Brand Yourself with Color for a Job Interview

In today's job market you need an edge over your competition that is more than just a great resume. You literally want to be "picked" like a product from a shelf . So take hints from product branding and apply them to yourself. The easiest way to do this is to brand yourself with color.

From your resume to your interview outfit, pick a color that defines you and use it as part of your brand. The idea is to use a power color, for example red. However your brand color should both flatter you and be appropriate for your industry. Other good colors are navy, dark green and black.

Pick a symbol in your color that you can use on your correspondence. A red dot, a red square, etc next to your contact details is sufficient. You don't need to hire a branding firm, any geometric recognizable symbol will do. The simpler the better. All follow up or confirming e-mails prior to your actual interview should carry through with this symbol or brand. Use it as part of your signature.

Research the company dress code by calling HR or visiting the site. When you arrive at the interview, make your brand color part of your interview outfit. If you think a red power suit is appropriate then wear it. Or it can be a red cashmere sweater, red career bag, red glasses, red scarf, red shoes, etc. If you choose red, use it conservatively.

Follow through with your business cards. If red is your brand color, then your business cards need to show that. If you are seeking a position with an ad agency, maybe your entire card can be red. If it's a law firm job you are after, possibly just your name would be red or you would choose a burgundy instead.

A personal color will brand you if you use the color consistently. Make sure that you wear the color at all subsquent interviews with the prospective employer and if you get the job continue using the color with your clothing an accessories.