19 November 2008 - Longley College students dress to impress for success!
Longley Park Sixth Form College in Sheffield has pulled out all the stops for enterprise week, and has pulled in specialists from all over Sheffield to motivate students to succeed in the ever more competitive world of business.
Two such specialists were local entrepreneurs and leading image consultants Jane Fardon and Faye Smith of Broomhill-based True Colours image consultancy.
Stephen Coote, deputy director of teaching and learning at Longley College explains,
“We really wanted our female students to learn how to present themselves in all the right ways in a non-threatening girls-only workshop, so they were fully equipped to make a big impression when they go to their university interviews over the next few months.
Students discovered how critical first impressions are and what a difference the way they dress at an interview can make. Thanks to the expertise of True Colours, students experienced for themselves the kind of messages clothes give off and the principles of dressing well. These are valuable skills that will last them a lifetime and they clearly enjoyed the session. Faye continued the theme in the afternoon with a practical and inspiring session on personal presentation which the students really appreciated and said should be longer next time.”
Jane Fardon, an image consultant for the last fifteen years and founder of True Colours and more recently Jane Fardon Cosmetics agrees,
“We know that the message we give off is so much more than just the words we say. It’s tone of voice, body language and our image too. These girls’ clothes, hair and make up are sending important messages about their ability, confidence and potential to tutors, employers and interviewers.
We’ve been delighted to make sure they know exactly how to make the most of themselves from now on, developing a personal style that’s not bland or bling, but professional and individual. We’ve covered every aspect of style from earrings to hairstyles, make-up to skirt length…and even had time to go ‘shopping’ from catalogues to pick our winning interview outfits.”
Longley gifted and talented student Sofia Amer agrees.
“Dress for Success has been so helpful and fun. Our presenter Jane was fantastic and I really enjoyed choosing what outfits I could wear. The most useful thing I learnt was how to add individuality and personality to business dress code. I give the session 10 out of 10!” Sameena added, “Hayley enjoyed learning how to mix and match outfits and I learned how to accessorise. I just wished the workshop had been longer.”
Longley also chose Faye as a positive role model for the girls as she has recently taken her own enterprise plunge, setting up her training and marketing consultancy “Keep your Fork”, specialising in developing personal and enterprise skills among Sheffield’s sixth formers and college students. On Tuesday she was training students with potential, but who lacked self esteem, how to boost their confidence to succeed. It was the turn of the gifted and talented students on Wednesday. From her hugely successful interactive workshops to Dragon’s Den-type enterprise activities and events such as colour and style and “swishing” clothes swapping evenings, Faye helps students gain the edge in today’s increasingly competitive job market.
Based on her often disappointing experience of interviewing hundreds of young people as manager of Europe’s first retail training academy at Meadowhall, Faye travels round the city sharing the secrets of self esteem and success.
“Time and again I see students with bags of potential who simply haven’t developed the confidence, experience or skills to present themselves well enough to beat off the competition they will face… but they do when I’ve finished! Today’s students need to know that employers are looking for that all too rare combination of good manners, self-motivation and great communication skills… an enthusiastic can-do attitude, as well as academic qualifications. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling career than taking the messages I wish someone had given me, into schools. When you see the light come on as students discover the difference shaking hands well and entering a room with a big smile, head up and plenty of eye contact can make, or hear a student say today was life changing for them- it’s a fantastic feeling.”
Individuals or schools can contact the True Colours studio on 2997898. Schools and colleges can book Faye’s workshops by emailing faye@keepyourfork.co.uk
Further information from:
Faye Smith, principal consultant, Keep Your Fork training and marketing
Faye mobile 07985 038265
www.keepyourfork.co.uk (website under development)
Jane Fardon, director Jane Fardon Cosmetics and True Colours image consultancy
Email Jane@janefardon.com www.janefardon.com
Jane Fardon Cosmetics office 0114 2998603
True Colours image consultancy office 0114 2997898
Email truecolours.info@googlemail.com www.truecoloursforlife.co.uk
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