Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

First impression always lasts, it is said. The same goes for the mark that you make when you walk into an office for an interview or a meeting.

Although you may have an impressive résumé which reflects your academic achievement, but on the face of it, it is your personality, complemented by your attire and grooming that will create the first impression.

There is a thin line between being casual and giving an impression that you have 'arrived', which means that it would be highly inappropriate to turn up in shorts and flip-flops for a meeting at an advertising agency or an art gallery.

"One should always dress professionally for an interview and never take anything for granted," says Laura Butler, founding member and managing director of Invision Training Consultants Ltd.

"It does not matter where you are," Butler says, "you should always be well groomed and properly attired."

Butler, who is a consultant on personal and corporate image and business ethics, says it all starts with your mindset, "Have a positive attitude and be grateful for the opportunities presented."

Before heading out for your appointment, ensure that you are groomed, she advises, " Your nails, hair, clothes clean and in the best condition. Your attire should say you are all about business and ready to work."

Courtesy is also very important. Butler recommends that you extend your hand when meeting people and be polite. You should introduce yourself, using your first and the last name.

Here are some dos & don'ts recommended by Butler when heading for an interview or an important meeting:

CLOTHES

Wear the correct trouser length, too short and your socks will show.

Your trousers are too long if they are touching the ground or covering the back of your shoes completely or gather and fall on your shoes.

Do not wear white socks with work attire unless your job requires you to wear trainers.

Avoid clothes that wrinkle easily and are too thin, too tight or too short for work.

A lady's skirt length should not be more than two inches above the knee.

Choose colours that complement your skin tone and select styles that flatter your body type.

Read the dress code of the organisation and ensure that you are abiding by the rules.

MINIMISE ACCESSORIES

Select a fragrance that complements your body chemistry and is not too strong, remember there are people with allergies and you want to go for subtle.

Keep fingernails short and clean for men and ladies, an appropriate length.

If you are going for an interview, then get a French manicure, one colour nail polish or a natural and clean look.

Wear subtle jewellery - a watch, one necklace, a pair of earrings, one ring (your wedding band or engagement ring is fine).

The Spoken Word

Once you have decided on your attire, work on how you are going to approach the interview or meeting. The spoken word is critical, a lot depends on what message you get across.

"The purpose of speech is to communicate and communicate we must effectively," Butler says.

It is important to make every effort to have a good command of the English language. If you choose to speak Patois, then time and place is important.

Practise pronunciation of words and if needs be, invest in some classes.

Improve on your listening skills. "Hearing is natural to human beings but listening is not," says Butler. "It is a learned skill and a key ingredient for building relationships."

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Finally, she says, the best way to lead is by example. "There should always be a level of professionalism and respect when dealing with others," Butler recommends

Young managers should also keep in mind that their subordinates, who are older than them, have to be accorded respect. Experience is something that comes with time. Be respectful to those around you and learn from them," she says,

Interpersonal relations are also important in a workplace, Butler says that it is okay to be assertive and confident, but one should not be overbearing and obnoxious.

Keep some things in mind as you head to the workplace:

First, it is imperative that you are doing the correct things before you set out correcting others.

Show courtesy and be thoughtful, "Treat others the way you would like to be treated," says Butler.

Old habits are hard to break, so make a habit of good things, it will always pay you wherever you go.

Email: amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.