How to Project a Professional Image

Learning how to project a professional image can be a great occupational boost. Confidence and professional attire go a long way toward impressing clients, leaving a good impression with the boss and drawing others to you who can further your career. You don't need to attend expensive seminars to learn how to dress for success; you can learn the concept of presenting a professional image on your own. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

For Men

1. Groom yourself well. Trim facial hair (including eyebrows and nasal hair) neatly and shave around a mustache or beard to achieve crisp, defined edges. See a barber for a professional cut. Have your ear and neck hair removed as well.

2. Shower, wash your hair, and use deodorant every morning before work. Brush your teeth and use mouthwash. Carry mints in your pocket to use as needed.

3. Wear a small dab of aftershave or none at all. Remember not everyone appreciates cologne. He who smells the strongest doesn't necessarily smell the best.

4. Wear a well fitting suit with a subtle pattern in grey or brown. Black appears funerary, and other colors (or bold patterns) are not considered professional attire.

5. Present yourself as a confident person. Look everyone in the eyes. Stand up straight, and shake hands with a firm, not harsh, grip.

6. Study a colleague you admire. Note what he or she does that differs from your own actions. Perhaps she listens to others better than you do. Maybe he stays focused and takes fewer breaks. Make subtle changes as necessary to present a more professional image based on your colleague's example.

For Women

7. Keep hair neat, off your face and sprayed into place. Check your outfit for stray hairs sticking to it and remove them. Shave your legs daily; even pants can stick to stubble and hang awkwardly.

8. Spray perfume into the air and walk through the mist with your eyes closed. Never spray directly on your body, as the smell can be overpowering. Wear deodorant and brush your teeth after coffee. Change feminine products often.

9. Remember nails and makeup count, too. Keep nails filed, not bitten, and well polished. If you don't like fingernail polish, a simple clear coat gives them a finished look without the high maintenance involved if the polish should chip. Wear minimal makeup to avoid a smeared or garish appearance after a long day.

10. Choose suits with a jacket and pants (or skirt). Yes, a matching jacket really does matter. Wear low, conservative heels you can comfortably walk in.

11. Smile, stand tall and look other people in the eye. To present a professional image, you must be confident, secure and never flirtatious.

12. Ask a confidante if you have any irritating habits. Hair twirling, finishing other people's sentences and speaking too freely about your divorce can all be professional turn offs. Ask a girlfriend to be brutally honest about any habits you need to change.

Tips & Warnings

• You can easily conceal small mints, such as Tic Tacs, as you speak. Avoid gum and oversize mints that can ruin an otherwise professional image.
• The written word counts. Write or print neatly and use a spell-check program to proof all emails and memos. Details can make or break a professional image.

[CareerFashion]

on 10/4/2008 I think this sums it up very well. Interesting about the spelling - I have never thought of that in regards to professional image (since I'm in fashion I usually just focus on the clothes), but you have a good point.