SearchWide Global, a leading recruitment firm in the convention, event, tradeshow, hotel, travel and tourism industries, has added a new member to its team. Ross Sawai, Executive Recruiter, will assist with SearchWide Global’s long-time clients, Freeman Co. and Freeman XP, a marketing solutions company for live engagements, expos, trade shows, corporate events and exhibits. Additionally, Sawai will build out the technology and online marketing segments specific to the greater hospitality industry.
Originally from Hawaii, Sawai now resides in Texas where he’ll join the Dallas/Fort Worth regional office. “His background and skillset is unique to our company” says Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global, “that will complement our existing team, clients and candidates in many ways”.
With over 20 years’ experience with leading companies such as GenieConnect by Lanyon, Wyndham Jade, Blockbuster, and American Airlines. Sawai has held executive level roles in sales, marketing, and business development. “He will offer a combination of strategic and creative experiences with companies that sell into and support the industries we serve”, said Gamble.
“I am very excited to join the SearchWide Global team. I have experienced SearchWide Global from both a candidate and a client perspective; it is obvious that the company’s ethics and professionalism align with my own values. SearchWide Global is an iconic brand and I am looking forward to contributing at many levels including the buildout of the technology and online marketing segments related to hospitality, travel and tourism”, says Ross Sawai.
About SearchWide Global: SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the convention, trade association, and travel/tourism industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION and RESPECT.
It’s the night before a big interview and you’re fully prepared. You’ve done your homework on the company, the position and you’re prepared to answer any probing questions that may be tossed your way. But wait, you ask yourself, what do I wear? You want to impress your future boss by looking professional, presentable and fashionable at the same time. After all, first impressions make a statement about you and your personality.
According to Forbes,
“That first impression on an interview counts so much, and you don’t want to be out of the race before the interview even begins,” says Sherry Maysonave, who runs Empowerment Enterprises, an Austin, Texas, image consulting firm. “That first impression happens in less than 30 seconds and is based entirely upon your attire.”
For starters, make sure you research the company’s culture. It’s easy nowadays to do so via the company’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). If you’re unsure, it’s OK to ask what to wear. Take into consideration the time of year, your geographic location, and the job/company/industry. Dress for the job you want, not your current position!
Remember perception is reality. Even if the company is a tech company where the environment is more laid back, it’s still important to dress up for your interview. This shows that you take the company and your position seriously.
Below are a few tips when deciding what to wear:
1. Style: For men, invest in a good suit! A quality suit should last five to ten years, depending on how well you care for it, and it’s worth it if you plan to excel in your career. Keep it simple and classy. Make sure it fits well, which mean you may have to get it tailored for the perfect fit.
For women, consider a suit as well. You have a little more flexibility here, choose from a pants suit, dress suit, or skirt suit. When choosing a dress or skirt, wear black tights or pantyhose to polish off the professional look.
If this is an executive level position, a suit is a must. However, when interviewing for a lower level position a woman can go with a knee or calf length black dress paired with a blazer.
Here are some Pinterest boards we found that will give you some great suit ideas:
2. Color scheme: This goes for both men and women, stay with classic color combos: black/white, grey/white, navy blue/white. You can use your accessories to add a pop of color (ties, earrings, necklaces, handbag etc.). A white or light colored tailored shirt offers clean, professional look. Stay away from bold colors, as they tend to look more casual.
3. Shoes: Men should go with an oxford or derby style shoe in dark brown, navy, or black. Black if you are entering the boardroom. Make sure to polish leather shoes or buff suede, paying special attention to the heels and soles.
For women, shoes should be professional and understated, a mid-heel pump with a closed toe is the go-to choice. If you’re confident the company culture allows for a little bit of individuality here, go with a classic and tasteful pattern or color, but keeping the closed-toe and modest heel.
This should go without saying, but make sure your shoes are clean and scuff free. Take the time to tend to them beforehand.
4. Accessories: Here is where you can show more style. However you don’t want to look too flashy. For men, wearing a conservative watch and a good quality belt that matches your shoes is an ideal look.
For women, keep your jewelry tasteful, the interviewer should not “notice” your jewelry. A business-like tote is ideal for interviews and can hold any materials you wish to present during the meeting.
If the company culture you’re applying for is young, cutting-edge, or fun you might want to add a splash of personality to your outfit. This video will give you some ideas on how to personalize your professional look through accessories:
5. Cleanliness: A well-kept and groomed look is very important. For men, a clean shaven face and hair neatly trimmed will give a professional impression.
For women, keep makeup to a minimum. Hair should be neatly groomed and away from the face.
Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet, so if in doubt, dress to a higher standard than you may need to, and it’s safer than showing up too casual.
Remember NOT to do the following:
Wear perfume or cologne
Have visible body art, such as tattoos and piercings
Wear tight clothing
Wear wrinkled clothing
Expose technology – turn off your phone and put it away!
SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries. We specialize in executive recruitment at all levels. Our knowledge and experience help us fully understand and interpret your business, competitive set and individual dynamics related to your business. With offices across the country, we remain connected at all levels while valuing our client and candidate relationships which in turn will build a solid bench for future success.
