Professional Image Statistics

Transcription

1 Dress for Success

2 Professional Image Statistics According to a recent survey conducted by MRI (Management Recruiters International), more than one third (34.2%) of executives polled think that business casual dress has gone too casual, destroying respect. Careerbuilder.com survey reveals 93% of executives believe your appearance can impact your chances for promotions. Women who consistently wear tastefully applied makeup and clothing earn 20 to 30% higher incomes. A study conducted by two economists, the Hammermesh-Biddle project, revealed that attractive people have higher incomes. This was true even for construction work, telemarketing, and other jobs that did not require public contact.

3 Why is Image Important? It can make or break one s first impression of you (interviewing, networking, social) It can impact your ability to obtain an internship, job or other opportunities It can impact your ability to build effective work/social relationships It can impact your personal effectiveness---others may not take you seriously

4 Professional Style Professional Style is a combination of the following three factors: Personality Physical appearance Desired Perception (how you want to be viewed/perceived by yourself/others)---easiest to change/update!!!

5 Professional Style Desired Perception: Professional Business Attire: Career fairs & professional networking events Interviews (for internships, co-ops, full-time) Business Casual Attire: Determine if this is appropriate for your career field/work environment Everyday work attire once on the job (but not in all fields) Casual networking events (happy hours, company picnics & social events)

6 Professional Business Attire: Women Classic business suit (black, navy, charcoal gray, dark brown) 1-3 button blazer; avoid tight, short or trendy styles Skirt suits are considered most classic/professional Skirts should be knee length, should not hug the butt; avoid high slits Trouser pants are ideal; avoid fitted, legging and capri pants Light colored/pastel button-down shirt or blouse; no cleavage or gaps between buttons Closed toe pumps with 1-3 inch heels ideal, nice flats OK No stilettos, platforms or sandals Wear neutral hosiery or trouser socks

7 Professional Business Attire: Men Suits should be a dark solid color (black, charcoal gray, navy, dark brown) or have subtle pinstripes Jacket should be buttoned while standing and unbuttoned while seated Single breasted jackets only, avoid double breasted Jacket and pants should match Pants leg should touch the front of the shoe and fall above the heel in the back White or light blue collared long sleeve shirt Shirt sleeve extend ½ in beyond jacket sleeve Conservative tie colors/patterns Tie should reach your belt Polished leather shoes Dark socks that match shoes and are calf length

8 Business Casual Attire: Women Knee-length dresses (wrap dress, shirtdress, sheath) that are not tight/don t hug the body Casual/trendier suits are appropriate (not tight!) Slacks, khakis and trouser denim Blazers in different colors/patterns/styles Skirts should be knee length and not too tight Blouses, sweaters/sweater sets and cardigans in different colors/patterns. Avoid sheer fabrics, low necklines and sleeveless styles without a blazer/cardigan Closed toe heels and flats ideal In some casual work environments, classic style boots and sandals are acceptable

9 Business Casual Attire: Men Sports coat/jacket without a tie Khaki pants or slacks in solid colors Tie may be worn with long sleeve collared shirt; conservative colors Shirts with collars, sweaters and polo shirts Oxford shoes or loafers Wear dark socks that match shoes and are calf length

10 Accessories Women: classic earrings (one pair only) & necklace, one ring/hand, watch, simple handbag in classic color Men: Classic watch, one ring, no earrings/necklaces. Match belt color to shoes All: Bring a leather portfolio for resumes, notepad, pen, list of questions for employer No large backpacks or purses

11 Professional Makeup & Hair Clean and classic is key Foundation/powder Light blush Mascara Lipstick/gloss in complementary color to your skin tone (pink, red, nude) Avoid heavy/costume/dark colors Simple, basic manicure/colors Hair should be clean & neat, tame wisps Classic updo styles ok (bun, ponytail, chignon) Simple headband ok; avoid trendy hairpieces Clean-shaven, short hair look is ideal for men Avoid styles that encourage pushing hair out of face

12 More Tips Neatly iron all clothing Shoes should be polished & scuff-free Remove stitches that hold vents in place on blazers/jackets/skirts Carefully inspect for dangling threads, lint, stains, missing buttons Cover visible tattoos and piercings Proper hygiene is a must Visit for ideas!