What is Your Professional Image?

Your professional image is the image you project in the professional business world. The way you look may not make up for poor performance, but it could give you a competitive edge during your interview and in your future career. Employers often decide whether an applicant will fit in with their organization based on a first impression. Your image is a statement of who you are and what you represent, and it will help you get the job offer. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it count!

How Can You Dress the Part?

There are no specific rules regarding attire. Appropriate dress differs based on the occupation, location, and preference. A "suit" atmosphere is always popular, but many corporations are adopting a "business casual" policy that allows workers to follow a more relaxed dress code. However, no matter the circumstance, dress as well as you can for the interview. Dress found in the work world is quite different from dress found on campus, and if you are in doubt, it is always better to dress up for the interview.

You should be prepared to spend more money on interview clothing, but the added costs will guarantee you quality material and a good fit. Most large department stores have Personal Shoppers on staff. These fashion consultants will work within your budget to help you coordinate a work wardrobe for your style and industry. This is a free service- just call and make an appointment.

If you are in a new situation, the best option is to dress conservatively. For professional positions, a business suit is an excellent interview choice for either a man or a woman. If you have time, go to the office of the company and observe how the current employers and employees are dressed. Then, follow their attire and style. If you are still unsure of how to dress for an interview, call the company and ask! You can ask to be put through to Personnel and say:

"I have an interview with ____ in the _____ department for a position as a _____. Could you please tell me what would be appropriate dress for this interview?"

Most importantly, you should feel comfortable about the way you look. Wear something that you have tried on before, check yourself out in a mirror. If you are confident about your appearance, you will project a confident and positive image.

A Business-Dressing Checklist

For Men

• Facial hair should be freshly shaved or trimmed.
• A man’s tie should ideally be made of silk, end just above his belt, and coordinate with his suit.
• This is not the time to express individuality so avoid flashy patterns.
• Wear dark shoes and socks (black is best).
• Remove any earrings and rings (except wedding ring) before an interview.

For Women

• Jewelry should be kept to a minimum such as one set of earrings and one ring on each hand.
• Makeup should look natural.
• Long fingernails and chipped nail polish are distracting. If you wear nail polish, make sure to use a subtle color.
• Avoid high heels.
• Don’t wear anything sexy (e.g., see-through fabrics, miniskirts, or body-hugging clothes).

For Everyone

• Hair should be trimmed, neatly arranged and clean.
• Fingernails should be neat, clean, and trimmed.
• Shoes should be well polished.
• Avoid or use sparingly colognes, scented powders and perfumes. Your "scent" should not linger after you leave.
• The most acceptable business colors for suits are gray and blue. Other basic colors are navy, white, creme, brown, black, light blue, red and pale yellow. Always wear subtle colors and styles.
• Keep your pockets empty of tinkling coins or bulges.
• No gum, candy, or cigarettes
• Carry a light briefcase or portfolio
• Prepare for multiple interviews. Make sure you have more than one outfit available for interviewing within the same company. Mix and match from among the pieces you already own.

How Can You Act the Part?

Body language and facial expressions are important aspects of your professional image. Research shows that body language, including voice, account for 38 percent of an overall first impression. Therefore, your nonverbal communication impacts your interview presentation. Before the interview, practice in front of a mirror to analyze your body movements and gestures. Be aware of how you look and act so that nonverbal messages coincide with what you say. During the interview follow these suggestions:

• Posture: Walk confidently into the room, hold your head up, and offer a firm handshake. You should appear confident, yet approachable. During the interview, sit straight in your chair and lean forward to indicate interest and attentiveness.
• Greeting: Express your gratitude when meeting someone for the first time. Step forward, maintain eye contact, smile, and extend your hand. Be sure your handshake is firm and positive. Once you’ve given your name, repeat the interviewer’s name.
• Initiate Conversation: Find an interesting approach to begin conversation. Comment about the weather, offer information about yourself or give a compliment (make sure a compliment is sincere). Be aware of the world around you so you can join in on a variety of topics. Also, appear interested and always be a good listener.
• Eye Contact: Make eye contact, but be careful not to stare. Shifty eyes are associated with deviousness, and a lack of eye contact may be associated with lying.
• Gestures: Try to control nervous gestures like hair-twisting, nail-biting, and pen-clicking. Warm gestures may include leaning toward a person, smiling, touching and gesturing expressively. Cold gestures include avoiding eye contact, not smiling, and placing your hands on your hips. Vary your gestures and be sure they look natural.
• Voice: The sound of your voice should be warm and friendly. Project, speak slowly, and enunciate. Use your grammar skills to avoid wrong use of verb tense, pronoun or other incorrect use.
• Be Yourself: Try to appear comfortable during the interview and show you are at ease in your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to relax and show your natural characteristics. You want to give the impression that you’re someone they want to have around.

What is Basic Etiquette? (Minding your P's and Q's)

There are a few etiquette guidelines that must be followed during an interview. The best way to remember basic etiquette is to follow the lead of the employer. It is not proper to fold your coat or apparel onto a visitor's chair unless you are invited to do so. In an interview, don’t loosen your tie or remove your suit jacket unless the interviewer does or suggests that you do. Respect the interviewer’s space. Never pick up photographs, flip calendars or borrow a pen. Do not place your briefcase on the desk but keep it on your lap or on the floor beside you.

What if You Like Your Own Style?

Again, there are few absolutes when it comes to dress and the professional image. You need to decide what is most important and acceptable to a potential employer. The best advice for a successful job interview is to act and look conservative. However, if you are committed to a certain style, you must target employers who share that style. The following list offers actions and styles that are not recommended.

• Chew gum, smoke or eat during the interview
• Hum, whistle or rustle papers
• Apply makeup or look in a compact mirror (use the restroom for this)
• Too much makeup
• A variety and excess of body piercing
• Scuffed, dirty shoes
• Long, dangling earrings
• Chipped nail polish or dirty fingernails
• Dirty hair or dandruff
• Long hair for a man
• Very large or overstuffed handbag
• Skirts well above the knees
• Casual pants or dress shoes (dressy flats are appropriate)
• Clothes that are too tight