If you are applying for a job, you have only one opportunity to make a good first impression.
When, where and why is a person's appearance important? There are a multitude of situations where the way a person looks on the outside is very Important and has an impact on the future. A person's dress and overall appearance is important for every business professional because it presents a visual image of the person and sends a message of professionalism.
Business attire, becoming more casual, has changed dramatically over the past years. Many people have forgotten why proper business attire is important. There are some companies that have chosen to allow and even encourage employees to dress casually for comfort. This is dependent on the type of work performed and the kind of business. Many businesses still encourage or require a more well-defined and professional image of their staff who represent the business to customers, prospects, clients, business partners and vendors. A written dress code is needed for most businesses. It will help employees to make good choices and prevent human resources issues and safety problems.
The message of professionalism in the business world will shape the impression the business has on customers and prospects. Whether it is a retail business, restaurant, financial institution, attorney's office, or any other business where there is interaction with customers or clients, a workplace dress code ensures that when a customer looks at employees they find people dressed appropriately for the industry.
Very few businesses allow their employees to dress as they please. A dress code spells out expectations on dress and grooming, eliminating the worry of employees being dressed too casually or too formally. It is easier to define proper attire for men than for women in the workplace. However, it can be done. Some industries utilize uniforms. One advantage is to get visual uniformity with standards of a professional atmosphere. It also creates the impression of being a team.
When applying for a job, an applicant should dress appropriately for the job the person is seeking and the type of business. Clothing doesn't have to be expensive to look good. Look at how the successful people in the company dress who are in the position you are interested in and follow their lead.
There is only one opportunity to make a good first impression. Attire, hairstyles, jewelry, footwear and good grooming coupled with business etiquette are intertwined to present a professional image. Cleanliness and neatness display the kind of person you are to interviewers and others meeting you for the first time. When you feel good about the way you look, you will naturally convey confidence and a positive attitude. Nonverbal messages are as important as what you say.
Here are some grooming tips to use when preparing for an interview.
Avoid extremes or trendy clothing.
Be clean, bathed and use deodorant.
Don't overdo the cologne or perfume.
Brush your teeth and be sure you don't have bad breath.
No tattoos or piercings should be visible.
Leave your cellphone in your car or at home.
Do not smoke before the interview. Odor is offensive.
Whether you are on the job hunt or have been working for many years, dressing appropriately will help you to be successful. People should judge you on your capabilities, skills, experience and competencies. However, human nature is such that judgments are made, rightly or wrongly, on the person's attire, grooming and presentation. It is a significant part of your identity and a key factor in how you are perceived. Make sure you get it right.