Beige or Bright?
When searching for that perfect job, you need to know just when to be Beige, and when to be Bright.
Marketing yourself to perspective employers is a lot like marketing a house for sale. I have to admit 
that I’m a sucker for all those “Flip This House” and “Flip That House” shows on The Learning Channel and Discovery.It intrigues me how someone can take a house that’s been completely trashed and turn it into a better-than-new-construction home. And for the record, that’s what this site is all about for those of you searching for a job, or seeking advancement in your current one.
The first thing you need to realize, however, is there are times to be beige, and times to be bright in order to properly sell yourself. (or your house)
Being Beige
It never fails that house-flippers and other real estate professionals always recommend painting the exterior and interior walls of your house a nice, low-toned beige color before you put it up for sale. They say this because beige is a very non-offensive, non-distracting color that appeals to a wide range of people. Beige walls also do not distract from the home’s finer qualities like its large rooms, high ceilings or remodeled kitchen and bathrooms.
As an applicant looking to get an interview, there are certain things that you need to keep in the beige family too. Throughout the life of this blog, I will steer you to those beige moments so you don’t “turn your buyer off” before they even get to see the whole house. (you and what you have to offer!). A quick example to illustrate this point would be an article I wrote concerning the email address you utilize to submit your resume online. We definitely want that to be a beige factor!
As I continue to update this blog, I will often refer back to this article to hammer home the importance of it.
When to be Bright
If you have the correct elements in beige, your bright qualities will automatically stand out. A bright red wall in the living room will distract from that naturally beautiful stone fireplace. In contrast, if you present too much “flare” in your initial phone screening or interview by acting overly enthusiastic of even desperate, the interviewer may decide not to meet with you again. Once again, this blog will help illustrate to you times when you should let your bright spots shine through and how to place them properly.
You know what you have to offer to a perspective employer. You are aware of your skills, determination and loyalty. You are that go-getter they are searching for, but you have to know exactly when to be beige so as to allow the boss to see your bright qualities in plain view and with an open mind.
