• How Important is a Professional Appearance?


      So many people are complaining about their job status-- like why they can't get their dream job, be hired into their dream companies or even why they are not promoted. A lot point fingers on different factors such as company policies or company politics, or worse, you tend to question your own capabilities. Every year, so many young minds graduate and the competition gets stiffer.

      While there may be external factors that are to be considered, one has to look from within when it comes to job problems. Evaluate yourself from head to toe, literally! The problem may be facing you all this time without you knowing it. What am I trying to imply? Maintaining a professional appearance at work.

      Professional appearance does not only mean that you dress in a manner that is to be respected. Notice that while some may dress impeccably, our impression on them changes when they speak. This means that professional appearance should not be based on looks alone but in the way that you look, the way that you speak, the way that you think, the way you analyze and the way you treat others, more so for those whose ranks are lower than yours. It is a holistic approach to situations that are handed to you and to people that come across your way.

      Now, some people tend to disregard this and tend to join the bandwagon of pointing fingers on external factors. I say, before we point fingers, try to assess your professional image first and once we feel that we are on the right track, then assess the company that you're working for and check if its values are in consonance to yours, including your goals and career growth. Below is a very great article on the importance of a professional appearance at work. Read on, learn, implement and notice the changes.
      (-thisbe.ara)


      www.chicagoagentmagazine.com

      The Importance of Professional Appearance at Work
      (Source: http://womanition.com)

      You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Appearance counts all the time – from the job application, interviews, meetings, and appointments, right through to every day on the job. Don’t forget –
      you represent your company, and your image is that company’s essence.

      Your employer’s goal is to have employees project a favorable image; your goal is to represent the employer and yourself in a favorable
      way. Your first impression may influence how people will react to the way you look and present yourself in the beginning, even if you look and act differently later on. The way you look and act at work is critical to your success on the job.


      www.thecareeradvisors.wordpress.com

      Why do people have to get dressed up in conservative suits to go to work anyway? Why not wear casual clothes? The answer is that you appear more competent and professional, and you portray confidence, clad in this attire – as opposed to just t-shirt and jeans. This means wearing the traditional dark suit and white shirt. There is no question that we are all being judged on our appearance. To be noticed, recognized and create influence, we have to take the time to make a good impression on others.

      Good appearance makes you feel great about yourself, your self-confidence, and your attitude towards life. You attract a positive energy and you start to notice that people start paying more attention to you. This makes you feel better about yourself and enables you to project positive inner emotions.

      People re-entering the workforce often need some encouragement and reassurance. Below are great tips for ensuring your professional appearance is at its best.

      Business Attire

      What do your clothes say about you? Clothes you wear depend on a lot on the environment you work in. Take a look at what your colleagues and other people in that environment are wearing, and dress to fit in. A
      professional appearance is quite important. Look your best and be proud of how you look. It is very important to dress to enhance your appearance so that the interviewer can concentrate on your qualifications.

      For women, the best attire to wear at work is something with solid colors such as a navy, gray or black suit or dress that is knee length with dark shoes or high-heels. Avoid miniskirts. Be sure that heels are about 1 ½ - 2
      inches high, no stilettos, or open-toed shoes that attract too much attention to your feet. You want to be taken seriously. Avoid flashy jewelry.


      www.dawinigram.com

      Men should wear a classic dark suit – whether it’s navy, gray or
      black - and a white long sleeved shirt that is cleaned and neatly pressed in case you need to remove your jacket. Ties must be conservative with no cartoons or sporting events displayed on them. Socks must match
      the suit and not show any leg. Men should wear black leather shoes – oxfords or loafers, but make sure they are polished and in good condition. Like women, fewer accessories is the best approach – no earrings and use cologne sparingly, about two to three hours prior.

      The key is to buy outfits that are of good quality and classic design for both men and women. The same rule applies for purchasing shoes. They are to be comfortable, stylish and polished. Purchase versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with your existing work wardrobe.

      Grooming

      What goes into grooming? It’s the basics for both genders: your hair, nails, and teeth. Knowing what hairstyle will look good on you is very important. The hair should be manageable and not wild. It should be neatly combed. Avoid excessive hairspray and ornaments in the hair. Wild hair will get you attention, but not the attention you want. Hair should be clean, current and flattering. It’s often better for men to be clean shaven because excess hair, whether a beard or a pony tail, could be very risky in a conservative workplace.

      Nails are to be clean, trimmed and in good condition. Your hygiene, grooming, posture, smile, tone of voice, hair and nails are very important. Breath and body odor should be fresh, clean and pleasant.

      Teeth are clean, white and the smile is attractive. Clothing and eyewear are clean and in good condition. Keep your make-up natural. Little or no make-up is best. Do not use too much perfume; remember a lot of people could be allergic to perfume. Spray it on two to three hours beforehand, so it becomes more subtle.

      To increase your chances for success, remember to offer a warm smile, maintain eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Let the interviewer or client see that you are a person who pays attention to detail. It’s
      also very important to arrive at your appointment about fifteen minutes early. Use the washroom to compose yourself and make sure you are neat and tidy.

