SUCCEED WITH STYLE: How Not to Look Like a Newbie on the Job

SUCCEED WITH STYLE: How Not to Look Like a Newbie on the Job

Starting a new job can be overwhelming and stressful. You’re meeting new people every day, developing relationships with new managers, maneuvering through company policies, organizing your office and trying to figure out the expectations of your new role.

Just trying to remember everyone’s name can be challenging enough. Add the pressure of making a great first impression and you have one stressed out newbie!

Follow these tips to help you look like you’ve been on board for months:

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1. Check out the attire of the people one or two positions above you and dress as they do. If the company is business casual and they wear a jacket, then wear a jacket or blazer.

2. Focus on the details of you appearance: don’t come to work with your hair wet. Get a professional haircut and style it before you leave home.

3. Women: wear makeup to complete your look. Lipstick, blush and mascara can make a world of difference.

4. Skip the flip- flops for commuting to work. Instead, wear comfortable flats that coordinate with your outfit and change as soon as you reach your office lobby. You never know who you’ll run into in the elevator.

5. Focus on your body language. Non verbal communication can either support your image or hinder it. Stand and sit up straight but maintain a relaxed feel. Walk with confidence. Smile, make eye contact and deliver a strong handshake.

6. Remember details matter. Iron your clothes. Tailor them to fit you and select the highest quality clothing you can afford. It’s better to have 5 high quality classic pieces that can stand the test of time than a wardrobe filled with shabby clothes.

7. Carry your portfolio or notebook at your side and not in front of you like you are still in school.

8. Lose the backpack computer bag. Nothing says newbie like a backpack.

Margaret Batting is the Corporate Style expert for GoLocalProv.com. Margaret is the owner and president of Elevé Image Consulting and the only certified image consultant and personal brand strategist in Rhode Island. She travels the country as the national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder. For more information, visit www.eleve-style.com.