Get a New Look before that Job Interview!!!

During the past couple of years of economic downturn hundreds of thousands of people have been laid off, businesses gone bankrupt, retirees have reentered the workforce, and the job market has become unusually competitive. In this scenario what is the best way to hear that four magical words from a prospective employer: "When can you join?" Given the competition there is a need to pull all the stops to ensure that you land the job you are looking for.

Recently Gillette (R) commissioned a survey of about 500 HR professionals to know what a job seeker can do to create the first impression. The results of the survey conducted by Harris Interactive(R) are quite revealing of hiring trends with 84% respondents saying that they have noticed well-groomed employees climb the corporate ladder faster than those who are not. Another glaring statistic of the survey is that 90% of the HR professionals consider a well-groomed appearance better than a firm handshake.

As a result of the survey Gillette decided to do something for the job seekers and promoted the Gillette Career Advantage, a unique portal where job seekers can get advice from career expert Mark Jeffries and GQ style correspondent, Brett Fahlgren on how to get ahead in their profession. The website also features the Gillette Career Quiz, a hire guide which reveals what HR professionals really think and numerous other resources for the job seeker. This website is designed to equip and empower job seekers with the tools, information and advice on how to beat the competition and rise up in their career even in this weak economy.

That apart there is another initiative from Gillette. This is named the Gillette Resource Center where one can information about the survey, get the numbers and charts of the survey findings and get grooming and career advice from career experts.

I wouldn't miss this opportunity to know what is in the mind of a HR professional even though I am not in the job market. This is information one could use anytime in his career.