Lizandra Vega

Book Title:
The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression And Land The Job You Want

What is your book about?
As an executive recruiter, career coach and certfified image consultant, I have guided thousands of job candidates through the interview process that enable them to ace interviews with cool confidence to win the jobs and promotions they want. And now, in The Image of Success, I seem to have achieved a comforting blend of humor and straight talk in delivering my message. The book presents hundreds of invaluable tips and anecdotes on personal style, body language, etiquette essentials, and more–helping jobseekers avoid interview pitfalls and create the kind of consistently professional image that will convince employers of their inherent value to their organization.

From selecting the perfect interview suit for a given body type and budget . . . to making sure verbal, written, and virtual communications are consistent with a candidate’s professional image, The Image of Success will give jobseekers the edge they need to be hired—and promoted —over all competitors.

In this “dog eat dog” world of job searching, candidates need to land the job and career success they want and deserve.
And with The Image of Success, they’ll get it!

What inspired you to write your book?
Throughout my 15+ years of experience, I had been searching for a book that encompassed more than the “dress for success” aspect of finding a job. I wanted to share a book that delved on all of the components that make up a professional image and I wanted a book that was an easy read in a lighthearted way. I find that people accept advice and constructive criticism best when it is delivered with humor. Since I wasn’t able to find this type of book, I decided to write it myself. I also felt I had the professional and life experience credentials it took to write a book that everyone could relate to.

How did you come to do what you’re doing today?
I graduated from Wesleyan University in the early 1990′s when the employment market was almost as bleak as it is today. I was a Theater and English major, and pursued an acting career for three years in New York City. When I decided to make a career change, I went to an employment firm on Fifth Avenue, and they decided to hire and train me to get other people jobs rather than place me at one of their clients.

Can you describe a typical day in your life?
A typical day in my life starts with my two adorable children, Julianna (age 9) and Christian (age 2). After each is off to school/daycare my day is anything but “typical.” I sometimes write/blog from home. Other days, I go to my Manhattan office and work on job searches. Still other days, I’m out promoting my book or leading a workshop or giving a presentation.

What do you most enjoy about what you do?
I enjoy the fact that no two days are ever the same. I encounter different types of people each day and that makes what I do interesting and exciting.

Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey?
My parents have been a huge source of inspiration for me. They sacrificed having one child (me), in order to provide me with the best of everything. I never knew I was poor, until I entered college and met kids who had trust funds.

Can you share some business tips for our readers?
Top 3 Business/Career Tips:

1. Don’t ever settle in a position that is boring and uninspiring. Strive to be the best given your education, experience, talents, and abilities.

2. Be aware of your professional image at ALL times, including during “off” hours when you are networking, on a social network site, or even when you’re at your local supermarket or post office.

3. Know when to draw the line during negotiations and don’t be stubborn. Outline your reasons for negotiating and don’t do it just for the sake of it. It can cost you a job opportunity and you will kick yourself for it.

Can you share something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
English is not my first language–Spanish is. I didn’t learn how to speak English until I entered elementary school.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
My career has been full of surprises. If I’d had an opportunity to guess what I’d be doing, I’d have guessed something creative or something to do with casting. In a round about way, that is what I’m doing with writing and placing candidates in jobs (roles) for so many years. That is a perfect example of combining your strengths with your passions, and ending up doing something you love to do while making a living at it.