      Communication

      Our looks and behaviors are called nonverbal communication. They send a powerful message, whether we intend them to or not. Grooming, the condition of your clothes, your posture, tone of voice, facial expression, hand gestures, how close you stand to the other person, eye contact and body image are all factors/impressions that other people receive from you.

      Lead Career Mover will be conducting a Corporate Image Enhancement Training by Ms. Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, AICI FLC on July 29, 2013, 8:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M at Marco Polo Plaza. For further information, please call SP at 253-9726 or you may also register through www.leadcareermover.com.
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      Comments 17 Comments
      1. simoncpu's Avatar
        simoncpu -
        I'm wearing shorts, t-shirt, and slippers here in our office right now. Appearance doesn't matter. What matters is the output.
      1. sammedriano's Avatar
        sammedriano -
        Actually outfit's a great advantage at work where people tend to get dressed up often. In some cases, you look ridiculously rich while wearing dress up.

        In our business where we often times get dressed up. Then, the more pro you look alike, the more respectable you become.

        Just my thought.

        - - - Updated - - -

        Actually outfit's a great advantage at work where people tend to get dressed up often. In some cases, you look ridiculously rich while wearing dress up.

        In our business where we often times get dressed up. Then, the more pro you look alike, the more respectable you become.

        Just my thought.

        - - - Updated - - -

        Actually outfit's a great advantage at work where people tend to get dressed up often. In some cases, you look ridiculously rich while wearing dress up.

        In our business where we often times get dressed up. Then, the more pro you look alike, the more respectable you become.

        Just my thought.

        - - - Updated - - -

        Actually outfit's a great advantage at work where people tend to get dressed up often. In some cases, you look ridiculously rich while wearing dress up.

        In our business where we often times get dressed up. Then, the more pro you look alike, the more respectable you become.

        Just my thought.

        - - - Updated - - -

        Actually outfit's a great advantage at work where people tend to get dressed up often. In some cases, you look ridiculously rich while wearing dress up.

        In our business where we often times get dressed up. Then, the more pro you look alike, the more respectable you become.

        Just my thought.
      1. realestatejob's Avatar
        realestatejob -
        few available rooms for rent community type and within the City of Cebu Philippines call+639982174124
      1. raphaelrestaurant's Avatar
        raphaelrestaurant -
        Thanks for sharing this information, i really learn a lot when talk's about proper grooming and gestures.
      1. windsong's Avatar
        windsong -
        Appearance is really important and first impressions do really last
      1. jersey's Avatar
        jersey -
        appearance most likely important when your applying for a job but when your already in the job; it will depend on what the job your in in some cases sales people or usually people that meets clients very often are required to wear business attire
      1. taga_ipil's Avatar
        taga_ipil -
        Unfortunately most of the time... Your credentials do the talking.
      1. kirakira's Avatar
        kirakira -
        Unfortunately since I started working in 2000 after graduating from college, I've only worked in companies that has no dress code so if I wear business attire I'd be the odd one out. Even though I wanted to look presentable at least coz it would also boost your confidence but I guess it would just depend on where you are. Since that's out, I guess your behavior comes into play.
      1. kevitzrey's Avatar
        kevitzrey -
        judging appearances??

        for me,
        its like being a RACIST.. haha
      1. THE KID's Avatar
        THE KID -
        ganahan ko nga rugged ko tan awon... but akong work ng demand man nga medyo formal ang look....ako rang i balance ang duha...
      1. fenn's Avatar
        fenn -
        formal kaayu tan-awn, pero tanga d ay kaayu.
      1. zyden112's Avatar
        zyden112 -
        formal tan.awn nya mahimo dayong mata pobre sa uban, labi na mag sakay sa jeep nya formal keug panamit taparan gali ug tiguwang nga tibuok adlaw tawn, nanuroy ug taho, isbug dayon, hahayz. Sometimes wearing formal attire develops hypocrisy. saons

        - - - Updated - - -

        formal tan.awn nya mahimo dayong mata pobre sa uban, labi na mag sakay sa jeep nya formal keug panamit taparan gali ug tiguwang nga tibuok adlaw tawn, nanuroy ug taho, isbug dayon, hahayz. Sometimes wearing formal attire develops hypocrisy. saons
      1. kolmewila's Avatar
        kolmewila -
        dilkado pa formal2x rng panahuna. no.1 target sa mga snatcher ug uban pa.
      1. *sludge*'s Avatar
        *sludge* -
        it depends on where you work. working at home or working with uniforms doesn't apply.. you dont have to look formal to look smart.
      1. hallerz's Avatar
        hallerz -
        just dress appropriately... it will definetly make a big impact on your personality if you dress down.
      1. Teleperformance PH's Avatar
        Teleperformance PH -
        Clothes and manners do not make the man; but, when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance. -Henry Ward Beecher
      1. garboso's Avatar
        garboso -
        rugged handsome kaayo ko. rugged ako nawong handsome ako gi sout. aaahhhh!!!

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