A professional image can help advance your career.
According to Laura Morgan Roberts, a Harvard Business School professor, "Your professional image is the set of qualities and characteristics that represent perceptions of your competence and character as judged by your key constituents (i.e., clients, superiors, subordinates, colleagues)." First impressions are sometimes all you've got when it comes to closing a deal or landing a new contract. Having the right image can propel your career and social standing, while the wrong one may create unwarranted biases against you.
Interviews
Go to an interview looking as if you already have the job. When you project a professional image to a potential employer, she'll recognize how serious you are about the opportunity and will be able to envision you at the jobsite. She'll appreciate your effort to fit the role and may take your intentions more seriously than if you had shown up in more casual attire.
Sales Presentations
When making sales presentations, projecting a professional image confirms to the buyer that you are serious about your work, know your product and are a professional. Your appearance, manners and knowledge of your product will garner respect from your audience and at least give you the opportunity to pitch your product. If you showed up for a sales presentation in shorts and flip-flops, your potential customer would probably not take you seriously or give you the respect he would if you showed up in a suit and polished shoes.
In the Office
Projecting a professional image at your office may help you get a promotion. Your appearance and attention to detail projects motivation and drive that co-workers and supervisors will notice. You will be taken more seriously than your peers who dress casually and your clients will respond to you with respect and a professional rapport. Though your productivity may not improve with your professional appearance, you will likely act more professional and will be regarded as more professional than your casual counterpart.
Project a Professional Image
You don't have to wear a wool suit and expensive shoes to project a professional image, but you do need to pay attention to your appearance. Wear clean, wrinkle-free, well-fitting items. Men should wear gray or navy suits with a light-colored shirt and conservative tie. Women can wear neutral or navy-colored suits with a light-colored shirt and nylons. If women wear skirts, they should be knee-length or just slightly above the knee. All shoes should be polished and accessories kept to a minimum. You want your clothing to make a professional statement but not stand out. Keep your hair neat and your nails manicured. Carry your papers in an attache or briefcase.
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