statement reflects the importance of a professional image in the business world. The effect on your career can be significant and varied and may include: • Selection for participation on project teams. • Inclusion in social settings with customers or clients. • Selection for presentations. • Promotions to positions of greater responsibility. • Performance rating. • Overall competitiveness in numerous situations. 6 Professional Image TIP The ability to communicate effectively is a major attribute of a positive professional image. ProfessionalImage_body 8/1/02 10:58 AM Page 6 “Some of the perceptions people can form solely from your appearance are professionalism, level of sophistication, intelligence, and credibility. Whether these perceptions are real or imagined, they underscore how your appearance instantly influences the opinions of strangers, colleagues, and superiors. The benefits of being well dressed in a corporate setting can reap many rewards, including respect, and, all things considered, promotions.”3 The significance of a professional image may seem unfair, but it is a real and substantial factor in the business world nonetheless. You may find many issues to be less than fair, but they do indeed exist in the business world. Most business environments have expectations for the professional image of their employees; this alone should indicate to you the importance of image, as it will impact opportunities for your advancement in the business world. You should consider your professional image as a significant “communicator” to others. Success in the business world is usually a result of job knowledge, human relations abilities, and professional image. Most people want to communicate to their peers, supervisors, and customers that they are ready for business, they are prepared for their role, and they possess the competence to perform their job. Your professional image does all of this. The Effects of a Professional Image on Self-Confidence The effect of a professional image on your career and your interaction with others can be significant. Your professional image not only affects how others react and interact with you but also affects your selfconfidence and performance. When you believe you are dressed appropriately, know the required protocol, and are comfortable communicating with others, you tend to feel a heightened sense of self-confidence because you know what to do and how to do it. This sense of selfconfidence can positively influence your performance. In addition to your increased self-confidence, others around you perceive your professionalism in a positive manner and, consequently, believe you are able to perform your job in a satisfactory manner. Professional Image 7 ©PhotoDisc, Inc. ProfessionalImage_body 8/1/02 10:58 AM Page 7 Gaining the Respect of Others. You also gain the respect of others by projecting a positive professional image. This respect is important, as people observe you and form opinions about your professional image. Many times throughout the course of a day’s work you will be observed and evaluated in an informal manner. These observations contribute to the overall perception that people have about you. Supervisors and peers make judgments, choices, and decisions based on these observations over a period of time. 8 Professional Image TIP You only have one opportunity to make a first impression. First Impressions. In initial job interviews, judgments are made on your professional image, your manners, and your communication abilities. These judgments result in decisions about whether you are the best candidate for a position. The importance of professional image as it relates to first impressions and career mobility is significant and should be considered at all times. You only have one opportunity to make a good first impression. Take this opportunity seriously, and concentrate on making a positive first impression. “Your image can smooth your way or stop you cold. With great effort, you can usually overcome a bad first impression, but why waste the time? Start right, start strong, and your image will be your most powerful advocate, telling people who and what you are as you connect with them and get your message across.”4 Development of a Professional Image Given the many aspects of a professional image, you may wonder where you can learn about professional image and find answers to questions that may be difficult or embarrassing to ask others. Many resources are available to enhance both your knowledge and performance in developing a professional image. Some resources include the following: • Literature • Online resources ProfessionalImage_body 8/1/02 10:58 AM Page 8 • Consultants • Mentors and role models • Training and professional development opportunities • Company policies and procedures Each