First impressions are tough. You only get one and the stakes are high, especially if it involves a potential or new employer or client. While no one other than you can guarantee that gobbledygook won’t come out of your mouth after your new boss says, “Good morning,” there are other, easier ways to control what people think of you.
When someone doesn’t know you, they use visual clues like clothing and facial expressions to determine if you are the best or worst decision HR ever made. So, make sure you are sending the right signals with the way you dress.
1. Classic is best
In a business setting, it is usually best to keep things classic. Neutral colors like black, gray, brown, or blue, are your best options. While we do love us some print-savvy Robert Graham, it is probably best to save that for when folks know you a little better.
2. Details, details, details!
If you are wearing a suit, make sure it fits, and that your shoes match. Keep everything neat. No sloppiness allowed. You don’t want people to think your work is sloppy too. Here are CJM tips on detail, in more detail (pun intended):
- For advice on how a suit should fit, check out this post.
- For advice on how your pants should look, check out this post.
- To keep your collar crisp, try collar stays (and check out this post).
3. Don’t forget the shoes
Eye contact is important to a good first impression, but that doesn’t mean eyes don’t wander elsewhere, like, to your shoes. Make sure you’re sporting nice kicks—like some from Allen Edmonds, for example (everyone loves Allen Edmonds)—and that they are shining just as much as your winning personality.
For more tips on how to make a 10-out-of-10 first impression, come visit the staff at Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne, Ind.