clothing selection based on the following considerations: • Profession • Company policies • Level of customer and client interaction • Geographic location • Clothing care and maintenance • Appropriate styles for your individual body • Types of functions you must attend • Budget and purchasing techniques Each of these will be presented in greater detail later in this module; however, you can see from the list that achieving an appropriate professional appearance requires time and careful thought in the achievement of the desired result. Professional Image 3 ProfessionalImage_body 8/1/02 10:58 AM Page 3 Personal grooming habits are also very important in your professional image. You must develop and practice good grooming habits to ensure that your appearance is clean and polished in your professional role. Grooming involves all aspects of your body, including the following: • Overall cleanliness • Hair • Nails • Teeth • Makeup Manners and Etiquette. Your professional image is also communicated through your use of appropriate manners and etiquette. You should be familiar with the different protocols of behavior as they relate to social manners and etiquette. Some of these include: • Making introductions and appropriate greetings. • Being able to initiate and maintain conversations. • Respecting the customs of others. • Being able to express appreciation. • Knowing appropriate dining rules and protocol. • Extending courteous behavior to others. • Knowing how to behave in difficult situations. Manners and etiquette are important in the overall professional image you project. You can learn to be proficient in these areas and enhance your professional image with practice and attention in determining the etiquette requirements for different situations. Most people feel comfortable once they are sure about what is expected and know how to carry out these expectations. Many resources are available to help you develop this aspect of your professional image. 4 Professional Image TIP Your personal behavior also communicates a message about your professional image. ProfessionalImage_body 8/1/02 10:58 AM Page 4 Personal Behavior. As a professional, you want to practice a code of personal behavior that demonstrates respect for your organization and the people who work with you. You should recognize that personal behavior contributes to the overall professional image you project. Some aspects of personal behavior include: • Respecting the organization and its rules. • Being a loyal employee. • Conducting business in an ethical manner. • Assuming responsibility. • Respecting the diversity of people. Each of these aspects of personal behavior is very important in the business world, and your reputation for being committed to them will be established early in your career. You should give careful attention to personal behavior. Many people have been high achievers who projected an appropriate image in their appearance and yet failed in their career because they did not take responsibility for their personal behavior. Communications. Another significant component of your professional image is your ability to communicate effectively with others. Communication should be clear, concise, and accurate. You communicate nonverbally as well as verbally in the business world. Nonverbal communications send messages about your professional image. These nonverbal communications include the following: • Posture • Facial gestures • Neatness • Listening • Personal behavior • Punctuality For example, a person who is usually late may not say “I don’t respect your time,” but that is certainly the message that is communicated through this nonverbal action. Professional Image 5 ©Digital Stock ProfessionalImage_body 8/1/02 10:58 AM Page 5 In addition to nonverbal communications, your overall ability to communicate effectively is very important. Effective communications required in the business environment include the following: • Speaking correctly. • Writing appropriate communications. • Expressing written appreciation. • Listening effectively. • Communicating verbally in difficult situations. Communication abilities can be developed and refined as you progress through your career. It is important to give significant attention to the development of these skills as they not only contribute to your professional image but also may determine the level of advancement you attain in your career. The Importance and Significance of a Professional Image The importance and significance of a professional image should not be underestimated. “The way you look may not make up for poor performance, but it could give you a competitive edge during your interview and in your future career. Employers often decide whether an applicant will fit in with their organization based on a first impression.”2 This