The Importance of Professional Appearance
Monday
05.19.08
Update: When speaking of spelling and grammar errors within emails, I in no one mean the occasional missed typo. I am referring to clusters of mistakes, and poor writing mixed together to create a jumbled mess or incomprehensible email. I agree with those who said “typos happen.”
There was a time in my life when I did not care what others thought of me. Let’s label these days as my punk rock phase. During this time, I wore what I wanted to wear, I said what I wanted to say and most importantly, I did what I wanted to do. Within these actions, there was very little consideration of the judgments of co-workers or even my boss. This was not based on a lack of respect or an anti-authoritarian view, it was simply what seemed right. Everyone should be able to live exactly how they want, without having to change themselves to please others. My work ethic was still excellent, and I treated people better than your grandma does at a church dinner. I did however, get fired from two different jobs with the hollow reasoning of “You’re just not working out.”
Now, in my old age of three years after the previous event, my outlook on appearance has changed significantly, while still stable in the roots of being who you are. I wear jeans with less holes in them, I save flip-flops for special occasions, and try to wear a vintage style button up; as for the tube socks, well, let’s just say there’s a pair laid out for me on my coffin. I would wear a suit without hesitation, but it would have to be from a time long gone when a man made a suit, not the other way around.
The turning point that lead to my realization that your appearance directly reflects who you are came to me in a different way. After entering into the industry and all that comes with it, I am continually disturbed by the low-level of communication skills that are considered acceptable. Spelling and grammar errors litter every other email, as if whomever is writing it is so important they can’t take 30 seconds to make sure what they are typing makes a bit of sense. This level of arrogance seems to subtly communicate that the author believes his time is more valuable than yours. It’s like sending a client a thank you card, and arriving at their door to slap them in the face while they read it.
Unlike the simple phrases to dodge communication I believe this issue to be directly contributed to laziness. The sender has the ability to send a clear message to the reader, but chooses not to. It was my anger over these silly emails that first allowed me to make the connection between people who write sloppy and people who dress poorly. They are both evaluated by the effort they put forth to connect with the other side.
I’m not saying everyone should be wearing a jacket and tie, that’s fairly over the top and can even send the wrong message. Your dress, and attitude should directly reflect the audience you seek, which is normally very representative of your own personality. If your focus is on making websites for punk bands, the ripped up jeans and Sex Pistols tee are probably a good choice, but if you’re looking toward the mob for some business, go get that striped suit.
There is always the option to continue to communicate, dress, and express yourself however you wish, disregarding the viewer and their impressions; but unless you’re Hugh Hefner, this will probably make you look like a complete jackass.
