Your hairstyle can sabotage your success at work

Your hairstyle can sabotage your success at workYour hairstyle can sabotage your success at workMary Lou Andre, a corporate image consultant, recently worked with a woman who was considered a rock star at herbei financial-services company. The woman had been tapped to act as a spokesperson for her organization - but when Andre watched the recording of her first TV appearance, she grew concerned.The woman wore heavy makeup and a high ponytail that was flipping around while she spoke. It really came across as young, inexperienced, not quite as knowledgeable as she was, Andre told Business Insider. It was so distracting.Andre, who is the founder and president of Organization By Design, coached the woman to tone down the makeup, trim her hair, and put the ponytail at the base of her neck. The next time the woman appeared on TV (shed also received speech coaching), Andre said, she seemed like a different person, like mora of an expert.In an ideal workdistributionspolitik, wed judge peopl e by their performance, and by the value they bring to the company. But the vermodern workplace is hardly ideal, and the reality is that people almost always take appearance into account - even subconsciously - when they evaluate someones suitability for a particular job.As Traci Sitzmann, an associate professor of management at the University of Colorado Denver Business School, put it to Business Insider, if you look the part, it increases the chances that youre going to get the part.Most female news anchors have a similar hairstyleBroadcast journalism is a prime example of this phenomenon. A recent study led by Mary Angela Bock at the University of Texas at Austin, cited in InStyle, looked at mora than 400 publicity images for local broadcast journalists and found that most of the female reporters and anchors had similar hairstyles.Results showed that 98.5% had smooth hair about two-thirds had short or medium-length hair and about half were blonde. And as for men? Six were losin g their hair.The ideal look for women, the study authors wrote, is stereotypically heteronormative, not overly sexy, and predictable.To be sure, other industries beyond broadcast journalism place a premium on employees - especially those in leadership positions - looking the part. Its what Andre called an ugly fact of life Your appearance matters at work. People are sizing you up, and sizing you down, she said.Hairstyle associations are likely linked to gender and racial stereotypesThe association of smooth, straight hair with looking professional is likely influenced by both gender and racial stereotypes.An NPR article highlighted the Good Hair Study, conducted by Perception Institute, which reported that most people display some bias towards women of color based on their hair. White women in particular rated textured hair as less beautiful, less sexy/attractive, and less professional than smooth hair.Whats more, the study found, black women experience more anxiety around hair is sues and spend more time on their hair than their white counterparts.Research presented at an Academy of Management meeting in 2016, by professors at the University of British Columbias Sauder School of Business, found that many women in leadership positions are blonde. Among female CEOs of SP 500 companies (admittedly a small sample size), that number is 48%. But only 2% of male CEOs in the SP 500 are blonde, according to a previous study.The UBC researchers explained in the presentation that blonde women leaders may come across as warmer and more attractive - and therefore more socially acceptable - than brunettes.Facial hair can communicate confidence - or it can be inappropriateFacial hair in the workplace presents its own set of challenges.A 2014 New York Times article reports that facial hair is back in style in business settings - but those who sport it have to learn to get the look just right. The appropriateness of facial hair, The Times reported, depends on factors inc luding your age and your industry.The Times cited the example of Larry Ellison, the 74-year-old founder of Oracle, who typically has a beard and/or mustache. One personal brand and style strategist told The Times that he worries the Ellison look could be perceived as being abrasive to some.Andre said she recently met a bearded man who was an executive in a conservative field. He was impeccably groomed, she said The beard communicated confidence, and that he knows how to take risks. Indeed, a study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences found that the more facial hair a man has, the more mature and more dominant he seems - at least as perceived by female undergrads.Still, in some cases, Andre said of men with beards, the whole look is wrong.The workplace may be more accepting of different types of hair than it has been in the pastIts unclear what a single individual can do if they feel theyre not being taken seriously at work because of their hairstyle.Sitzm ann, the University of Colorado Denver professor, co-authored a study that found simply acknowledging that your appearance is atypical for that company, but that you can do the job anyway, can help the hiring manager overcome their stereotypes. Still, Sitzmann pointed out, this strategy has only been tested in the lab, so its unclear whether it would work in a real job interview.Theres also evidence that the tide may be turning when it comes to the definition of appropriate hair in the workplace. More people are choosing to leave their hair in its natural state, as evidenced by the decline in sales of hair relaxer.Meanwhile, reporters and consultants told InStyle that theyve seen more black women wearing natural hair on air recently. And for viewers, who may look to on-air reporters as style and beauty icons, this shift can be especially valuable.One reporter told InStyle that when she wore her natural hair on air, she received a slew of emails from viewers saying, thank you for doi ng this.This article first appeared on Business Insider.

