Whether you are currently working or looking for a new job, people are forming opinions about you. Since it can be difficult to be objective about yourself, think of yourself as a product you are trying to market and consider what product packaging you need to have to reach your target market. The way you look, act, and speak are all product features that determine the image you are projecting to others and the positioning of the product - you.

Dress For The Job You Want To Have

Everyone has heard the old saying that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Before you even open your mouth, people have judged you based on the way you are dressed. Therefore, you need to be sure your clothes reflect the image you are trying to create. Always dress one level up and not just for the job you currently have. Companies today have a huge emphasis on succession planning and one way to be considered for the next level is to look the part. The key is to look professional. Project the image that you are competent and confident. Remember when you pick out your clothes in the morning, you never know who you are going to see. Every day is an opportunity to impress people and you can use your clothes to gain their confidence.

Be The Consummate Professional at Work

When you join a company, make sure you understand how people interact with each other. When you first arrive, be sure to do a lot of listening so you can learn from your colleagues. Always treat people with respect, no matter what their position in the company. The key thing to remember is that it is business, not a social situation. Be friendly but talk about general subjects until you get to know people: the news, industry trends, or movies. See what other people talk about and follow their lead. Don’t get into the details of your personal life too quickly since there is no going back. Just because people treat you with professional courtesy, it does not mean they are immediately your friend. This is especially true of your boss. It is always best to keep a professional line with your boss since he or she is the person you most need to impress. You can be more open with peers, but even there you should take things slowly. Some of these people may develop into lifelong friends, but real friendships develop over time.

Effectively Communicate Your Ideas

Get to the point quickly in your written and verbal communications. No matter what type of job you have, you need to influence other people and the best way to do this is by organizing your thoughts and getting your points across concisely. Most of the time people want the bottom line. If they want more detail, they’ll ask for it. Think of all those long emails you have received where all you are asking yourself is “what is the point?” A very successful consultant told me the key to selling a client on ideas is to make your point and leave. The more you talk, the more you dilute the power of your message.

Getting back to the idea of packaging yourself, remember to think about how these three areas- look, act, speak - work together. A luxury sedan, SUV and sports car may all be automobiles, but they evoke different responses from people. What is the image you think you need to have to succeed in your company and are you projecting it? For example, a conservative financial services firm is likely looking for the luxury car image to give customers confidence that the firm will manage their money well. A manufacturer may favor the SUV style since the company prides itself on plowing through all obstacles and delivering on time. Finally, an advertising agency probably considers itself on the cutting edge of consumer trends and a sports car image is a better fit for that organization.  Once you understand the market you are targeting and adjust your style accordingly, you will be a big step ahead on your career path.

Takeaways:

• Think consciously about the work image you are projecting.
• Dress one level up and look ready for promotion.
• Make sure you treat people well and are perceived as a professional.
• Use your communications effectively to get your ideas across.