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Rightly or wrongly, first impressions are important, especially in the office. But that doesn't mean it's too late to revamp your public image.
The internet obsessed over Mark Zuckerberg, switching his old aesthetic of hoodies and gray t-shirts to his new look — he now sports chain necklaces. The Meta CEO said he's "getting a bit more comfortable" with just being himself as he ages.
Hannah Salton, a UK-based career coach and author with a background in corporate recruitment, said it's important to create a persona for work that you're comfortable with.
She offered five tips if you want to change how you look at work:
Staying true to your own personal style while also looking professional is always a bit of a balancing act, Salton said.
Sometimes when you start a new job and feel a bit self-conscious, it helps to present yourself in a way that boosts your confidence, whether by dressing more professionally or sharing a bit of your personality, she explained.
"How you present yourself will inevitably inform others' opinions of you, so it's important to create an external impression that you are comfortable with," Salton said.
Salton said you should still be who you are at work, even if you don't wear exactly what you do outside the office. The dress code will depend on your industry.
For law, you are generally required to wear smarter clothes, compared to media or tech, which are both more informal, Salton suggested as examples.
She said if you are new to the professional world, the best thing to do is to pick up on cues and pay attention to what your colleagues are saying, wearing, and doing to create the right balance for yourself.
There are some circumstances, such as when you're about to meet with clients, where it's appropriate to ask fellow employees or your manager for their input into how best to dress, she said.
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It's vital to be aware of your online presence, including your social media accounts, she said.
"Even if you believe they are private, photos or videos can be shared or made visible to others without your knowledge," Salton said. "Be mindful of everything you write and share online, and imagine how you would feel if a hiring manager or boss read it."
For Salton, the ability of someone to screenshot your content and send it to others almost extends the argument that your personal brand should be more consistent with how you appear at work.
However, this doesn't mean you have to act the exact same in your public and personal life, she said.
Salton said whether it's a dress code error or something has gone slightly wrong in how you've chosen to present yourself, it's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes.
If you feel you've done something incorrectly or offended someone, you need to recognize it, own it, take responsibility, and genuinely apologize.
"Spend time reflecting on who you are as a person, and how you would like others to describe the best, authentic version of yourself," Salton said.
This means being clear on your values and how you can present these authentically, she added.
