You Only Get Once Chance to Make a First Impression

Here’s the scenario...a disheveled man wearing a suit straight out of the ‘80s walks into a boardroom. He sports a wrinkled, poorly fitted jacket with pants that are much too short for his stature. His white socks peek out from the two inches of space left between the top of his black shoes and the hem of his pants. A plaid collared shirt and horizontally striped tie completes the ensemble. Now, I would like to introduce you to your attorney. What do you think of this man? Do you respect him? Are you confident in his abilities? 

In the time that it has taken you to read this paragraph, you have already formed an opinion and there is no reason for me to tell you anything about this attorney. You have made your decision as to what type of person he may be. 

Research by Albert Mehribian, professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, has revealed that within 30 seconds of meeting someone we have already formed an opinion—38 percent based on an individual’s body language, 7 percent based on what he or she says, and an astounding 55 percent based on what that person is wearing. 

Because we are bombarded by thousands of media images every day, we naturally make quick judgments about the images we see. As a way to filter these images, we all have developed an instantaneous method of sorting the genuine products or ideas from those that we consider rubbish. 

The question, then, is can your wardrobe really help you move ahead in business? The answer is yes. Whether you are fresh out of college, trying to land your first corporate gig, or hoping to climb the corporate ladder, your appearance is the first and most vital impression you will make. 

You may have all the necessary skills and abilities to succeed, but what message are you sending with your wardrobe? You may be a confident negotiator and have excellent people skills, but your wardrobe may be telling a different tale. 

“Dressing the part is just one more asset to add to the ‘whole-person concept’ companies are looking for in individuals. Companies want individuals who exhibit the knowledge, the behaviors and the appearance of the job they hold,” noted Pamela Eyring, President of The Protocol School of Washington. 

Business image is exceptionally important. Showcasing a look that complements your abilities will guarantee that you gain a competitive edge in today’s cutthroat job market. With appearance accounting for 55 percent of the message you convey in business, it is imperative to know what your wardrobe is saying to your employer. 

Following are some constructive ways to polish your business image. 

1. Effectively interpret business dress codes. Business dress codes are constantly misconstrued; business casual, for example, has been taken to the limit in almost every office in America. The fact is that none of us are sure what the term “business casual” actually means. The best way to prevent any misunderstanding is to obtain a detailed explanation of your company’s dress code from the human resources department. 

2. Know what characteristics define a well-dressed professional. An effective strategy when formulating your business wardrobe is to dress two levels above your current position. You will not only show that you are highly qualified for your current position, but you will also demonstrate much potential to grow in your career. 

3. Create a business wardrobe through proper planning. You can put a woman in an Armani suit, but if it is not the right fit and/or cut, then you might as well have bought the suit at a yard sale. It is extremely important to know your own physical characteristics. Not only should a business wardrobe be versatile, but your clothes also should seem as though they are a natural extension of yourself. 

4. Understand what colors say in business and what colors work best for you. The art of color is a science. Color must complement you physically, express your personality and be appropriate for the office. Bringing these aspects together will accentuate your business look as a whole. 

The bottom line is that your clothing needs to work for you, not against you. 

With this in mind, when you are standing in your closet tomorrow morning choosing your attire for the day, know that you can change the course of your career by simply changing the way you market the product. Send a message of success with your wardrobe, and you will inevitably see corresponding results.

Sarah Metcalfe

Director of Alumni Affairs