Making an impression

As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Whenever you meet someone for the first time they will always size you up straight away.  How you are dressed, how you talk and how you carry yourself.  All of these things will create an image of you in someone’s mind that can be difficult to shake.

Keeping up your appearance is a full time job.  They say you should dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.  This means you should always look smart, clean and well presented – even on Casual Friday!  Make sure your hairstyle is modern and tidy, and your breath is always fresh.  It’s a good idea to keep a spare jacket handy, so you can throw it on should an unexpected client meeting arise.

You can also be judged on how you set up your workspace.  Make sure your desk never looks like it’s been hit by a gale.  All of your papers should be properly filed in a cabinet, or at the very least, in a neat stack on your desk.  Keep your floor space clear of any files or paperwork.  Your desk should be clean and devoid of clutter, crumbs and too many personal items.  While you might have a memory like an elephant and a fabulous work ethic, having a messy desk won’t inspire confidence in you from your peers. If you have any certificates, work related awards or other important documentation, make sure they are framed (where possible), organised and in plain view.

The way you present yourself is important.  If you do it well you will increase the level of confidence your boss has in your abilities.  No matter how hard you work or how efficient you are, if you appear sloppy you could miss out on that well-deserved promotion.