Tips and blog

It is your role to facilitate conversations with people you know, and this increases when you are the host. 

If you are having a male and female to be introduced: you should start with introducing the male to the female. 

Looking at Ms. Graf and tell her: Ms. Graf, Let me introduce to you Mr. Schmidt 

Then follow with introducing the female to the male: Mr. Schmidt, this is Ms. Graf. 

This rule won’t apply if the male is in a higher rank: a minister, the owner of the company, the CEO  

Shaking hands is a sign of greetings in most cultures. 

Extending the open right hand to shake other’s hand and hold firmly not hard and not loose. Stay for a few seconds and leave each other in a smooth way. No need to shake hands ups and downs; twice is more than enough. 

Extending your hand is appropriate however don’t consider it offensive if the other party didn’t extend his/her hand, you don’t know what are their motives. 

If a woman didn’t extend her hand to shake yours, accept it as well, it could be a cultural motive. 

Although we are avoiding it lately for the COVID new norms. We still can use our hands to express our way of noting the person and appreciating her/him. 

A beautiful sign that can be replacing handshake is putting your right hand on your upper left part of your chest (the heart) with a slight head bending and a smile-I would prefer this gesture more than the elbow or fest hit-I find it more peaceful and reflects that you are greeting the person from your heart. 

Standing for greetings is a sign of respect and appreciation. 

You should stand when: 

• You are approached by a person who is clearly older than you, you should stand for greeting her/him 
• When greeted or approached by persons of higher rank, or like religious figures. 
• When a woman enters for greetings and introducing 

In corporate life things are having another direction:  

• It is acceptable and normalized when coworkers don’t have the formalities of standing for each other. 
• A woman should stand for greetings both men and women in business meetings.  

Safe tip: 

Stand in the events whenever you are approached by someone to greet, no matter if you are a man or a woman. 

You may be facing this problem when taking your first steps into corporate life. The problem of not being able to select the right pieces for going to work. You may be having a limited budget or you may be faced with a dress code that is totally different from university time. In this quick guide, we will help you to allocate your priorities to serve your professional image and to support your steps for 

Priorities to invest in:

• Coats
• Handbags
• Shoes
• Sunglasses
• Classic suit 
• Occasion wear
• Bra
• Watch
• scarves

Winter basics:

• Black wool tailored trousers wide/straight leg 
• Wool light sweaters: Black, piege , colored
• Black wool  skirt: A line or pencil
• Blazer 
• Straight dark Jeans 
• White button shirt
• Tops: white, beige , and floral

Conducting presentation could be one task a year or a basic element of the job duties especially for sales people and middle management. Critical situations would happen, that solving them would take time and focus, which are essentially needed when making the presentation. In the presentation time : You are the star, all eyes are on you. You have the stage , Own It ! and add to your Personal Brand and Image. Follow those tasks to minimize the interruptions and to add to your confidence:

 
1-      Rehearse .

2-      Avoid eating anything outside your normal eating diet, at the day before the presentation, and before the presentation. Some troubles would happen, in the digestion system , especially with the tension that would happen to some of us.

3-      Have an extra shirt/ blouse, just in case something happens to yours.

4-      Have mouth freshener – keep it always with you.

5-      Have a shoe sponge –in the supermarket you will find many brands with sizes

that are very convenient to be even to your pocket, keep one always with you, and clean before entering the meeting room/ gathering areas, and whenever you remember- If you couldn’t find it- have a small piece of wool cloth , it is magic of cleaning dust.

6-      Brush your teeth before the presentation, keep the small size toothbrush (travel kit)always with you, not only to keep green foods out of your smile, but some times normal food get stuck. Let the audience focus on your topic not what was your lunch.

7-      Make sure that the audio and video is working after finalizing the presentation and, test it through other computers.

8-      Have 2 forms of back- ups for the presentation: PDF , PowerPoint (93-2007) , save them on both your PC/ Laptop , in a flash memory USB, and to the laptop of your colleague, another extra to be on a CD. After saving to these sources make sure they can be opened and in the desired format.

9-      Make a shortcut to the presentation at your desktop (for easy access) .

10-   Extra back up for your video & audio files: put them in a separate folder at your desktop – this just in case one of them didn’t work.

11-   Go at least one hour earlier to the place and test the projector, the video and audio system.

12-   After all is in place, go to the toilet have a final look to your image, deep breath , talk positive to yourself, and get ready to shine.

Good luck and keep evolving 

Photo : shoe sponge : www.offerany.com 

Photo presentation : iStockphoto, kupicoo :www.mashable.com

1-Confidence :

It is believing, positively in your abilities.

The confidence attitude must be present in each move of your life, inside and outside.

Start with these small steps when you get the call for the interview:

– Once you get the call of interest of the interview follows these steps:

– After getting the details,( if by phone) repeat the address and make sure to get a landmark if not familiar with the area; ask for a phone number if emergencies and the full name of the person the interview will be conducted with.

– Make a visit to the address at least 2 days before the interview, to be sure of the expected time to reach.

