Wear the HAT RIGHT!

You can project a professional image by enhancing your existing physical attributes. If you do not exploit your potential, you are doing yourself a disservice. But if you “package” yourself well, you could make headway in the workplace. A person’s “packaging” can be defined by his:

1. Appearance – the attire, personal grooming, poise and bearing.
   
   
2. Actions – mannerisms, communication skills and etiquette.
   
   
3. Attitude – overall image projection. These elements are critical non-verbal communicators of your qualities as a professional. Regardless of your profession, the first impression counts. Your client will then decide whether to entrust you and your company to deliver the goods or services. To enhance one’s professional presence one needs to add polish to one’s dressing and interaction skills. Here are some tips:
   
   
• Do an objective personal image review.

On a scale of one to 10, rate your present professional image in the context of your profession, position, company and industry. Think of what others would expect of someone of your professional capacity. The more you project the professional traits that correspond with your line of work, the easier it would be for customers to be receptive to your ideas, services or products. As Singapore is rising to the challenge of becoming a world-class economy, how do you score on your “image quotient” against a global benchmark? Are you “cosmopolitan” or “provincial” in your attitudes, attire and grooming standards? To be an international player, you need to look and act the part. Work with your natural attributes such as your complexion, build and personality. Similar to finding a perfect frame for a piece of art, you need to select clothes and accessories that highlight your physical attributes. For instance, in choosing a white top, people who have warmer skin undertones would look better in “soft-whites” while those with cooler skin undertones are better off with pure whites.

• Wear attire that is suitable to the occasion.

The batik shirt gives you a smart turnout at local official functions, but is best left at home (except during informal evening cocktail) in the international business arena. When you observe international regional or local guidelines for appropriate attire, it will help you identify with the audience in attendance and establish instant professional rapport.

• Pay attention to the fit and quality of your attire.

Instead of quantity, go for quality as you build your wardrobe. Consider the fabric quality, cut and workmanship. For instance, check for full lining in jackets, hand-stitched hems, colour-matched zips and quality buttons.