3. Career Change - Don't Blow It!

Sad but true fact: Many people interviewing today still don't act or look presentable. Does that mean wear a suit? It might - but the onus is on you, the job seeker, to find out the dress code at a company and to dress and act accordingly. You need to look the part. Figure out whom you're going to see, and determine the style most important to that person.

That is particularly important if you're going from a dotcom to a larger company. The other day we were interviewing and the interviewee took a mobile phone call during our chat.

A more dignified demeanour is back in style, and that goes for other aspects of your public face as well. Being whimsical is not going to score you points anymore - so remove that personal rendition of the "007 Theme” from your voice mail, and forget about standing outside the office wearing a sandwich board advertising yourself. In more sober times, sending balloon gifts to a prospective employer simply won't cut it. It might get you noticed, but it may not be the kind of notice you want.