5 Myths about the Federal Job Search

5 Myths about the Federal Job Search5 Myths about the Federal Job Search5 Myths about the Federal Job Searchli counter-increment item list-style-type none margin 0 /* padding 0 0 5px 2rem */ padding 0 0 8px 1.3rem text-indent -1.2remollibefore content counter(item) . display inline-block font-weight bold padding-right .5rem text-align right /* width 1.5rem */ width 0.6remBy Andrea M. Wynne, M.Ed., CCSPDecember 11, 2018When considering a new career path upon leaving the service, one of the first options many military members seek is a job within the federal government. This could be a way to give back to the same mission they have known most of their lives, as well as, a means to earn aleidher source of stable income.Although those are admirable and understandable reasons to pursue federal employment, I have encountered several people who are not fully aware of the rules and often believe myths that float around about getting hired. While working as both a transition co unselor and Transition Assistance Program instructor over the past six years, I have seen many highly skilled veterans who give up after receiving notices that they were, not best qualified. Further, many feel that the process becomes too frustrating and simply give up on their goals and dreams.After serving our Nation and obtaining highly sought after skills such as loyalty, integrity and kollektiv work, any employer, including the Federal Government, would benefit greatly from hiring more vets.In an effort to assist those veterans, military spouses or anyone else who would like help with lifting the veil that is the federal hiring system, here are 5 myths that I have often come across in my workI have veterans preference so, I will easily get hired.Although a person who has worn the uniform may have a preference for some jobs, they MUST be qualified for the position FIRST before veterans preference can even be applied. Additionally, there could be several other veterans who are ju st as qualified. (When all veterans competing are best qualified, one doesnt have preference over the other based on disability statusa non-disabled vet in gold can be hired over a 30% disabled vet also in the same category.)It is important to ensure that it is clear to the hiring manager that all qualifications are met including experience, education and certifications. Also of importance is reading the job announcement in its entirety because leaving one item out could mean the application is considered incomplete. I have personally seen people lose an opportunity because they did not follow all of the instructions.My resume is 10 pages long but that is OK because this is for a federal job.In recent years, it has become more widely known that a federal resume is very different from a resume in the civilian sector. However, it is often taught that a federal resume can be 7 or 8 pages, as long as it has information that is applicable to the job. I have recently learned from a panel of hiring managers and Mrs. Troutman that the optimal length of a federal resume is actually 3-5 pages. Much like civilian sector professionals, human resources specialist and hiring managers are busy and do not have the time to sift through all of those pages. It is vital to work with someone either on or off of the local installation (i.e. Family Support Center or American Job Center) to customize the resume content so that it is concise and relevant. They can assist with ensuring that the years of specialized experience that is required for most of the jobs is evident within those 3-5 pages.I am going to include all of my training and certifications (i.e. HVAC NCOA) on my resume even though the job I am applying for is different than the job I had on active duty.In some instances, there may be some transferability within the training and certifications obtained during military service (i.e. leadership within NCOA (Non-Commissioned Officer Academy) Training or specific experience within heating ventilation and air conditioning certifications (HVAC). On the other hand, it is a good idea to explain these skills and spell out all acronyms, as it may not be completely logical to everyone reading the resume. Each branch of service, every installation and even every unit has language that is specific to that entity and may not translate well. It is always better to eliminate any confusion.I was a major and in the military for 10 years. I should qualify for a GS-13.This is a myth that has disappointed many of the men and women I have worked with in my career. Unfortunately, having a certain rank does not automatically translate to a certain grade in the federal system. Federal jobs are rated based on the applicants ability to show years of experience within a specified area and/or having the educational background that is necessary as well. The managerial and organizational skills that are earned when reaching certain ranks could be impressive during an interview or can be placed on a resume. However, the main thing to remember is that the rank is not a factor when seeking the qualifications of an applicant.I submitted my application over a month ago I must not be good enough for this jobHold on now Remember, patience is an important virtue in any job search. When applying for federal positions, there are times when a double konserve of that patience may be needed. Every agency within the federal system is different and the time it takes to hear back varies widely. I have seen people receive a call for an interview a full year after applying, as well as those who have gotten a call the very next day. I would never advise anyone to put all of their hopes into one job but I would encourage anyone who is really interested in working for the government to call upon their resiliency training and dont give up Keep checking the system, call the number on the announcement for updates and try networking within that agency, if that is a possibility.Th e misinformation and myths that seem to stick around over the years unfortunately deters some very talented and skilled individuals from even clicking apply. Therefore, it is important to seek help and accurate information often. Yes, it can be a great deal of work to go after a federal job but much like serving in the military, anything worth having does not come easy.Andrea M. Wynne, M.Ed, is a Certified Federal Job Search Trainer, Certified Federal Career Coach licensed to teach Ten Steps to a Federal Job at the Yokota Airman and Family Readiness Center, Japan. Andrea is experienced as a Certified Career Services Provider who has worked as a transition counselor and facilitator for the military and in higher education over the past 6 years. Additionally, she has partnered with many employers and volunteered with several veterans services organizations (VSO) in order to assist service members with successfully navigating transition. Andrea is also an Air Force veteran and has been a military spouse for over 22 years. She currently lives in Tokyo, Japan and works to assist active duty members and their families while stationed overseas.Looking for successful,current samples of federal resumes?Get Kathryns Federal Resume Guidebook, 6th Edition.Currently the NO. 2 Resume Book with all booksellers

