Advice for Employers and Recruiters
Dress for Success If You Want that Promotion
While your skills and qualifications may make you an ideal candidate for a promotion at work, don’t overlook the importance of your personal appearance. A poor image could stand in the way of career advancement.
A word of advice for workers considering wearing pajamas, a chicken suit or parachute pants to the office: Don’t. In a survey from OfficeTeam, eight in 10 (80 percent) executives interviewed said clothing choices affect an employee’s chances of earning a promotion, and respondents gave some pretty hilarious examples of outfits that missed the mark.
The good news for the wardrobe-challenged is that proper attire may carry less weight than it did six years ago: 93 percent of executives surveyed in 2007 tied professional wear to advancement prospects. Among those respondents, 33 percent said clothing significantly affects a person’s chances of moving up the ladder, versus just 8 percent who feel this way today.
Managers were asked, “To what extent does someone’s style of dress at work influence his or her chances of being promoted?” Their responses:
2013 |
2007 |
|
Significantly |
8% |
33% |
Somewhat |
72% |
60% |
Not at all |
20% |
7% |
100% |
100% |
“Employees may be tempted to dress down in today’s workplace, especially during warmer months, but clothing that’s too casual or revealing can be frowned upon,” said OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking. “Although a polished appearance alone won’t land you a promotion, it can help others envision you in a leadership role.”
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