Finding Employment: Representing Yourself

In this tight job market, it is important to do everything possible to ensure that your application for employment is taken seriously. One of the most important is to be forthright and straightforward.

Recently we received an application for a woman who gave her title as “Duchess.” Since such a title is more likely to belong to an employer seeking staff than an applicant, we asked her about it. She told us that she had assumed this title for herself – that it was fitting for her company and her position as a cosmetics consultant.

We are all for enjoying life and living it to the fullest, which were a few of the explanations she gave us for assuming this title. However, we also recognize reality, which is that assuming such a title can strike those who do not know you as quite pretentious. Consider: if you were a homeowner looking for someone to employ in your home, would you even consider hiring someone who calls herself “Duchess”? An employer could hardly be blamed for believing such a person would not have a service heart, would not be willing to give her all to making sure their lives are as carefree and beautiful as possible.

Anytime you misrepresent yourself, you make it more difficult to be hired. Wealthy homeowners are able to get the truth quickly; thus, providing less-than-accurate information on yourself can be a one-way ticket to unemployment.