Keeping Cool While Staying Professional

When summer temperatures soar most of us scale down our clothing in an effort to stay cool and going to work in traditional business attire can be a challenge on those hot days. However, getting too skimpy with your clothing can be a real liability in how you are perceived as a professional.
Your job, position and work environment should dictate the level of formality needed in your attire. If you are in a serious business, like finance, law or other highly professional fields it is very important not to get too casual.
Here are some of my dos and don’ts to maintain a professional image on hot summer days:
• Don’t expose too much skin. Sleeveless, low cut tops are not appropriate in traditional work settings.
• Don’t flip and flop with your shoes. Slides, flip flops and sandals are not as professional as closed toe shoes or closed toe sling backs.
• Don’t get too high with your heels. Anything over two inches can be perceived as “sexy”
• Don’t get too short with your skirts… one –two inches above the knee should be the limit, regardless of how great your legs are.
• Don’t reveal all of your assets. Cleavage on either end is too much information. Be careful not to expose your bare midriff when raising your arms.
• Don’t wear tight tee shirts, tanks or sheer tops. No one wants to tell the temperature of the room by what a woman has on. Layering or a lined bra can help avoid this faux pas.
• Don’t wear capris or long shorts or cargo pants. Light weight long pants are a better choice.
Consider:
• Do wear lighter weight wrinkle resistant fabrics.
• Do lose the tie and wear an open collar if ties are not required.
• Do remove your jacket, but keep one handy if something pops up during your day that might require one.
• Do go bare legged if hose are not required.
• Do wear lighter weight skirts if long pants are too hot.
If you question if something is appropriate for work…it probably isn’t. If you find yourself apologizing for what you have on…it’s wrong.

Professional Neccessities

PROFESSIONAL NECESSITIES

The term “professional” takes on many meanings depending on the venue in which you work. However, there are certain things that everyone who strives to be at the top of their game should know.

Here is my list of professional essentials:

1. Know how to introduce yourself and others properly.
2. Be able to make appropriate eye contact.
3. Understand the power of a smile and pleasant demeanor.
4. Men and women need a firm confident handshake.
5. Standing for introductions.
6. Business card etiquette.
7. Knowing the art of small talk.
8. Observe Internet courtesy.
9. How to use personal technology courteously.
10.Develop a stationery wardrobe to include correspondence cards for “handwritten” thank you notes.
11. Navigate dining situations for business and pleasure with ease.
12. The ability to work a room and network effectively.
13. Dress for success in all situations.

If you are not confident in all these areas…you may be damaging your chances for getting a job and possibly, keeping it or advancing in it. We are judged much more on our social skills than any of our other talents.