Utilise colour to make a good first impression!  

This applies to the presentation of your resume in hard copy form, or the colour you choose to wear to promote a certain image or response.  For example:

• A dark suit is recognised internationally as appropriate for business.  Black worn in business denotes power and authority.  Going into a meeting or interview in a black and charcoal suit gives out the message that you are a force to be reckoned with and that you are there to give orders.  
  
  

• Red and Black gives an impression that you consider yourself to be dynamic, action-orientated, and a leader.  Red on its own is considered hot, exciting, daring and passionate, but large areas of red can appear aggressive – so be aware!
  
  
• Yellow used with black conveys mental superiority, and a preference for persuading by logic and reason.  On the other hand it also demonstrates a friendly, cheerful demeanour and can be inspiring.
  
  
• Pink worn with black shows a superior social standing.  Pink can also induce emotions of being warm, happy and gentle.
  
  
•  Green is seldom worn with black as its soothing vibrations cancel out the dominance and power conveyed by black.  In the printed form green conveys stability and is calm and nurturing.
  
  
• Dark Blue promotes authority, but also sends out the message that the wearer promotes fairness, honesty and integrity.
  
  
• Neutrals and Beige or Tan tones indicate approachability and a non-threatening manner. They are best worn by those in the customer service field.

Don't forget colour is a powerful psychological tool and can generate varying emotions.  When using or wearing colour take careful consideration of the image you wish to portray.  Some other colours used on their own which generate emotions are:

• Orange: displays solidity, warmth, assurance, and can be stimulating and cheerful.

• Brown: is restful, tranquil, influential and sophisticated.

• White: can be stark; however off-white is distinctive, dignified and safe.

• Gray: is quiet, conservative, stable and reduces emotional response.

Colours can also play a powerful impact on how you perform within your profession or the image you wish to convey!  Here's a few pointers:

• Artists / Designers: lavender for inspiration; orange for creativity; green for insight and intuition.
  
  
  
• Writers / Journalists / Media: clear blue for inspiration; golden yellow tones promote creativity and self-expression.
  
  
• Teachers / Scientists / Medical: deep dark blue will imbue power with understanding; using soft pure violet, gold and orange promotes strength.
  
  
• Childcare Workers: aided by pinks and greens.
  
  
• Chefs / Dieticians / Naturopaths / Guards / Police: aided by magenta, clear violet and pure orange.
  
  
• Ministers / Lawyers / Politicians: enhance their powers of service and benevolence by wearing rich blues and purples.
  
  
• Engineers / Architects / Interior Designers: practical skills and attention to detail enhanced by shades of orange.
  
  
• Accountants: business acumen is improved by blue-green.
  
  
• Athletes / Soldiers / Farmers / Gardeners: energy and endurance is increased by wearing clear reds.

And what about corporate colours?  Here's an interesting look at what image a company is attempting to promote to you!

• Red: speed, movement, travel, strength, stamina, action. (Qantas, Australia Post, Virgin, Elders, Canon, Toyota, Westpac, CSR Limited)
  
  

• Orange: healthy, energetic, practical, motivated, sociable. (Telstra, BWS, SSW, Trading Post)
  
  

• Yellow: communicative, happy, bright, sunny, clever, and innovative. (Yellow Pages, Gregory’s, UBD, Caterpillar, Cancer Council, Budget Motels)
  
  

• Green: natural, peaceful, harmonious, fresh, clean, relaxing, understanding. (Auspine, Landmark)
  
  

• Blue: loyal, trustworthy, peaceful, clean, caring, authoritative, healing. (Sensis, Michelin, OfficeWorks, Ford, ABC, GIO)

Have fun interpreting and using colour to make a dynamic impact on your job hunting success!

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