Is your Image Fit for Business?

Guidance notes for a modern, smart and professional appearance...

Image Matters!

There are no second chances in our fiercely competitive world, a poor first impression can ruin your chances of a successful interview before you have even opened your mouth and etiquette faux pars can leave even the most talented individual out in the cold.

This guide has been produced to give you practical advice on appearance in the workplace. We recognise that in a modern flexible environment, a formal suit and tie is not appropriate in all situations; but what is? Interpreting this advice requires you to consider who you need to influence that day, with the overriding objective being to looking smart and professional at all times.

"We don't live in a world of reality, we live in a world of perceptions." Gerald J. Simmons

Top Tips for Building a Professional Reputation

1.  Plan what you want people to say about you

2.  Take stock of what they think now

3.  Develop your presence through your non-verbal communication

4.  Echo what people judge us by - trust, humility, caring and capability

5.  Dress for success not mediocrity

6.  Wear and use colour to be distinctive, professional and trustworthy

7.  Use structure & lines to power up

8.  The devil is in the detail - get groomed!

9.  Consistency - Do it! Do it! Do it!

Guidelines for Men

These recommendations help support a professional appearance

Formal & client meetings & Interviews
• Single or double breasted suit with collared shirt, tie and formal black footwear

Other occasions
• Business suit or jacket with co-ordinated trousers, together with collared shirt and appropriate footwear
• Remove tie and jacket if appropriate

Dress down Friday
• Casual trousers or smart jeans worn with either a collared shirt or collared t-shirt. It is advisable to have a jacket in the office in case of a sudden meeting

Additional advice
• Avoid a tie with shirt button undone
• A belt should always be worn on trousers with belt-loops
• Restrict lighter shaded suits to the summer
• Avoid short sleeve shirts, you will look more professional to roll up the sleeves of your double-cuff shirt
• Polish shoes regularly

Please don't...
The following are unacceptable in business
• Sports or branded clothing, slogans, rips or patches, corduroy, leather
• Visible body piercings or prominent tattoos
• Garish or clashing colours or patterns
• Casual shoes with a formal suit

Guidelines for Women

These recommendations help support a professional appearance

Formal & client meetings & Interviews
• Business suit (skirt or trousers) or jacket with co-ordinated skirt or dress (solid colour), together with shirt or collarless fitted top and formal footwear

Other occasions
• Jacket with trousers, skirt or dress
• Remove jacket if appropriate

Dress down Friday
• Casual dress, skirt or trousers worn with more fluid material top or jacket. Be careful that too much flounce and pattern can detract from your credibility
• Accessories can make more of a statement

Additional advice
• Avoid short skirts (knee-length preferable), tops that reveal the shoulders and inappropriate choice of hosiery
• Polish shoes regularly

Please don't...
The following are unacceptable in business
• Sports or branded clothing, slogans, rips or patches, corduroy, leather
• Provocative or revealing clothes (including bare midriffs), visible underwear
• Visible body piercings or prominent tattoos
• Garish or clashing colours or patterns