Executive Coaching by Kathleen Prunty

The Man Eating Couch and the Executive

2009-04-28T12:00:04Z

The higher up you go in the interview process, the more plushy and expensive the furniture gets. If you are shown to a cushy couch make sure that you sit on the couch with most of your body toward the front edge of the cushion. If you treat the couch like furniture in a man cave … you will fail to look professional.

Coach Kathleen

Bag and Baggage and the Female Executive

2009-04-27T11:00:49Z

Ladies, every accessory you own is not necessary to bring to an interview. Do not bring both a handbag and a briefcase to an interview. Since the briefcase signals authority, bring the briefcase … and leave the handbag at home.

Coach Kathleen

Shake it Up and the Executive

2009-04-24T12:00:49Z

Don’t miss a positive impression opportunity. The general consensus is that a handshake is an important component … of forming a first impression.

Coach Kathleen

Adverse Effects and the Executive

2009-04-23T12:00:37Z

Dirty Shoes, body odor, hangover breath, coffee breath, ungroomed nails or visible dandruff or lint on your clothes will work against you in an interview. A hiring manager has to hire for skill and for social awareness.

If you show up to an interview with any of the aforementioned issues, it is assumed that you are unpleasant to be around. Lacking these elementary social skill will only cause your interview to have … an adverse effect on getting the position.

Coach Kathleen

White Pantyhose and the Female Executive

2009-04-22T22:25:25Z

Besides little children who are dressed up for a holiday function, there are certain groups and only certain groups who should wear white pantyhose. They are as follows:

1. Brides

2. Nurses

3. Ballerinas

If you do not fall into one of those categories … you should not wear white pantyhose to an interview or work.

Coach Kathleen

Free Spirit and the Executive

2009-04-16T12:00:31Z

If you want to demonstrate your free spirit through fashion, go ahead. Just be sure to reserve the avant-guard hair style and the piercings for the weekend or non business hours. People gravitate towards things they understand especially when dealing with promotions. In business, most rebels tend to move down the ladder of success…not up.

Coach Kathleen

Tree Sap, Energy and the Executive

2009-04-15T23:09:39Z

Hate can sap all your energy.It gets even worse if you hate someone at work. In spite of any grievance, legitimate or otherwise do your best to disengage from the interior space of hate. Once you do, more energy for spotting opportunities will come your way.

Stand… like the mighty oak.

Coach Kathleen

Sock it to Me and the Executive

2009-04-09T12:00:28Z

Socks should be a compliment to the suit. Select blue, black, grey or brown according to the suit color.

Additionally, a professional look is attained with a sock that covers the calf. People do look at … your shoes and socks.

Coach Kathleen

Tie up the Job and the Executive

2009-04-08T20:21:48Z

If you can’t afford a new suit for the interview, consider purchasing a new tie. Your entire look can be upgraded if you select the right tie.

Avoid ties with wacky sayings, designer logos, ducks, golf balls, sports teams or freaky patterns. Your tie should enhance you… not distract the interviewer.

Coach Kathleen

Reference Preparation and the Executive

2009-04-07T14:00:17Z

People will likely be happy to provide a reference for you. Be sure to prep them for each opportunity for which you need a reference.

If you do not prep them, you will get what they want to say… not what you want them to say.

Coach Kathleen