Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Oct 7, 2014 9:14:32 GMT -5
My new job is fast approaching, and I wanted to see if any of you had advice on presenting a professional image at work, or knew of resources I look into reading about.
Perhaps I'm overthinking it, but I think this is an area where I've come a long way in the past few years, but I still think there is still room for improvement.
When I say "professional image" I mean being perceived as competent and professional by cliants, collegues, and management. Throughout my career, I'm convinced it's not only what you know, but how you present yourself that determines your success. After all, I'm supposed to be a regulatory authority, an expert, and I need to present myself as such. It doesn't matter if I know the answers, if I can't present myself well, no one will believe me.
So do you guys have any advice on how to present yourself at work in a professional manner? It should be worth noting that (as I understand it) I'll be assuming a inspector type role in my new position. So I'd be particularly interested in hearing from people who have served in an inspector type role before (i.e. traveled to a location of your company to do a formal inspection of some kind.)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2014 9:23:07 GMT -5
One word: Toastmasters. Even though I'm retired, I'm still a member of a club. If you do a search on their Web site you can find one near you that meets at a time that fits your schedule, including evenings and Saturdays. Some are "closed", meaning that only employees of a particular company can join, but most are open.
The meetings include a couple of short prepared speeches (5-7 minutes), Table Topics (someone asks off-the-cuff questions and you may be called on to give a 1-2 minute answer), and evaluations of the 2 prepared speeches- how well you made eye contact with the audience, how well it was organized, etc. One person is in charge of counting "filler words"- ah, um, like, you know... filler words can really take away from the power of what you're saying. You'll get good practice assembling your thoughts quickly and coming up with a credible answer when you're put on the spot, and when you're asked to put together a presentation it's almost easy. I enjoy an audience and I've been in Toastmasters for 10 years because you need the practice and feedback to keep your skills sharp.
OK, enough about TM. I also recommend "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 things women do to unconsciously sabotage their careers" by Lois Frankel. Easy reading (each item is a chapter), so much that I wish I'd learned early in my career. One item relevant to your job: don't get cheap on travel expenses. Know your company's policy and don't order lobster at every dinner, but don't get cheap at the expense of your own safety or comfort. Example: I felt bad booking a taxi from downtown Zurich to the airport for a 7 AM flight (taxi $50, train about $7 but I had luggage with me and had a bit of a walk to the station). I overheard 2 male coworkers at the same meeting- they were booking taxis for their 10 AM flights!
If you're going to be flying and staying in major hotel chains, for heaven's sake, sign up for the loyalty programs and maybe get the credit card for the airline you'll use most. These programs are stingier than they have been in past years, but DH and I have still enjoyed a lot of travel on points and miles.
And congratulations on the new job!
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ArchietheDragon
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Post by ArchietheDragon on Oct 7, 2014 9:24:17 GMT -5
Not only is presenting yourself important, I think it is more important to present yourself as competent than to actually be competent.
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violagirl
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Post by violagirl on Oct 7, 2014 9:26:06 GMT -5
I'm not sure if you mean being professional as far as appearance? or in comportment?
As for appearance - neat and tidy - whatever you choose to wear.
As for comportment - I find it best to remain above any office gossip or interpersonal conflicts that others are engaging in. I try to be objective and give people the benefit of the doubt. So if people start to gossip, I either switch conversation to something else, remain neutral or say something nice about the person - that usually stops the negative talking. I find by doing that I'm not perceived as partial to anyone in the office. Particularly as an inspector you will need to be impartial.
Never have more than a couple drinks at an office function. I don't care if you are a nice drunk - excess at company functions is just not professional.
Be quick to listen. Slow to speak.
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billisonboard
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Post by billisonboard on Oct 7, 2014 9:33:45 GMT -5
Will you be inspecting paper, equipment, or both? Will you be covering distance or be in one location? Will you be meeting higher ups, worker bees, or both?
