXRoad's 8th Annual Sources of Hire Survey (Feb 2009), referrals made up 27.3% of all external new hires. Professional networking events are an excellent environment to promote yourself, your skills, and your objectives. Whatever your course, project your best self visually and in attitude at every turn for optimum success!