• About Kathleen Gran

  

  Kathleen Gran is having a great time working as an Image Coach and helping people achieve a strong, personal brand. Her mission is to get people to understand the power of their visual impact so that they can thrive and succeed.

  

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  Articles Assessments Makeovers

Whether you are a woman or a man, you judge what you see. That’s how you decide whom you approach at a networking event, whom you sit next to at a conference, whom you engage a conversation with in an airport, for example. That’s also how people form an opinion of you before they have a chance to gather more specific information about you. 

A first impression will set the tone for all future encounters. It is lasting and difficult to change once it’s ingrained in one’s mind, especially if it’s a negative one. The mind will subconsciously try to validate its first impression of a person, so it is vital that your image immediately projects strong, positive visual clues about your values and position. 

Your business attire must place you in a position of strength. Whether you are going for an interview, meeting a client, networking or simply building your career path, the way you look will make or break your chances of success.   

So what is the appropriate business attire for you? Consider these 6 basic factors. 

1. Look at the company culture
   You want to fit in. If most of the people, management included, wear business casual, you don’t want to dress in highly classic business attire, nor in sporty casual clothes. However, if your peers are business casual dressers, but management is more in the traditional attire and you want a managerial position in the future, it would be wise to emulate their dress code. Just remember to dress for the position you want, not the one you have.
    
2. Consider your position and your level of hierarchy in the company
   If you are the boss, dress as the boss. You are not your staff’s peer, you are their leader, and the way you dress should reflect that. If you meet clients, dress conservatively to create a feeling of trust and competence, especially in the financial, insurance and consultancy sectors where establishing reliability is mandatory. If you are the owner of your company, people should be able to pinpoint you immediately when they arrive at your office.
    
3. Be at your best at all times
   Details will refine your appearance and make you look pulled together. The right accessories, hair style, grooming, makeup for women, and good manners will distinguish you and make you memorable.
    
4. Aim to inspire rather than to seduce
   The office is not a place for seduction. Your outfit must not detract the attention from what you are there to do.  It must, on the contrary, reflect your competence and position to attract respect, so it is best to keep sexy outfits and demeanours for your private life.
    
5. A home office is still an office
   I strongly recommend to my clients who work from home to forego the sweat pants and, worse, the pj’s!  You don’t need to dress in a 3-piece suit, but make an effort to dress in such a way that you feel “at work”. Distractions are numerous when you work from home and to be more efficient you want to feel different during your working hours than during your “off” hours.
    
6. If you’re going for an interview, forget casual
   In many instances, the way you dress for an interview may be the decisive factor between you and another equally qualified candidate. If you are in doubt about how to dress for an interview, you should opt for conservatism, unless, of course, you are applying in the film or art industry. There is nothing wrong with asking the person calling to schedule your interview what dress code is appropriate for their company. You are better off to be a little overdressed than underdressed. 

A good first impression does not only rely on your appearance. Being on time, confident, polite, attentive and having a professional disposition are all elements that will help position you in a positive light. 

It will only take a few seconds for someone to evaluate you, so it is worth making an extra effort to have a great first impression. Common sense is your basis, but adding extra thought and preparation can bring your first impression from good, to great. 

It often only takes a glance to form an opinion of a person. This is the dreaded first impression. In the minutes that follow, you will reinforce that first impression by your actions and demeanour. 

How strong is your impact on other people? Answer the following 12 questions and you will have an idea of how you may be perceived.

Don’t forget that a first impression does not only occur upon meeting with strangers, but it forms every time you meet someone, whether you’ve known them for a day or 10 years.

The more “Yes” answers you have, the less likely your first impression and impact on others is positive. Look at your “Yes” answers and make an effort to change those particular traits or attitudes to improve the way people may be perceiving you. You will not only gain in credibility, but it will open doors to new opportunities.