Whether we want to admit it or not we form our opinions about people based upon how they look. We evaluate their capabilities and likeability based upon their grooming standards, verbal communication, and nonverbal communication. So just as you are sizing up someone that someone is also sizing you up.

Research states that is only takes someone 15 seconds to form an opinion about you based upon your appearance.

You are evaluated on:

55% body language and appearance

38% verbal tone

7% verbal content

I want everyone to take a hard honest look in the mirror. We will start at the top…

Hairstyle – when was it last updated? Are you wearing the same hairstyle from high school? Do you need a haircut? Is your hair clean? What does your hair say about you? Is it too distracting? Remember when job hunting or at work it is better to be conservative than flashy.

Face – pay attention to your grooming of facial hair, application of cosmetics, and the color of your teeth. It is amazing how many people neglect their teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you drink a lot of coffee or smoke cigarettes invest in teeth whitening. Women need to pay attention to how a lipstick shade changes the shade of white of their teeth. Facial hair to include eyebrows, chin, lip etc speaks volumes about you. Invest in laser hair removal or waxing. Trust me; people are noticing and talking. This includes men too. Ensure your eyebrows, mustache and beards are properly groomed.

Hands – look at your nails and cuticles. What do they say about you? Are your nails clean? Are your cuticles torn and dry? Are your hands clean? Do not wear chipped nail polish.

Clothing – is it stylish, clean, and well pressed? Are you wearing clothes that fit? When we talk about clothing, two colors I think that are often overlooked are black and white. This week take a good look at your clothes that are black and white. Is the black really black or is it faded…is the white crisp white or is it yellowed or grey? Two other colors that are often worn faded are red and brown. Pay attention to the age and color of your clothing.

I know many people think that they can wear old clothes and no one cares at their work. However, guess again, when you see someone looking unkept that is how you perceive their job performance, work ethic, and education. If someone is wearing outdated clothing guess what; people will assume that persons job skills are also outdated.

Toes– if you wear sandals do your feet look neat? Are your toe nails polished? Is the polish chipped? What about your heels? Are they rough and cracked. People are noticing. Go get a pedicure. But remember, never wear sandals to a job interview. Most employers will also require you to wear closed toe shoes on the job.

Shoes – are the heels worn? Take a close look at the toes of your shoes. Are they scuffed? Are the heels worn? A cobbler can fix your shoes for a fraction of the cost of replacing them. Do not wear tennis shoes to work unless it is part of your job description.

Action: I want you to assess the clothing in your closet to include your footwear. Throw away anything stained, faded, dingy, things that do not fit, or are out of style. You do not want to be categorized as being outdated. Now I want you to take an honest look at your hairstyle, your purse, and your makeup? When was the last time you replaced your makeup? Remember bacteria get in your makeup and it does not last forever. Bacteria in your cosmetics can be the cause of breakouts.

Make a list of items you need to buy or replace so that you present a professional image. Now armed with a list of items you need to replace prepare a budget so that you can easily afford to replace them.

It is imperative you understand your office and corporate dress code. When you are presenting a clean and professional image, you will be taken seriously. You will be seen as credible and the expert in your community.