Rachel Brosnahans advice for beating burnout is so simple its genius

Rachel Brosnahan's advice for beating burnout is so simple it's genius Rachel Brosnahan's advice for beating burnout is so simple it's genius Though the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel never seems to run out of energy as she balances a burgeoning stand-up comedy career, a part-time job at a department store, living with her parents, a fascinating love life and occasionally  taking care of her two young children, the actress that plays her, Rachel Brosnahan, is only human.And she gets tired after those long days on set filming the Emmy-award winning series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. So how does she beat the burnout?Though she actively works out, sometimes she knows she just has to listen to her body and prioritize.  â€œSometimes I find that the best thing for my body is to just take that extra hour of sleep and not work out,” she told SHAPE Magazine this month. Pretty easy to do. But she has some other suggestions.“I’m good at making time for self-care when I get overwhelmed. I read a book or take a bath or snuggle with my doggies and watch  Survivor. Or I have coffee with friends. One of my favorite things is to spend the time catching up with someone doing nothing but drinking coffee with them for hours and hours,” she told the magazine. Celebrities, they’re just like us!Brosnahan isn’t alone in her burnout struggles. Research from the American Psychological Association and NORC at the University of Chicago reported that 48% of Americans experienced increased stress over the past 5 years and 53% say work leaves them “overtired and overwhelmed.” Here are some other ways to beat burnout.But wait, she has another tip for staying healthy!“My stay-healthy secret when I’m working 14- or 15-hour days on  Mrs. Maisel  is bone broth. For the first season of the show, I was feeling very tired. And because I have a fast metabolism, I felt like I was dropping weight in an unhealthy way. Bone broth has collagen and fat in it, along with all kinds of vitamins and minerals, and I really think it helped me,”  Brosnahan told  SHAPE. “I was the only person on our set who didn’t get sick that season.† Bone broth  has many health benefits, one of which is helping you sleep better.