– Check for the nearest café to the address, better to be 5 min. away from the place- this will give you the chance to check your appearance / if you needed to go to the toilet..etc.

– If possible to choose the timing of the interview, choose the time that is when you have your best productivity ( some are more productive in the early morning, some are in the afternoons).

– If you are already employed and searching: Don’t lie to your manager ( if you are employed ) in your current job- to get an excuse for taking the interview day off, of being ill or traveling..etc – ask in advance to finish a personal urgent issue- wouldn’t be good for your professional image to claim you are sick while a colleague /are in the street best dressed!

– Check the internet for the companies you are applying for, ( prospected projects/ expansions ..etc) this also applies to the interviewer; which will give you more preparation, and familiarity and add to your confidence.

– If directly having the interview with the company ( not a recruitment company), you can modify the objective line.

– 1 week before the interview prepare the formal clothes that you plan to wear, check them up ( to be sent to the laundry / to fix a button ..etc- this includes the shoes- follow our newsletter for proper dressing for the different business environments ( male/ female – veiled..)

– In this week avoid, making a drastic change in your hair cut/coloring if you plan to.

– Don’t use brand new shoes – they would have undesirable effect.

The day before the interview:

– final check for your apparel

– have a hard copy of your updated resume, business cards ;

– go bed one hour earlier,

– Set the alarm for the morning, based upon the interview time ( already you know the time expected to reach there).

– and be positive about the interview.

In the day of the interview:

– As for the unexpected traffic conditions, check the news if any traffic updates/ check the “Bey2ollak application” add an extra hour for the unexpected.

– On your way / before the interview : Have a small conversations with strangers : delivery person/ while waiting the elevator- start positive talks like: “ You do a great job in these streets, how long have you been in this job?..” this will boost your confidence-people normally like to talk about themselves..especially when you start with a compliment and smile- sincere smile.

– Arrive at least 15 min before the interview time , give your business card / introduce yourself to the receptionist / secretary and wait till she seats you;

– have a deep look to the place around you, it would come with an idea/ inspiration that you would use in the interview- also it will be for your evaluation about the prospected work place.

– When standing keep your things in the left hand , freeing your right hand for greetings.

2- Professional Etiquette tip :

– Whether you are female or male, when the interviewer comes, you have stand up and greet, with a concise sincere smile some females don’t shake hands it is acceptable- be alert to that ;this applies to the customers you receive, a colleague that didn’t visit your office from a while, and of course your manager.

– The interviewer would offer you something to drink – Thank and DON’T ask for any thing; if insists, ( more than twice – ask for a glass of water).

– Your mobile is on the silent mode- and never to check it in the interview time ( for both interviewer and interviewee).

– The interviewer to lead for the meeting area & to sit first ; you wait for her/him to show you where to be seated.

– The words” حضرتك، أفندم ، من فضلك ، شكرا “ ” Sir, Mr., Madame, Please, Thank you ..” they are nevere outdated or old- fashionedare , those words are appreciated and add to your positive image. Don’t use “ هاي ، باي “ “Hi , Bye “you are not with your friends.

From the moment you appear , the impression is done- there was the a well-known quote :”The impression is set in the first 30seconds”, but actually there are new researches that claim that it takes 1/10 of a second to form an impression of a stranger.

For women and especially veiled women they need to have the look that frame their qualifications effectively, to create this positive image- for working women, I am listing here from head-to-toe a guideline that every young professional woman could follow , whether it is for a job interview or for business meetings:

1- The Veil / head scarf:

Color and design :

As the face is your main focus for the direct business communication, make it free of distractions :

Avoid

– Bold graphics & bold floral designs.:

– Reds and oranges colors : yes they are attractive colors and live but not to be in the main focus.

– Fabrics with thick and uncontrolled texture.

Wear :

– Colors that flatter your skin tone; for example:

• White / fair complexion : light pink/ rose / light blues/ beige, plain or in very light patterns
• Brunette / wheatish and dark complexion : choose the beige /off-white that have a very light golden hues, plain or very light patterns

– The safe zone is to have a white frame around the face- this will add shine to your face features. The whole scarf to be in white or only face framing ; rest of the scarf could be of : different color / light patterns matching with the blouse/ suit.

2- Shirts / blouses:

– White cotton crisp shirt is the best – take care of the collar if it will be shown under the scarf- all buttons to be done

– Also you can wear blouses with boat neck – or rounded at the collar bone.

Avoid:

sheer and the see- through fabrics.

* Hint : Blouses with ruffles or bow tie would add volume to your upper part- be careful.

3-Suits:

Pant suit, skirt suit, or a dress & blazer

Whatever your choice, invest in quality material , and classic models; that is fit to your size, but not describing. Being a veiled woman doesn’t mean that you will go in an oversized clothes, like they are borrowed.

General point of view: pant suits are the perfect choice as it gives freedom to move with professional look. While some dresses and skirts would achieve almost the same objective.

So when you choose the suit:

Keep it simple away from too much details like zips – decorative buttons.

Colors :

– As in any business meetings :suits with the colors :black , dark blue , coal/dark grey colors are the best ,whether : plain or with light thin stripes.

