“A Professional Image”

Make first impressions lasting impressions and get the job

2013

YOU ARE A BRAND

People will always believe your body before they believeyour words as the brain reacts instinctively on an emotional level before it analyses information.

If the appearance contradicts what has been said, we won’t believe the spoken message because the visual message is much stronger.

Although someone dressed in jeans may be more competent….we assess people based on appearance and behaviour.

Body language clues

Dressing for the job you want

The Working Wardrobe

It is a reality that people are judged according to the image that they present.

First impressions are made within the first 60 seconds of meeting someone and whether we like it or not, most of that first impression comes from the visual impact we make.

Don’t let your clothes get in the way of your

message!

Your look is your logo

Your wardrobe. . . can lead to success in your career.

Take control of the image you project

Clothing forms part of the package

Affects people’s impression of us

Especially if they meet us for the first time

It does not need to cost a large investment – buy well and buy items to mix and match.

You do not need to buy big fashion brands, rather focus on colour, cut and texture.

The way you dress affects the way you behave . . .your demeanour takes its cue from what you wear.

Too much casual can contribute to a playful, holiday atmosphere . . . negative effect on productivity.

. . . Don’t wear your “coach-potato”, weekend clothes to work.

Find a balance – you do not need to dress in a three piece suit each day but look at the guidelines below to dress appropriately:

Tailored jackets for men and women

Tailored, well-fitting trousers

Shirts and blouses that are not low cut or transparent

Skirts should be approximately knee-length

Basic colours, solids, stripes and checks

What not to wear:

Halter-necks, shoe string or boob-tubes

T-shirts

Shorts

Tracksuits

Jeans that are ripped or have holes in them

What not to

wear

Nose rings and other body piercings

Blue hair or other colours not standard

GIRLS!No underwear as

outerwear

GUYS!No shoes without

socks

Three-day stubble – keep it neat Several earrings

in one ear

Cargo pants

Colourful socks with funny messages

Crocs and flip-flops

Recruiters will always appreciate an effort made with your appearance. This shows that the interview is important to you and you take it seriously.

It is not imperative to wear a full suit; a smart pair of pants or skirt and a neat, professional shirt will be appropriate. You need to feel comfortable in what you are wearing while looking well dressed and proficient.

Your personal grooming is just as important:

Men should be clean shaven and tidy.

Women should ensure that their cosmetics are neat and that their hair is clipped back from their face.

Remember…

Making that first impression

People believe the body before they believe the words.

If the appearance and behaviour contradicts what it said . . . we won’t believe the spoken message because the visual message is stronger.

Understanding non-verbal communication . . . asset.

Being deliberate, clearly interpreting and appropriately responding will allow others see and hear what you are saying.

Body language55%

How we sound38%

What we say7%

What makes

up positiv

e & negati

ve body

language?

Confident and self-assured:

Standing with weight on both legs

Eye contact

Extending your hand first

Welcoming facial expression . . . Smiling

Insecure and nervous:

Chewing pen or pencil

Biting fingernails

Hands in pockets

Fidgeting

Poor eye contact

Sweating and swaying

Irritating gestures

Open and co-operative:

Shoulders back and body upright

Open hands or lightly clasped in front of you

Big gestures

Smile

Defensive and confrontational:

Arms crossed on chest

Fist-like gestures

Pointing index finger

Turning body and looking away

. . . It’s vital to manage every moment of a first meeting or interview

Make the right impression by arriving on time or a few minutes early.

Greet the interviewers.

Follow the interviewers’ lead - let them set the tone.

Listen to the questions carefully before answering.

Maintain eye contact when answering questions.

Turn your shoulders slightly towards the interviewers – you do not want to look like you are falling out of your chair but you want to give a greater impression of paying attention in what is being said. Do not slouch as this could look as if you are not interested.

Many people do not know what to do with their arms during an interview. Many of us are inclined to fold our arms across our chest however; this may be a sign of resistance. It is better to rest your arms loosely in your lap or place them in a relaxed manner on the armrests of your chair.

A quick tip

You have a great tool to help you send the right message about yourself!

THANK YOU

Tatika Scullard

DateNothing in this presentation should be construed as formal

legal advice from any lawyer or this firm. Readers are advised to consult professional legal advisors for guidance

on legislation which may affect their businesses.

© 2011 Werksmans Incorporated trading as Werksmans Attorneys. All rights reserved.