- Explore the impact of first impressions in the workplace! - Share and discuss appropriate professional and business casual attire.

- Share and discuss what may be considered “inappropriate” professional and business casual attire.

- Learn how to create a professional image!

Workshop Objectives

- Advice

- Helpful hints

- Addresses one of the many key elements to success in the workplace

- Focus on the IRS workplace environment

- Research gathered from career professionals and business leaders

What this workshop is…

- Criticizing

- Judging

- Preaching

- Mocking

- Promoting Adornment

What this workshop isn’t…

- First thing you notice!

- A person is a picture! A tiny thing like appearance provides that picture!

- You’re being interviewed all the time!

- It takes less than 3 seconds to evaluate the other person based on their appearance, body language, demeanor, mannerisms and dress. And, we do.

- First impressions are extremely difficult to change or undo.

- Once people have made a judgment about the other person, they instinctively look for other clues (as the relationship progresses) to support their initial judgment. This is often referred to as the “halo effect”.

Let’s Explore “First Impressions”!

- A picture speaks a thousand words!

- Life is a stage!

- First impressions are lasting…

- A bad first impression is difficult to undo!

- Love at first sight!

First Impressions Quotes and Sayings!

- What is Success?

- What is Dress?

What is Dressing for Success?

- How do you really define it?

- Does it depend on personal priorities?

- Does it change over time?

- Does it depend on your professional environment?

- Is it educational attainment? - Is it a certain position or grade?

- We all want to be successful and we define what it really is!

What is Success?

How a person dresses makes a statement about one’s self-identification, image conveyed to others, and level of occupational status or aspiration. Dress can give an additional level of confidence. Dress includes: - Hygiene - Hair - Make-up - Jewelry - Fragrances

What is Dress?

- Slacks and pants that are similar to khakis or other type pants and dress slacks - Skirts, dresses, and suits (pants/skirts)

- Dress and skirt length should be at a point at which you can sit comfortably in public.

- Blazers, jackets, sweaters, and vests

- Casual, golf type, polo, and dress shirts, and turtlenecks

- Dress shoes, loafers, clogs, boots, flats and conservative athletic or walking shoes

- Head covers that are required for religious purposes or to honor cultural tradition

Professional and Business Casual attire is…

- Sweatpants

- Shorts

- Form-fitting attire

- Tank tops

- Shirts with offensive words & logos

- Flip flops/slippers

- Shirts/blouses that are too revealing

- Drooping pants

- Hats

Attire “NOT” considered professional or business casual

What should we add to the “NOT” considered professional or business casual attire list?

Attire “NOT” considered professional or business casual

- What’s your image? What do you want your image to be in the eyes of others?

- In your organization, look around what is the image you need to create? You can create the image you want. - Dress to suit the organization or the situation. People do make judgments on what you wear, so make sure it is appropriate for the environment. Even when there are recognized casual days (or your organization dresses casually) make sure your dress is smart and looks professional.

Creating an Image!

- Take a look at your organization, who are the 3 individuals that you admire or consider to be successful? Exercise: Write their names down on a sheet of paper. For each name list 3 traits, characteristics, behaviors, mannerisms etc. that characterizes them.

- Obtain assistance from organizations that offer career guidance and image counseling. - “Dress is a very foolish thing; and yet it is a very foolish thing for a person not to be well-dressed.”

Creating an Image!

- Err on the side of being conservative!

Remember these rules…

- If you ask yourself should I wear it, don’t!

- Dressing for the occasion and your role is IMPORTANT!

What you wear and how you dress impacts how you are perceived. Perceptions are reality until proven otherwise. First impressions do count…Dress for Success!

It’s Reality or is it?

Q&A

Closing & Thank You!