You haveless than 2 minutes
to makea GOOD first impression
No Second Chances!
Packaging Makes a Difference
Would you buy a product with a torn or dirty wrapper?
Then why would you expect to be hired by a prospective client if you are unkempt or inappropriately dressed?
What is professional Presence?
Someone who is:•well-groomed and dressed appropriately for their role •who conducts themselves with assurance has professional presence.
Your Most Important Presentation: Yourself
Good manners include how we look and how we carry ourselves.
We have between 60 and 120 seconds to make a first impression.
An appropriate appearance demonstrates respect for yourself and others.
Your Most Important Presentation: Yourself
Society has established rules regarding appropriate attire and proper presentation for various situations.
Failure to heed these guidelines is an etiquette gaffe.
Socially inappropriate attire may cause people to feel uneasy.
Your Most Important Presentation: Yourself
55% of impression is based on looks
• Before you speak a word, your clothes have already spoken volumes.
• You want clothes that communicate, “I belong, I am professional, I have judgment and taste.”
• Decide what your professional image is going to be and stick to it.
Packaging does make a difference-would you buy a product with a torn or dirty wrapper?
Being well-groomed is more important than being well dressed in the business world.
In fact, a well-groomed appearance can make up for an error in judgment in what you are wearing.
Appearance Counts: It Pays To Pay Attention
The effect of an elegant, perfectly fitted outfit can be completely negated by poor grooming.
People assume that the quality of your work isn’t any better than the quality of your appearance.
Appearance Counts: It Pays To Pay Attention
The person who is registering the fact that your fingernails are dirty or chipped probably isn’t even listening to what you are saying.
Conforming to professional appearance standards is essential.
Appearance Counts: It Pays To Pay Attention
If clothing or mannerisms are outlandish, it will affect your professional life.
Always ask yourself: What Message Does Your Appearance Send?
55% of the impression you make is based on visuals, which include Body Language, Grooming, and Clothing.
Appearance Counts: It Pays To Pay Attention
Body language is how you carry yourself.
Does your demeanor really make a difference?
Always think: Does my body communicate the message I want it to convey?
Body Language That Speaks Well of You
When StandingDo Stand up straight
Keep your feet stillKeep shoulders relaxedKeep arms at your sideKeep head and chin up
Don’t Slouch
Shift feetSwayCross armsHang head
The do’s and don’ts of body language:
When Seated
Do Sit up straightCross legs at anklesLean forward slightly
Don’t Slouch or fidgetSit with knees crossed or spreadTap feet
The do’s and don’ts of body language:
Proper Introductions
• Always rise when meeting someone
• Always shake the hand extended in friendship
• In the business world introductions are based on a person’s rank and position in a company
• Never let someone stand around unacknowledged
• Introduce yourself
Proper Introductions
Proper Introductions
• I’m Deborah, not Debbie
• People believe what they see
• What image do you portray?
Proper Introductions
Consideration and respect
Put people at ease
Remember, manners are always more important than etiquette.
What message does my appearance send?
Is this what I want to say?
Before you leave the house ask yourself:
Branding Yourself
Best Styles and Colors for Workplace Attire
For Men
Shoes• Best you can afford
• Quality leather
• Clean & polished
• Black with gray, navy or black
• Brown with tan
Belts
• Leather or reptile
• Black, brown or cordovan
• Match shoes
• Discreet buckle
Jewelry
• No necklaces, bracelets or earrings• Good watch• One ring per hand• Quality cufflinks
Socks
• Fit over calf
• Nylon or thin cotton
• Black, brown & navy
• Match or blend with trousers
• Avoid bright colors & large patterns
Briefcase/Wallet
• Colors - brown, black & burgundy
• Wallet – front inside pocket in suit jacket
Best Styles and Colors for Workplace Attire
For Women
Shoes
• Black
• Brown
• Tan• Navy
Jewelry
• Watch - best you can afford• Earrings - gold, silver or pearl• Rings – one per hand• Accent pieces
Like it or not, looks matter
Here’s why they should matter to you!
Like it or not, looks matter
Here’s why they should matter to you!
55% of impression is based on looks
Your attire affects the external perception of:
• Your expectations
• Your credibility and reputation
• Accountability of your own career
Rowenta (2002)
1. Jeans 2. Tight/Revealing Clothing3. Unkempt/Dirty Clothing
Top 3 Inappropriate Items Worn To Work or Interviews
Remember
• You will be judged by your personal appearance
• Don’t pick clothing that reveals too much or leaves too little to the imagination
• Keep accessories to a tasteful minimum
Remember
•The firm/company should make it clear exactly what “business casual attire” means in your workplace. Be very specific.
• There are boundaries between your career and your social life. You should dress one way for play and another way when you mean business.
Networking Etiquette
•Host Organization
•Preview Guest List
•Current Events
• Business Cards •Handbags
Networking Etiquette
•Name Badges
• Dress Appropriately • Smile
• Arrive On Time
Networking Etiquette
• I Don’t Know Anyone!
• I’m Starving
• Avoid Messy Foods
Networking Etiquette
• Be Brave
• The Handshake
• Be Effective
• I can’t remember his name
Networking Etiquette
• Don’t stalk the CEO
• Impressionable power play
• 80/20
• Never leave someone standing alone
Networking Etiquette
• Glass Equals Class
• Drink Limit • Clammy Hands
Networking Etiquette
• Business cards
• Jot down notes
• Oh, no, I’m stuck!
• Checking Your Phone
• Text Messages
• Follow Through
• Stand Out
Networking Etiquette
Your appearance speaks volumes before you say a word. It reflects your status, your personality, your character, and your success.
Microsoft 1978Bill Gates now
