The Effective Admin™

Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™

and Founder and President

of The Effective Admin

"With almost 24 years experience interacting with the 'real' workplace and working administrative professionals -- including holding former admin pro level positions (and higher levels) myself at multiple different employers, -- I am well aware of the substantial job you and your administrative professional colleagues perform daily.

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While dressing appropriately for your job won't necessarily get you a promotion or other perk, dressing inappropriately almost assuredly will NOT get you any advancement opportunities. And you may get noticed for the wrong reasons. A lot of things you don't say or do at work speak about you. One of those things is what you wear to work. If you're an administrative professional who wants to shine for all the right reasons at work, make sure your dress helps create the professional image you want. It doesn't have to be expensive, just appropriate for the image you want to portray.

You’re Wearing That?
What — and What Not — to Wear at Work

by Diane Domeyer, executive director of Office Team

All administrative professionals can benefit by paying close attention to their office outfits. In fact, in an OfficeTeam survey, 93 percent of managers polled said a person’s style of dress at work influences his or her chances of earning a promotion; one-third said on-the-job attire “significantly” affects an employee’s advancement prospects. While impeccable style won’t necessarily land you a promotion, dressing inappropriately could cost you one. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to office attire.

Dress up a level. ”Dress for the position you would like to achieve” is a good rule to remember. Take cues on your fashion choices from managers at your organization.

Understand that skin is not in. If you have to ask yourself if an article of clothing is work-appropriate, it probably isn’t. When in doubt, play it safe. For example, steer clear of revealing items, including tank tops, low-rise jeans, midriff-baring shirts and short skirts.

Don’t flip-flop. Avoid letting your professional image slip while you’re enjoying the lazy, hazy days of summer. Even on casual dress days, save the beach bum uniform of flip-flops, board shorts, Hawaiian shirt and headphones for the beach or pool.

Be a good sport. Stay ahead in the career game by avoiding any type of athletic wear in the office. If you have a yoga class or a tennis match scheduled after work, pack clothes to change into.

Iron out the details. Even the nicest, most professional outfit can look sloppy and unattractive when wrinkled. Before you leave the house, make sure your clothes are free of wrinkles, stains and lint.

By simply understanding the importance of how you dress, exercising good fashion judgment and erring on the side of caution, you can create a polished image that could help you advance in your career as an administrative professional.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Diane Domeyer is executive director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.