I wear higher end, name brand outdoor gear on days that I am asking people to climb up trees onto cables I have strung. I wear a suit and tie when I present to our foundation board. I wear khakis and a nice button up oxford when greeting a group using our facility. I wear jeans and a t-shirt days I am cleaning the bathrooms. I dress "professionally" every day.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Oct 7, 2014 9:42:41 GMT -5
Not only is presenting yourself important, I think it is more important to present yourself as competent than to actually be competent. In other words, bullshitting is an art form.
There's probably some truth to this. I've seen enough incompetent people in positions of authority to know that they probably did a better job of convincing others they were right for the job than actually being right for the job.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Oct 7, 2014 9:45:02 GMT -5
I'm not sure if you mean being professional as far as appearance? or in comportment? As for appearance - neat and tidy - whatever you choose to wear. As for comportment - I find it best to remain above any office gossip or interpersonal conflicts that others are engaging in. I try to be objective and give people the benefit of the doubt. So if people start to gossip, I either switch conversation to something else, remain neutral or say something nice about the person - that usually stops the negative talking. I find by doing that I'm not perceived as partial to anyone in the office. Particularly as an inspector you will need to be impartial. Never have more than a couple drinks at an office function. I don't care if you are a nice drunk - excess at company functions is just not professional. Be quick to listen. Slow to speak. I was asking more along the lines of mannerisms and behavior, not necessarily appearance. But if anyone has nugget on appearance, I'd be happy to listen.
I'm not sure what the dress code is yet at work, but I'm betting it's business casual. most places are business casual these days. I just hope I don't have to wear a tie, I hate wearing ties.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Oct 7, 2014 9:46:23 GMT -5
Will you be inspecting paper, equipment, or both? Will you be covering distance or be in one location? Will you be meeting higher ups, worker bees, or both? I wear higher end, name brand outdoor gear on days that I am asking people to climb up trees onto cables I have strung. I wear a suit and tie when I present to our foundation board. I wear khakis and a nice button up oxford when greeting a group using our facility. I wear jeans and a t-shirt days I am cleaning the bathrooms. I dress "professionally" every day. Usually a radiation safety inspection involves inspecting the records, facilities, and equipment.
I will travel to locations around the world to do this.
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billisonboard
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Post by billisonboard on Oct 7, 2014 9:58:48 GMT -5
Will you be inspecting paper, equipment, or both? Will you be covering distance or be in one location? Will you be meeting higher ups, worker bees, or both? I wear higher end, name brand outdoor gear on days that I am asking people to climb up trees onto cables I have strung. I wear a suit and tie when I present to our foundation board. I wear khakis and a nice button up oxford when greeting a group using our facility. I wear jeans and a t-shirt days I am cleaning the bathrooms. I dress "professionally" every day. Usually a radiation safety inspection involves inspecting the records, facilities, and equipment.
I will travel to locations around the world to do this.
What will allow you comfortably do the work of the inspection? I don't wear a tie on days it will catch in equipment or dip in the toilet bowl. The question on location pertained to footwear. If you are expected to cover some distance during your inspection, you should wear footwear appropriate for that. Will you be in areas that would require non-skid, steel touted, etc?
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milee
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Post by milee on Oct 7, 2014 10:08:43 GMT -5
Business casual can be your best friend, but has a few pitfalls. A few suggestions:
1) Avoid wearing short sleeves if possible. Especially never, ever wear a short sleeved button down shirt. Nothing screams geeky engineer or fashion don't like a short sleeved button down shirt. There is no way to pull this look off nicely and professionally. If you need to wear short sleeves for safety or comfort reasons, you can do a short sleeved polo, but make sure the polo is in excellent condition (no fraying or fading), fits you well and is ironed. (I know - I hate ironing, too - but it does make a difference and people instantly notice.)
2) Get decent khakis. Pay a few bucks to have them tailored and make sure they are the right length. Again, iron them and make sure there are no signs of wear.
