There is a well-known saying, “Dress for success”; this is an important fact in the professional world. Whether you are looking to be promoted, or just looking to get hired, you should always be dressed as if you are already in the position that you want. It is going to be a lot easier for management to picture you in your ideal position if you already look the part. And if you look the part, you will start to feel the part as well. This also shows that you take initiative and value taking good care of yourself.
People are generally pretty simple. They make a lot decisions based on first impressions. This may be an asset or a detriment for you depending on what first impression you give. It isn’t fair, but it’s very true. Especially if you are self-employed, you should be very polished-looking. You are the face of your business and people are going to make assumptions about your business based on what you look like. Take the time to plan what you are going to wear and how it is going to look for the occasion. Don’t waste an opportunity to make a deal by not looking your best.
Details, details, details! This is the difference between someone who just threw on a nice outfit and someone who is a polished professional. If you’re a man, does your suit fit you correctly? Does your shirt sleeve show just ½ of an inch beyond your jacket sleeve? Did you know to cut off the little pieces of thread that hold the pockets and slit in the back of your jacket together? (I’ve seen this a lot and it’s not good) Do you have a good haircut? Are your nails trimmed? This may seem like minutia, but it really does make a difference and believe me, people will notice!
If you’re a woman, do you have a make-up line from your foundation being a darker color? Are your fingernails chipped or the outdated dragon lady style? Are you wearing nylons with reinforced toes with sandals? Are your shoes in good repair? Is your hair clean with a nice hairstyle? When we don’t pay attention to our personal details, it can be assumed that we don’t pay attention to details from our profession either.
I always tell my clients to do themselves a favor, put in the extra effort. I promise it will pay off. Remember that saying, “You look the way you feel?” Well, the truth is “You feel the way you look!”
The choice is always yours, make it a good one!
~ Lani