How to. Dress For Success
Today we will cover Image and Appearance How I see myself? How others see me? Presence in Business Branding Dress Code Essentials Wardrob e Basics First Impressions and Stereotypes Colour & Grooming Dressing For Interview
What is Image? Image relates to our appearance and form - external self Your image is also what is perceived by others. Make sure it is in sync! Who you are speaks so loudly, I can t hear what you are saying Ralph Waldo Emerson
Image & Personal Branding
Appearance Counts What is being communicated by these images?
Your image is your visual resume Which car would you like to drive to work?
What does a good image do? Reflects personal & business goals Reflects values & standards Builds relationships, trust, reputation, credibility Makes you shine among colleagues or peers Builds self esteem Opens doors Attracts the opposite sex Mmm..
Your image is assessed when you: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Arrive at the office or workplace Go for a job interview Speak to others Work within an organization Meet clients and serve customers Talk on the telephone Send correspondence or email Participate in a meeting or conference Attend a networking function
First Impressions How we look 65% How we move (body language) 20% What we say 15% Dress Confidence
First Impressions Count: First impressions are created within seconds 67% of first impressions are correct 93% top decision makers agree personal presentation is key to getting a job 86% of US Fortune 1000 companies agree they could benefit from projecting a better
We base our assumptions on: 1. 2. 3. 4. Physical Appearance Clothing Body Language Grooming
Values We make judgements about: Self-esteem Character Attitude Status Fashion sense Lifestyle
Stereotypes If you dress like you belong to a certain group you will be perceived as having the same attitudes and characteristics associated with that group s public image.
Stereotypes: The Geek Michael before Michael after
Stereotypes: Party Girls
The Way. I look Affects the way you feel and think About me! Do you trust me? Am I believable?
Job or profession: What is your earning potential? Remember: Clothes talk and people listen
You are how you look!
You are how you look!
Developing a great image
Exercise: How do you see yourself? What do people say about you?
Dress Code Essentials: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Look the part Don t dress too trendy Appropriateness + consistency When in doubt wear a jacket Clothing fit and condition pay for alterations Spend on quality not quantity Be current and up-to-date
Dress Code Essentials 8. Avoid anything too tight, too short or too bare or see-through 9. Choose neutrals over brights 10. Accessorize appropriately 11. Minor details for max results 12. Be well groomed 13. Wear professional footwear 14. Always remember your audience
Neutrals are more professional
Yin Yang Light hair Fair skin Curly hair Fine boned Petite height Soft facial features Soft body shape Dark hair Rich skin tones Straight hair Robust Tall in stature Angular facial features Angular body shape
Presence in Business DARK HAIR - You have a stronger presence than people with fair or light coloured hair FAIR HAIR - Your look is too relaxed. You need to choose darker colours and wear more CONTRAST
Make-up makes a difference
Clean shaven makes a difference
Work wardrobe basics: Women 2 suits / jackets (with optional cardigans) 2 pairs of pants 2 skirts 3 short-sleeved tops 3 long-sleeved blouses 2 pairs of black or neutral dress shoes 1 trench or overcoat 1 quality leather handbag optional computer bag
Work wardrobe basics: Men 2 suits or jackets 3 pairs of pants 4-5 long-sleeved shirts 2 pairs of black or brown leather shoes 1 quality leather belt 2-3 ties 1 trench or overcoat 1 quality satchel and/ or computer bag
Interview With Style: Congratulations.. You have been short-listed!
Interviews start when you arrive:
Interview dress rules: Business attire Don t overdress Clean and ironed Well fitted Well groomed Neutral colours, subtle patterns Cover tattoos and remove piercings A great smile
Ladies: What to wear? Dress or straight skirt - to knee with stockings (skin colour) Business suit or smart jacket Closed in court shoes (3-8cms height) Business blouse or shirt Well applied but subtle make-up Simple jewellery that doesn t distract Hair styled/tied back if long Minimal perfume Quality handbag or smart folder
What Not To Wear!
Men: What to wear? Slim fit long trousers Business shirt - collar, long sleeve, button up, white or neutral / light colour Suit jacket or blazer Tie - conservative Professional black or dark coloured shoes polished Dark socks and belt Limited jewellery Combed oil-free hair (off face)
What Not To Wear!
Dress For The Job You Want ASK YOURSELF 1. Do I want to be perceived as a consistent, organised and professional team player?
Dress For The Job You Want 2. Do I want to be perceived as a smart business leader, competent and expert in my chosen field?
Dress For The Job You Want 3. Do I need to look polished, well organised and efficient in order to take firm control of the situation?
Dress For The Job You Want 4. Do I need to look distinctive, assertive, confident, and attract attention when I enter a room?
Dress For The Job You Want 5. Do I have the freedom to be more relaxed, approachable, and comfortable at work?
Dress For The Job You Want 6. Can I be creative, fashionable and more individual by the way I dress?
Exercise: Visual Image Check: What am I saying today?
Dressing For The Job Ask yourself: What is my visual appearance saying about me? Do I understand what my non-verbal communication clothes, accessories and grooming says to customers, clients, prospects, work colleagues and friends? Does my image enhance my competitive edge or detract from it?
So, are you packaging yourself for success?
Dress for success and look like you mean business! Thank you