4 Professional Image Tips for Older Workers

4 Professional Image Tips for Older Workers4 Professional Image Tips for Older Workers26This is the last in a four-part series of career advice and tips from experts who help older professionals with their job search. Today, our panel of experts discusses their best tips for creating and updating your professional image.4 Professional Image Tips for Older Workers1) Your past wardrobe probably wont cut it. Unfortunately, image is an important part of your job search and wearing old or out of date clothes gives employers, either consciously or subconsciously, the wrong impression. Stay current with both clothing and hairstyle. Nothing ages a person faster than appearing in out of date styles. It screams that you cant stay current with learning new things like technology which is one of the built-in age bias beliefs, says Dorothy Tannahill Moran, a Certified Retirement Coach and founder of Next Chapter, New Life.2) Perform an Extreme Makeover YOU Edition. Its important to radiate energy inside and out, says Marilyn Santiestaban, Assistant Director of Graduate and Alumni Career Services at Bentley University. Look current Do whatever you need to do to radiate energy usually this involves exercise and picking up the pace in whatever you do. Get a great haircut. Make sure your clothes fit well and are on trend. Minimize bling.3) When in doubt, wear a suit. If youre not sure what to wear to a job interview, theres one steadfast rule Dress appropriately for each job, and if unsure, its safer to overdress than under dress, recommends Ronald Kaufman, author and expert on career transitions. But first, check out the attitude and image portrayed by the company on their website, or in person if you can find a place to observe them. What are people wearing? Are they traditional, casual, or creative? If youre interviewing with a creative firm, spice up your suit with an interesting pocket kerchief or jewelry. If the company seems more traditional, go with traditional looks. 4) As always, the devil is in the details. You might not think about things like getting a new pair of glasses, wearing new shoes, or carrying a new bag, but these items, for better or worse, are a part of your professional image. The more fully you commit to your professional makeover, the more confident and refreshed you will feel, and employers will pick up on that. Anything you can do to turn employers focus away from your appearance and towards your accomplishments and qualifications is a good thing.We hope these tips help you to make-over your job search tactics and find more success Check out the other three parts of this series to make sure youre well-equipped to succeed in your job search.7 Technology Tips for Older Workers5 Expert Job Search Tips for Older Workers6 Resumes and Cover Letter Tips for Older Workers