How to Look More Professional

Understand your office's dress code. Many workplaces will outline their dress code clearly, but if it's not specified, observe the attire during your interview. You should be able to gauge what's suitable by noting what others are wearing. For example, if suits and blazers are the norm, avoid showing up in jeans.

• If you're interviewing for a job and the dress code isn't discussed, make sure to ask about it. This will demonstrate your commitment to adhering to the office's dress standards.

Identify your preferred brands. It will be easier to maintain your wardrobe if you discover specific brands that suit you within your budget. Not all brands fit the same, and not every style is flattering on everyone. Spend some time exploring different stores to find what works best for you, and updating your wardrobe will be less time-consuming in the future.

• If the brands you love are out of your price range, try shopping at secondhand stores or discount outlets for them.

Understand that modesty is key. The office isn't the place for revealing skirts, low-cut tops, tight pants, or shirts with unbuttoned collars—whether you're male or female. By dressing more modestly, you're more likely to be viewed as professional.

• Remember, first impressions count.
• While modesty matters, your performance and personality will truly set you apart.

Dress slightly more formally than you think is necessary. This is especially important when meeting someone for the first time, attending an interview, or participating in a significant meeting such as a press conference or a meeting with a key client. If you overdress, you'll still be perceived as professional; if you underdress, you might seem unprofessional. This doesn’t mean you need to wear a tuxedo or a formal gown to a meeting, but aim to wear your most polished attire.

• Stick to muted colors for work outfits. Black, dark grey, and navy are timeless options.
• Keep makeup simple and subtle—opt for neutral shades like nude or soft pink lipsticks.

Pay attention to the details. It's the little things that elevate your professional appearance. For example, you might own a high-quality suit, but if it's covered in pet hair, it won't give the impression you want. Likewise, if your shoes are scuffed, they detract from your overall look.

• Before you head out, do a quick check from head to toe for things like pet hair, rips in your clothing or stockings, and worn-out shoes.

Don’t hesitate to add a personal touch. It's possible to incorporate personal elements into your attire and still maintain a professional appearance. Whether it's a fun tie or a charming hair clip, as long as it’s not too flashy, it’s acceptable.

• Avoid oversized earrings, visible tattoos, strong perfumes, or anything that could potentially offend your colleagues, clients, or interviewers.

Be punctual. Arriving on time means showing up a few minutes early and being prepared to work. Also, always make sure you're on time for meetings.

• If you're occasionally late, a strong reputation for punctuality will make it more likely that your lateness will be forgiven.

Take your breaks as needed. If you’re given a one-hour lunch break, make sure you're back within that hour. Likewise, adhere to your break schedule. For example, if you're allotted four 10-minute breaks per day, stick to that time frame.

Master your role. Ideally, you should be properly trained for your job when you first start. However, if you find yourself lacking essential knowledge a year or two into the role, seek guidance. If you'd like to be discreet, ask a peer for some helpful tips.

• If you're unclear on a new task, don't hesitate to ask your boss for clarification. They’ll likely appreciate your effort to get the job done accurately.

Stay focused on your work. While at the office, focus on work-related tasks. Avoid personal calls unless it's an emergency, and steer clear of distractions like social media. Concentrate on the job at hand.

Separate your personal and professional life. While it's okay to mention your family occasionally, it's best not to go into too much detail about your private life. Avoid discussing family problems with your colleagues. If you have a health issue that could impact your work, speak with someone from your human resources team. Similarly, be mindful of how you present yourself online.

• If you connect with coworkers on social media, consider hiding certain posts from them—or better yet, refrain from posting them altogether. For example, avoid sharing details about a wild night out.
• If a colleague asks to connect with you on social media, direct them to your LinkedIn profile instead.
• Remember, once something is online, it can be shared, so if you don’t want it to be seen, don’t post it.

Embrace the company culture. Every office has its own culture, including unspoken rules. Some are more casual, while others are stricter. Observe your colleagues to learn these unwritten rules. For example, one unspoken rule might be to use email for questions that aren't urgent.

Maintain a tidy workspace. A cluttered desk full of papers and coffee cups can make you appear unprofessional. However, you can add a touch of personality, as long as it's appropriate for the office. Family photos are fine, but avoid any inappropriate images like scantily clad individuals.

• Inappropriate or offensive photos should not be displayed in your workspace. Keep them in private, non-work areas.

Speak clearly and thoughtfully. A great way to sound professional is by eliminating verbal tics. One method is to slow down your speech and think about what you're saying before you say it.

• If you're unsure of the verbal tics you use, try recording yourself while talking on the phone. Listening to the playback will help you notice them more easily than when speaking in real time.
• Avoid using filler words like "um" and "like."

Show respect to others. Demonstrating respect, rather than sarcasm or cattiness, reflects your professionalism. Encourage your colleagues to speak up in meetings, and never belittle their contributions. Even if you find an idea strange, avoid responding rudely.

Be an active listener. Treating others well involves listening attentively. It shows that you care about what the other person is saying and fosters meaningful conversation, where you’re not just waiting for your turn to speak.

• Remember, listening is more than just hearing. It’s about understanding the other person's perspective and considering their viewpoint.

Avoid gossiping. Talking about others behind their backs will inevitably come back to them, and it won’t be well received. Staying out of office gossip ensures you come across as more professional.

Own your mistakes. If something you worked on goes wrong, don’t shift the blame to someone else. Take responsibility and think about how you can improve next time. If you spot an issue during a project, discuss it with your boss—together, you may find a way to resolve it.

Make honesty your standard. Professionals are transparent about their work with both their colleagues and clients. Dishonesty will eventually be uncovered, which will damage your professional image.

Be self-assured, not confrontational. Confidence in your abilities is essential, but don't resort to putting others down to make yourself look better. For instance, if you complete your tasks ahead of others, your boss will take note without you boasting about it.

Use people's names. Hearing their own name makes people feel valued. By incorporating names into your interactions, you'll show more respect for others.

• For example, instead of just saying “hello” to a coworker, try, “Hello, Craig!” or “Hi, Annie!”

Stay updated with the latest trends. Regularly read news in your field and stay informed about related businesses. For example, if you're in the jewelry industry, keep an eye on your competitors' activities.

• Being knowledgeable about your company’s developments will also help you stand out with management. It will make it easier for you to offer valuable insights during meetings when your boss seeks input from employees.

Keep your expertise current. Enroll in ongoing education when possible. Attend workshops and training sessions. Stay updated with the latest textbooks and publications in your industry to ensure your skills remain sharp.

• Look for courses at your local community college or explore online learning opportunities.

Join a professional association. Most industries have professional organizations. These groups often host local meetings where you can stay informed about industry news. They also organize large annual conferences where you can network with peers, attend panels, and participate in field-specific lectures. Additionally, they may provide newsletters with industry updates.

Take on additional responsibilities. While it might not always be the most exciting option, tackling extra tasks can help you gain new skills and experience. Moreover, your supervisor will notice your willingness to handle assignments that others may avoid, which can be beneficial when promotions are considered.

• For instance, if your boss mentions a new project that needs a leader, step up and offer to take charge.