Thursday, October 7, 2010

Does your clothing say: “I am a professional”?

The English saying, `before you have opened your mouth, you have already created a first impression’, is particularly important in the business sector and service industries the world over. How then does one create a positive impression before one addresses the client in a face-to-face context?
Clearly the manner in which you are dressed, and the way you present yourself (including your body language) speaks volumes to any customer or potential customer. A truly professional employee will always dress with inspiring the trust of the client in mind. A professional employee will always dress in a manner which befits the company’s image and vision.
Professional dress sense is really about common sense and societal stereotypes. A professional woman needs first and foremost to be well-groomed. Grooming is a simple matter of taking care of your skin, hair, make-up, and your hands and nails.
An employee who has clearly made no effort to keep herself well-groomed will not inspire the trust of the client. The basics of good grooming include clean, styled and naturally colored hair, carefully applied make-up (which is not garish) and neatly manicured nails ( which are not painted in outlandish colors).
As a professional, you should dress with efficiency and service, not seduction in mind. You should avoid clothing that is too revealing, too tight, or too short.
Professional dress is best achieved by sticking to the basics, such as the careful color co-ordination of your outfit and accessories. For footwear, avoid open or chunky shoes: a slim-fitting sensible work shoe with heels in which you can walk, and work, is advisable. Neutral colored pantyhose always add to the professional’s image.
Tailored skirts and trousers matched with a jacket, or even better, a skirt or pants’ suit always look professional.
Lastly, what you wear on your face is as important as your clothing – a genuine smile speaks volumes; it says: “ I am at your service, I am here to help and I love my job.” Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

No comments:

Post a Comment