Nottingham Job's Fair

It was likened to the X Factor auditions due to the sheer volume of people wrapped around the block that encompasses Nottingham's Albert Hall. Okay, there was no sign of Cheryl Cole but the City's unemployed turned up in their hundreds to meet dozens of employers. Jobseekers were given the opportunity to pitch their skills, explore their suitability for a wealth of vacancies and in some cases directly apply for work.

I was delighted to be invited by Nottingham City Council and Making The Connection to deliver a workshop at the recent Jobs Fair held at Nottingham's The Albert Hall. The workshop - "How to dress for Interviews" went really well and generated excellent feedback. (Mind you, negotiating the seemingly endless steep staircases was a real test on ability to walk in high heels).  I enjoy this side of my business so much that I do sometimes feel a fraud calling it work!

How to dress for Interviews? Thats a no brainer surely? - I mean, its a black skirt and jacket, clean hair and shoes, throw on a suit and borrow Uncle Ted's tie? Sadly not, if only it were that simple.

We all form an initial opinion based on what we see when we meet someone for the first time. Entwined in this opinion is catalogue of assumptions based on the vision before us. Interviewers are particularly tuned in the this concept.

What we wear not only impacts on how others perceive us but how we perceive ourselves. If we feel good in what we are wearing, we will walk taller, feel more confident, in control and capable. This is a fabulous mindset to have when going into an interview. In my workshops I give the added support of showing job seekers how to:

• Best dress for body shape
• Use colour and accessories to express personality 
• Use body language to positive effect
• Walk into a room 

The development of the Stylicious Career Boutique is a direct result of my unwaivering belief that there is a direct link between success, confidence and the visual image.

I believe in using the body as a tool rather than an ornament and using clothes as a method of communication.

I have created a new initiative with the purpose of increasing success rates at interview. If you work with unemployed clients you can find an outline summary on the Special Offers page