When I worked in publishing, I was envious of the casual lifestyles of the freelance writers who worked with us. They were able to make their own hours and work boss-free. This showed in their positive attitudes. However, there was something else I noticed. The freelancers who did well may have been casual, but they paid attention to their appearance. They were well groomed, and wore business causal clothing when on site. Even those who showed up for meetings in jeans didn’t appear slovenly. The one time a freelancer showed up in sweats he was never asked to another meeting. We didn’t care much for the sloppy freelancers. If they showed up at a client site looking a mess, what could we expect from their representations of us in their work?
Gillette Career Advantage reminds us we need to look our best. We may not have a “boss” in the traditional sense of the word, but we do have to answer to people. We do have to represent brands and businesses. To not put our best foot forward appearance-wise is a big mistake. If you’re going to update your resume, cover letter, writing samples, client testimonials and other important papers, why not update your look as well. If you’ve been out of a business environment for a while, your work at home mom or dad or starving artists look isn’t always going to cut it.
Gillette recently revealed the results of a survey conducted among 500 Human Resources professionals. Now, as freelancers we don’t have to deal with H.R. people on a regular basis, but it gives us insight into what those who are in a position to hire are really looking for in employees – including contract and freelance employees. It may not matter what you’re wearing when you’re working at home, but it matters a great deal with you’re out representing a client or brand.
It matters how you look!
Some interesting stats from the survey:
- 84% of those surveys agreed well-groomed individuals climb the corporate ladder faster than those who don’t pay as much attention to their appearance. Again, this applies to freelancers who meet with clients. We’re more likely to make a better impression if we’re presenting a polished appearance.
- 90% of the H.R. people survey felt looking good made more of an impression than having a firm handshake.
If you’re interested in learning more about the survey, head over to Gillette Career Advantage. They also have other good bits of information looking to make a good impression with the people who hire. They hired career expert, Mark Jeffries and GQ Style Correspondent, Brett Fahlgren to offer tips and advice for men looking to making a good first impression. Gillete launched the Career Advantage website with their Human Resources survey in mind. On the website, job-seekers and professionals looking to get ahead can review expert advice; take the Gillette Career Quiz and read through the Hire Guide to see what HR professionals really think. Visit the website to benefit from the tools, and take in the information and advice needed to rise above the competition in today’s market. For information about Gillette products or to review survey findings and obtain advice from grooming and career experts, the Gillette Resource Center. Click here for the Gillette press release. For the Gillette Press Release .
This post is sponsored by Gillette via Social Spark
I’m a full-time student still but I’m a firm believer of “dress for the job you want” so I always wear nice, business-casual clothes to school.
Sometimes I feel overdressed when I’m surrounded by other students in hoodies, sweats and Uggs. But I think it makes ME stand out in a good way!
I know this sounds old-fashioned, but I never let my son go to school in sweats. I feel it’s disrespectful. Now, when I was in school we had to wear good “school clothes” and change into “play clothes” when we come home. I don’t necessarily make my son wear dressy clothes to school but I do make sure he knows the importance of a good impression and a good self image.
Even when I was a lowly sportwriter (is that redundant?), I would wear a shirt and tie to professional (major league) events. The paper eventually instituted a shirt and tie policy for the office. I never had a problem with it. Today when I go to a conference or out of my office to a meeting, I always where a suit. The tie shows me where to spill my coffee
. Even when business casual was in vogue in the 90s, I still wore a shirt and tie, and in all but a few instances a suit.
I was told by someone in Mary Kay that their associates are instructed to dress appropriately even before making calls to get them in a business frame of mind.
Phil, I enjoy dressing up because working at home doesn’t give me much of an opportunity. Certain conferences, like Blogworld for example, are casual and I’ll wear jeans because everyone wears jeans. I’ll dress appropriately for each event.
Interesting survey findings. One has to do so many things before getting that right job or promotion.
Hi Jay,
Especially in this economy with so many people looking for jobs. It’s not enough to answer the right questions. Job candidates have to look like the best person for the gig too.
Most people are judgmental and they usually judge a person initially from the way he looks generally. We can’t blame them, as appearance reflects lots of things about a person, from personality to his outlook in life. First impression lasts, so I guess we should put an effort with our general appearance, I mean not only with our clothes but also with our hygiene, grooming, and manner of speech, basically everything that people, especially clients can see.
Hi Alex,
It’s as I always say, you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.
I absolutely agree with dressing well as a writer. Even though it’s generally a “solitary” profession, you just feel better when you’re dressed well. My usual way of dressing when I’m meeting someone is NICE jeans, heels, or nice flats, a jacket, and a black shirt, with minimal, but good-quality, jewelry, and well-done makeup and hair. This is how I’d dress in an office, or I might wear black pants instead of jeans. Face it: people think you’re more competent when you look good. I used to be a photographer, and when I met with clients, I always cared how I looked. I might be a little more casual on the shoot, by wearing sneakers, and not wearing a jacket, but people weren’t concerned about how I’d shoot based on how I was dressed. Now, when I’m writing, at home, I dress like I did when I was shooting. I feel better than sitting around looking sloppy. I’m a girl! I like looking good, even if it’s “just for me”! And…who better to “look good for” than the person in the mirror?
Of course having a polished appearance is important if you meet a client in person. I’d hate it if any of my clients could watch me while I work in their projects, because as I work from home, the clothes I use to wear certainly aren’t appropriate for business meetings.
Thank you for sharing those stats. I’m going to read more about Gillette’s survey on their site.
Hoi,
I have leared today that freelancer also have to dress according the the need.I thought what is more important is your writing.