Corporate Ladder vs. Corporate Elevator: Your Image

By: Lydia Ritchie

Limàge Image is for Everyone

www.limage.co.za

083 642 7671

When thinking of well-known South African brands such as Mrs. Balls and Investec, you get a solid mental picture of the brand in your minds-eye. In this same manner your image and personal brand should attempt to stir the same reaction in the eye of potential employers and Recruiters.

As discussed in Part two of 'Corporate ladder vs. Corporate elevator', your appearance plays a key role in creating your image which contributes to your personal brand. Job Seekers can follow a series of basic guidelines to apply to developing their personal image in order to create a great impression with a company they wish to join. Try to keep in mind that the image of a brand is what makes it unique appealing and above all superior to that of its competitors.

To follow are a few tips to apply to your personal image and appearance that will stand you in good stead in boosting your personal brand.

Top Image Tips when Attending a Meeting or Interview

• A dark coloured suit does wonders in revealing a professional image and focussed attitude that will be taken seriously.
• Men should always wear a tie. A red tie portrays a powerful image and contributes to a positive psychological advantage above any other coloured ties (See the meaning of colour in the section below).
• Selecting the colour of your shirt you wear is dependent on the type of meeting you are attending but as a rule of thumb, avoid bright or loud colours and designs. If this is something that you are completely at a loss for, why not consider having colour coding done by a professional image consultant. After each session you will receive a colour palette that will contain the best neutral and accent colour options for your skin tone which will assist you in communicating the image you are after.

Top Image Tips for Women

• To communicate a professional image, shoulders should always be covered. Avoid spaghetti strap tops and halter necks. When trying to accomplish a professional image, less is certainly not more and women should avoid over exposing themselves when attempting to do so.
• Avoid micro-minis or inappropriately short skirts. Again, you want to be remembered for your striking image, impressive skills and value that you can contribute to a company and not for the blindingly short skirt you were wearing.
• Your underwear should not be visible.
• Keep make-up natural in order to portray a professional image and apply the rule that your make-up should not wear you but you wear it.
• Casual Fridays are still work days. If you think you may look too casual then you probably do.

Top Image Tips for Men

• T-shirts never communicate a professional image in the workplace. If it's not completely necessary for you to wear a 3 piece suite, rather opt for a button up shirt without a tie as opposed to wearing a cotton T-shirt that you would over the weekend.
• No sneakers. There are some very comfortable smart shoes that will give your image the professional edge that it needs.
• Your underwear should not be visible.

It is worth mentioning that the above tips are intended for corporate environments and boundaries will vary between companies as well as industries. While this is so, remember that even if you do work in a more casual setting try to always look neat tidy and at best professional. You image is what gets you noticed and taken seriously.

To follow is a colour grid describing the impact of colour on your image. The psychology of colour has been researched extensively. The psychological effect of colour translates into a business meaning and has an impact on your corporate image. Colour can affect the way that your peers and your employers perceive you. Read more about the business meaning of colour below:

To take a quick personality test based on colour choices click here.