You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Appearance counts all the time – from the job application, interviews, meetings, and appointments to every day on the job. Don’t forget - you represent your company and your image is of essence. Your employer’s goal is to have employees project a favourable image; your goal is to represent the employer and yourself in a favourable way. Your first impression make influences how people will react to the way you look and present yourself in the beginning and even though you may look and act differently later on. The way you look and act at work is critical to your success on the job.
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 your appearance becomes more competent and you portray confidence when you are dressed in more than just a 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 and to be noticed, recognized and 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 and that makes you feel better about yourself and project positive inner emotions.
People re-entering the workforce need some encouragement and reassurance in them. Below are great tips for ensuring your professional appearance is at its best.
Business Attire
What your clothes say about you? Clothes you wear depend much 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 so important. Looking your best and being proud of how you look. It is very important to dress to enhance your appearance so that the interviewer can concentrate on your qualifications. The best attire to wear at work is something with solid colors such as navy, gray or black suit or dress that is knee length, but no miniskirts with dark shoes or high-heels. Just make sure that heels are about 1 ½ - 2 inches high, no stilettos, open toe that attracts too much attention to your feet. You want to be taken seriously. Avoid flashy and too much jewellery. Men should also 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, no cartoon displayed or sporting events on them. Socks must match the suit and not showing any leg. Men to wear black leather shoes – oxfords or loafers, but make sure they are polished and in good conditions. Like women, less jewellery is best approach to go – no earrings and use cologne sparingly, about 2-3 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 and 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. Know what hairstyle will look good on you is very important. The hair should be manageable and not wild. It should be neatly combed and avoid excess hairspray and ornaments in the hair. Wild hair will get you attention but not the attention you want.
Hair is clean, current and flattering. Men usually do not have facial hair. Excess facial hair like beards and pony tails could be very risky and it’s best to be clean-shaven.
Nails are clean, trimmed and in good condition. Your hygiene, grooming, posture, smile, tone of voice, hair and nails are very important. Breath and body odour are fresh, clean and pleasant. Teeth are clean, white and the smile is attractive. Clothing is clean and in good condition. Eyewear is clean and in good condition. Keep the makeup natural, however little or no makeup is best. Do not use too much perfume; remember a lot of people could be allergic to perfume. Spray it on 2-3 hours before 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 to your appointment about 15 minutes earlier and use the washroom to compose yourself and make sure you are neat and tidy.
Communication
Our looks and behaviour are called nonverbal communication and together they send a power message whether we intend them 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 the factors that impression other people receive from you.
Wellness
Every thought causes chemicals to be released in every cell of the body. If the thought is positive, then the chemicals release is healthy. If the thought is negative, the chemicals released are unhealthy. Over a time of negative, stressful thinking, the body will feel disease. To apply this to your health, when something happens in your body, it is usually a good idea to look at what’s happening in your life. A symptom is to let you know that something is getting out of balance and needs to be changed. Drugs can interfere with the balance of our systems. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system; it can cause nervousness, irritability and insomnia. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system. Sleeping pills depresses the central nervous system, respiration, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. Diet pills stimulate the central nervous system; delay fatigue, and curb appetite.
Nutrients
Carbohydrates are the major fuel for all of the body’s cells. Simple carbohydrates are obtained from fruits. Complex carbohydrates are starches and can be found in vegetables, whole grains, peas and beans. Proteins are essential for growth and maintenance of body tissues. If more protein is consumed than what the body can use, the excess is stored as fat. “Complete” proteins contain the essential amino acids and are found in meat, poultry, cheese, eggs and milk. “Incomplete” proteins contain only some amino acids and are found in grains, legumes and leafy green vegetables. Fat is the most concentrated source of energy available to the body. Saturated fats are solid and are found in animal products, coconuts and avocados. Polyunsaturated fats are found in corn, soybean, sunflower and safflower oils and in some fish. Monounsaturated fats are superior and are found in peanut oil, canola oil and avocado. The essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6 cannot be made by the body. These fats are important for cell membranes, weight loss, cardiovascular and the skin. Omega-3 is found in some fish, flax and hemp seed oils, green leafy vegetables and soy. Omega-6 is found in hemp, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, evening primrose and borage.
Vitamins regulate metabolism. Water-soluble vitamins are C and B-complex and need to be taken into the body daily. Minerals are important for healthy nerve function, the cardiovascular system and formation of blood and bone. The 14 minerals are calcium, chlorine, cobalt, copper fluorine, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur and zinc. Enzymes are essential for all biochemical reactions in the body.
Did you know that 2/3 of your total weight is water? Water is essential in every function of the body. Sufficient water helps you stay lean, alert and healthy. It is important to drink enough water. Warning signs of dehydration include fatigue, loss of appetite, flushed skin and dark urine.
Water-soluble fibres assist with elimination. Sources are barley, brown rice, corn, legumes, apples, bananas, carrots, prunes, cranberries, seeds and seaweed. Water-insoluble fibres help eliminate cholesterol; they improve elimination and flush toxins from the system. Sources are leafy green vegetables, whole grains, unpeeled apples, pears and strawberries.
Fitness
Fitness helps reduce body fat and increase lean muscle. Slow down the process of aging; help the lymph system eliminate toxins. Reduces stress to be more calm, relaxed and positive and feel more vital, energized, alert and productive. It helps you sleep better and feel more confident. It also reduces risk of heart disease; slows down the build-up of plaque in the arteries and reduces blood pressure, making the heart a stronger and more efficient as well reduces the risk of diabetes which improves the body’s ability to regulate sugar and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. The great benefit in later life is of reduction of back problems, improves circulation and lengthens your life. Overall, it improves the quality of your life as a whole.
Making an effort to look your best at work will offer many rewards, not the least of which is a boost to your self-confidence. Spend some time each week working on each of these areas until you are certain you have the balance and professional look that you are striving for. Each step will bring you closer to the person you really want to be.
Regina Gershman is a member of Association of Image Consultants International. She improves her clients’ appearance, behaviour, communication, business and social etiquette, job search strategies, anger-management, adult & teen’s self-esteem and image and other counselling and coaching.
Visit us at www.reginagershman-imageconsulting.com or call @ (780) 901-7065.
No comments:
Post a Comment