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DEVELOPING PROFESSIONALISM THROUGH PROFESSIONAL DRESS |
by Jack J. Rose, Executive Director |
Research studies have continually proven that dressing professionally has a direct influence on the degree of success one can attain. In other words, when you dress professionally, you perform professionally. In fact, several of our Fortune 500 companies are moving away from ‘casual business dress’ which developed in the 1990s. From a business standpoint, when something that negatively affects profits is identified, companies shift into high gear to correct the situation. You ask, “What is Professor Rose talking about?” You might argue that some business establishments want their sales associates wearing what they sell. For example, when you shop at the Gap, employees are all in jeans because that is what they sell. A study was conducted throughout the automobile industry focusing on new car sales. The outcome verified that sales were not as strong when customers dealt with salespeople who were not dressed professionally. In fact, customers were interviewed upon exiting new car dealerships and the number one reason for not purchasing that automobile was that the customers felt that the salesperson was not credible or honest. In many cases, this is not the fact, but the perception. As human beings, we perceive things that may or may not be true. Unfortunately, people are judged by others within the first five seconds of meeting. First impressions can bring success or failure. Whether you agree with it or not, that is the society we live in – right or wrong. It’s also a topic for a future article so I will stick with the current subject. Did you know that professional dress sales have increased the last three years in both men’s and women’s attire, reflecting a sharp shift back to professional career wear. Men and women’s suit sales have soared. I continually tell students that I learn more by listening and observing. Books are just a resource and there are many other ways to learn. Today, many promotion interviews are conducted at a restaurant. Many people feel this is a great way to get away from the company to do an interview so they are not interrupted. Guess what? This type of interview is conducted because the interviewer or search committee wants to observe your social skills. Do you know how to conduct yourself if you were entertaining clients? Can you hold a fork or use a knife properly? Do you use a napkin? Where is the napkin? Your social skills are very important and etiquette and proper manners are essential to success. Again, this is a topic for a future article, so back to professional dress. In marketing terms, you are a “product” of the institution where you obtained your degree. If we do not produce excellent products, our reputation would not be as strong as it is today. Employment opportunities would not be as bright without employers recognizing our brand. In addition, a key ingredient to that brand is professionalism. I have had the privilege of working with many business and industry leaders and their companies look to employment resources that have an overall package to offer. Yes, being book smart can be an advantage, but without the total look and professional attitude that climb up the corporate ladder can be a rough journey or an invitation to go from job to job. Business and industry representatives continually tell us how professional our members are, and when they judge our competitive events, they continually state how professional our members present themselves. And, it’s not just professional dress, it’s the excellence in oral and written communications they exhibit. Remember, it’s the total package and I leave you with one thought – With a positive attitude, you can increase your aptitude so you can reach a high altitude. |
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