How people perceive an individual on their first meeting is often a very lasting impression. What they see when they look at an applicant, salesperson, clerk, tradesman or anyone else they come into contact with for the first time is usually what determines how they classify that person. Sloppy, slovenly, too casual, over-dressed, well-groomed or in a uniform, the image presented to the public, whether it is an interviewer, prospective customer or at a business meeting is their first impression of an individual.  A smart businessman, responding to a query about his impeccable attire at a “business casual” sales meeting, said, “You only have one chance to make a first impression.”

 

Career success is often dependent on that first impression, rather than a resume filled with academic and professional achievements. The greatest pitchman in the world will fail if he doesn’t create a favorable impression when he first walks into the room, because the image created by sloppy attire or poor grooming sets the tone of the meeting. The careful selection of a wardrobe is important, as is good, conservative grooming. The guy with the diamond stud earring, the mod disarray hairstyle and a tattoo curling up his neck above his collar creates an impression alright, but not necessarily a professional one. 

 

According to a study done at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), seven percent of an image is what is said, thirty-eight percent is how it is said and fifty-five percent is from the impression created. You are what your image portrays in the minds of most people. When two people have equal knowledge and skills, the one who makes the best first impression gets the job/makes the sale/gets elected/wins the girl . . .

 

A few basic rules for business attire for both men and women:

·        “Business Casual” does not mean jeans, it really doesn’t mean casual at all, it means no tie or scarf . . . and you can take your jacket off when you sit at the meeting table.

·        Black, navy and charcoal are business colors for professional men and women.

·        Polish your shoes. They look better and last longer.

·        Buy good quality clothing, even if your budget restricts you to fewer items.

·        In a business hierarchy, dress for two levels above.

·        Men, learn the difference between a sport coat and a blazer.

 

Why take a chance that your talents might be overlooked because of the impression of your physical presence? Like the dust-jacket on a book whose purpose is get the book opened, packaging oneself for a good first impression will go a long way towards making sure your "book" gets opened.