4- The Jacket:

-The buttons starting just above the waist , is preferable as it gives length to the upper part – with the illusion created by the white space of the shirt.

– Jacket length: Choose a jacket that stops at to the hips – the widest part of the legs . It is classic, and flatter all body types.

* Hint : Long jackets will create the illusion of shorter legs.

5- Trousers :

– Straight leg is best suiting every body type , and is a classic.

– The length of the trousers leg/ the hemline must be long ; enough: to cover the heel connection point with the shoes and not too long to touch the floor.

Avoid:

Low waist trousers- they would make the shirt look messy if not set probably and always need a care when sitting or bending.

6-Skirts :

As being veiled you need to be covered and move easily: the best choice for almost all body types is the:

A –line, as it is fit around the waist and gets wider at its end- which will make it easier in movement. Trumpet/ flared / half circle skirts are also nice choice but the will look best with a length to the mid leg.

7-Shoes:

– Black pumps is the best choice : closed front and medium heels that are squared- the thinner the heel the more noise it will generate while walking . No sandals or open toes

– Heels are important to keep you in a firm lady walk.

8- Socks/ panty hose:

Black – or skin color. Don’t use white is it is for nurses.

9-Handbag :

Here you can use the colors : a red or bright yellow, will add to your look- choose it big enough to have your main items. If wearing black or dark blue bag, have a small scarf with vive colors tied to the handle.

10 Rings: one is enough –you can wear another if there’s a wedding / engagement. And keep them simple.

11-Earrings: don’t show from your head scarf.

12- Necklaces : small necklace that is just under the collar bone with or without a small pendant

Avoid : Bracelet/ cuffs .

13-Make up

Keep it natural look

– Safe tip : Pink lip color that matches your teeth gum- this will look natural.

– Pink blusher

– Eye liner

Avoid :

• colored mascara
• eye liner/ mascara at the lower lashes- sometimes they would make smudges
• concealer that is lighter than your skin color

Good luck and be The Evolver

Follow at twitter :@fnoureldeen

* Photo:

– Pixabay

-Armani suit – fall-winter 2014

-skirts: formalworkattire.com

-Shoes Geox Biranna:koala.ch

• 

Step By Step: Attire for professional Men

We are judged by how we look and the appearance we have to admit this; This is critical when you are heading to a business meeting, an interview and even it affects dating.

I have faced through my life many situations that support this, I understand this belief that a person of what s/he does not of what s/he looks like- but this is no way to be counted in the business life, especially when you are seeking better opportunities, people who already established their names are free to do whatever they want- they already created their personal brand and communication

Small tips I provide here for the attire of men, who aim to be perceived as professionals:

One main rule: avoid fashion and go classic when business attire

• Choose dark colors : Navy blue, Black, dark grey ( charcoal) no browns or light colors
• Choose quality fabrics
• Avoid trousers with cuffs – of you are not tall- as it shortens the leg length.
• Shirts :
• 

1. Colors: Whites, light blue, stripped , avoid the white collars shirts ( wall street shirts).
2. Avoid big collar , wide or narrow it may not suit all faces
3. Shirt cuffs : the part appearing from the jacket sleeve , to be around 5 cm , especially for French cuffs ( the one with external buttons) avoid if you are new employee.

• The Tie :

1. keep patterns small and light
2. Colors : again blues and dark colors enhance the professional look, – dark red can be included but avoid light colors like pink or yellow, as it may not work well with the skin tone

• Socks:

1. General rule for the length : when you sit down the skin of your leg doesn’t appear.
2. The colors to be dark and matching with the suit colors
3. The texture not to be thick, don’t use the sports socks
4. Be sure of the elastic must fix well with the leg- you don’t want to have this saggy look.

• Shoes :
• 

1. Black shoes with straps – presidential style is the best professional look.
2. Keep them polished and shiny all time.

• The Coat:

1. Dark colors again and again
2. Length to be below the knee.
3. Quality and clean well -fitted ( not to large and not tight that you can’t move freely ) usually it is one size / 2 sizes more than yours , so you are able to wear the suit underneath.

• The Belt:

1. Don’t wear belts with very big buckles ,
2. Keep the belt simple
3. Match the color of the belt with the shoes – black.
4. Use only leather belts

• Watch :

1. Invest in a quality watch, with a metal band- sports watch will not help

• Mobile & Laptop :

1. Avoid the colorful covers for your mobile, link your brand to the professional image that you are aiming to have
2. Keep screen savers / wallpapers for company logo or just plain, simple designs.

• Pens:

1. Don’t use cheap pens,
2. Some pens can be engraved with your initials.
3. Avoid those of ink, as it may destroy your attire or papers.

• Wallets , brief cases and Business cards holders

1. Colors of black as it goes with your other accessories (belt, shoes)
2. Wallets and brief cases must be of genuine leather- or high quality synthetic ( for business cards holders.

Always put this in mind: Dress for the next job you are looking to get.

** Note: Don’t remove your jacket in business meetings.