One of the most important ways that you can communicate your professionalism and ensure success is how you project yourself to the world. Have you ever had a regular client suddenly stop communicating with you and wondered why? Or thought you had a deal in the bag only to lose out to a rival? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may need to take a deeper look at your professional image.
Having a good professional image is more than just how you dress. Below, we will take a look at a few of the basic practices that you should incorporate into your work and personal life to ensure that potential employers and clients are drawn in, rather than turned off by your professional image.
Clean up your social media profiles
What you do on social media is a window into your life. It can tell others what you think about the world, what you do with your day, the types of people you admire, and the issues that enthuse you. Even if your profile is set to private, your social media account can give people a lot of unexpected information. For example, posts that you’ve “liked” may show up on other timelines depending on the privacy settings of the original post. This also applies to comments on digital newspaper articles. If someone Googles your name, a comment you left under your real name might show up.
There are two ways you can handle this. The first is to take the extreme path of not ever letting your employer, co-workers, or clients have access to your personal social media accounts and use a fake name for public comments. The easier and more realistic option is to use social media to your advantage by matching what you say to the image you want to project. Make your posts positive and genuine and be cautious.
Keep your personal life private
We’ve all had our moments that we’re not so proud of. If you had a wild weekend, you might think it’s an amusing story to relate to your fellow co-workers. However, if you’re trying to build a positive professional image, it would be best to keep this sort of personal detail to yourself.
Keep this in mind when interacting with your boss, co-workers, and clients. While they may enjoy a little personal interaction and will bond better with you having a more personal relationship, you should try to avoid complaining to them about the day you’ve had or your significant other. The key is to keep things positive. Take cues from your leaders or clients and avoid controversial topics.
Present yourself in a flattering way
When people think of their professional image, appearance is often the first thing that comes to mind. While it’s just one small part of the big picture, it plays a major role in how others identify you. You’re deciding how others should see and perceive you so if you want to appear presentable, it’s best to dress the part. For example, if a neat and clean look is what you’re after, don’t wear clothing with stains or tears in them.
Presenting yourself in a flattering way doesn’t mean that you have to ditch your personal style. There are many ways you can incorporate your favorite colors, patterns, and styles into your attire without breaking your company’s dress code. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look good either. Shopping at discount stores or thrift shops is a great way to find stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces for a low price. Many thrift stores even offer their clothing selection online now, making it possible to shop your favorite brands from your cell phone or laptop. For example, thredUP is a fashion resale marketplace that offers clothing from over 35,000 brands online. Their diverse collection of gently used Lularoe clothing is perfect for the office or a day with friends. Not to mention, you can browse through it without leaving your home.
Be respectful
There’s nothing worse than a lack of respect in the workplace. Whether this is displayed by tardiness, rudeness, boredom, lack of communication or lack of attention to detail, disrespect of any kind tells your colleagues that you’re not really interested in them or the tasks at hand.
The moral is, regardless if you’re working with the person currently or not, you should treat everyone with respect. The image that you build is founded on how you treat people, so treat them well. Word spreads fast and if you want to sharpen up your professional image, you’ll need to sharpen your people skills as well. It’s important to have good manners, a good understanding of social etiquette, and have a measure of charm.
Always follow through
If you promise to do a particular task or project, do it. Unless something unexpected comes up, a commitment is a commitment. And in that case, you should be sure to communicate anything that interferes with completing a task or meeting a deadline as soon as possible.
Act with integrity. Don’t ever provide less than you say you will and make sure if you say you can do something, that you’re able to deliver it. Unfortunately, it’s more common than we may realize to say you have more experience than you do. Or that you’re proficient in something you’ve only ever glanced at. However, if your lies are exposed, they will tear apart that carefully built professional image and trust.
Get Out Of The “Being Underpaid” Trap
Some clients tell me they feel uneasy when employers ask them what their salary history is. (This question is unlawful to ask in some states, but not all.) The question brings about anxiety because they are unsure what the consequences will bring and worry their answer can either cost them the job or reduce a potential offer.
On the surface, it seems like a fair question. What is your monetary expectation?
But underneath, there is something hidden. The withholding of information.
Let’s say you feel you are currently being underpaid. Does this mean you are stuck with underpayment forever? No, it does not. Let’s say you are volunteering, and getting paid zero. Does this mean you get paid zero again? No.
It does not matter what you are currently being paid; only what the job is worth.
When you walk into a store, you know what something cost. There is a price listed. It’s clear.
For job seekers, this rule of clarity does not always apply. Job seekers have to guess what an employer is paying. This is one-sided.
You can’t force employers to disclose information they don’t want to, but you can be prepared to receive the best salary offer possible.
How? Follow these steps:
Determine what you want to get paid.
Ask yourself, “What do I want my salary to be?” Many clients cannot answer this question. You cannot ask for something unless you know what to ask for. Spend time with your finances. Determine what is coming in and going out. This is your breakeven point. Add in what you want in savings. Add in contingency funds. Then, add 10%. Does this number motivate you? If yes, this is your number.
Research the market.
An alternative reply to “what do you want to get paid?” is, “I have researched the market and see this role is paying in the range of A to B. I believe I fit into this range because… (Summarize your credentials.) Are you willing to pay that?” Turn their question into your question, and the power shifts to you. (Salary sites help with research.) Money can be an emotional topic. Outside information can bring objectivity and perspective into an uncomfortable situation.
Ask for what you want.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get. You may hear “yes” when you ask. Or, you may hear “no.” At least you asked. Employers will value you when you value yourself first. If they don’t, it’s not a place where you want to work. Move on.
Be prepared to negotiate.
A salary is more than an annual number. It can include expenses and benefits. What else would make you happy? Your education expenses covered? Your cell phone bill? Daycare? Extra vacation days? Flex time? Many companies have salary caps, but have wiggle room for extras.
Remember: be proud of what you bring to the table. And, don’t settle for less.