Take a good look around the organization. When you see your colleagues, what collective appearance do they convey? Is there a certain "style" that seems to be prevalent?
Often we enter a new work experience and feel we are inappropriately under or over-dressed. Even though some organizations don't have a written dress or appearance code, most do promote an unwritten policy. Such policies relate to dress, accessories, hair styles, and personal hygiene. It might take you some time to explore acceptable norms and transition into the styles and standards that are expected of you. In most cases, you will find you can easily accommodate workplace appearance expectations with few or no changes in your personal style.
Our appearance sends signals to our co-workers and our customers about who we are and what our values are. Those signals should fit with what's appropriate and expected at our workplace. It's a sign of respect and we're each responsible for knowing what those standards are.
Work through the chart below and fill in each category to indicate your individual preferences about appearance. Then check to see how your personal style corresponds with your organization's expectations.
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Personal Appearance Survey | ||
| Category | Preference What I like. |
What Works for Work What’s Expected of me. |
clothing style |
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jewelry |
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body adornment (pierced ears, nose,tattoos etc.) |
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hair style |
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personal hygiene |
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