3) Get decent dressy upscale men's shoes and keep them polished. Men don't have many accessories, but people do notice if their shoes look bad.
4) Wear the right color socks with your pants. Black does not go with everything and will look odd if you're wearing brown shoes and tan khakis for example. Same thing with white. Get a few pairs of socks that are similar color (not too close a color or it will look like you're trying to match exactly and failed) to your khakis for an easy match with most any shoe.
And good luck with the new gig.
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Oct 7, 2014 10:24:19 GMT -5
Will you be inspecting paper, equipment, or both? Will you be covering distance or be in one location? Will you be meeting higher ups, worker bees, or both? I wear higher end, name brand outdoor gear on days that I am asking people to climb up trees onto cables I have strung. I wear a suit and tie when I present to our foundation board. I wear khakis and a nice button up oxford when greeting a group using our facility. I wear jeans and a t-shirt days I am cleaning the bathrooms. I dress "professionally" every day. Usually a radiation safety inspection involves inspecting the records, facilities, and equipment.
I will travel to locations around the world to do this.
Most the inspectors I see wear khakis and a button down. Possibly a suit coat. I think a tie might be overkill. Nice comfortable shoes and appropriate socks. Most inspectors have clipboards and paperwork with them, so you'll probably want a nice briefcase if you don't have one already. I'd do something that has a shoulder strap and is durable since you'll be traveling a lot. Possibly from Fossil or Kenneth Cole. And as stated before, know your stuff, but also be willing to learn something. I've had inspectors tell me I'm calibrating something incorrectly because I do it differently from the last place they were. No, I'm not, lol. I could go on and on... but maybe you want to pm me since I know a bit more about the field than the casual YMer.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Oct 7, 2014 10:24:53 GMT -5
I have one short sleeved button down dress shirt, but I agree, it's not a look that's flattering. All that would be missing is a pocket protector.
Those are good ideas. I probably could update my dress shoes, as the ones I have are cheap and honestly don't fit that well.
I also only have black and white socks, but I guess I should get some brown and tan socks too.
Dumb question time, what exactly are "khaki's." I always thought Khaki was a color, the tan color, but people often seem to use it in the context of a style.
Right now I have a pair of tan dress pants and a pair of black dress pants. Are those not acceptable? I planned on wearing them with a matching button down dress shirt (with long sleeves) and dress shoes with matching socks.
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Oct 7, 2014 10:31:21 GMT -5
I have one short sleeved button down dress shirt, but I agree, it's not a look that's flattering. All that would be missing is a pocket protector.
Those are good ideas. I probably could update my dress shoes, as the ones I have are cheap and honestly don't fit that well.
I also only have black and white socks, but I guess I should get some brown and tan socks too.
Dumb question time, what exactly are "khaki's." I always thought Khaki was a color, the tan color, but people often seem to use it in the context of a style.
Right now I have a pair of tan dress pants and a pair of black dress pants. Are those not acceptable? I planned on wearing them with a matching button down dress shirt (with long sleeves) and dress shoes with matching socks. Dress pants = khakis. Make sure they are long enough, too. I hate it when guys wear high waders. And for love of all that is holy, no cuff on the bottom! And I think you'll need more than 2 pair. Go buy new socks. They are cheap. Throw away all your white socks except for exercising. And yes, invest in 2 pairs of nice leather shoes. One brown, one black. I suggest Nordstrom because they stand behind their products forever but it will definitely be more expensive than JCPenny. If you can swing it, I'd budget $1000 or so for a new 'you' and include some nice shoes, the briefcase, maybe a sharp haircut, clothes, etc. IMHO it never hurts to smartly invest in your image. Are you going to be spending a lot of time on a plane? Does work provide you with a laptop? You might consider getting a kindle or something, too, for passing the time.
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Oct 7, 2014 10:32:11 GMT -5
And what do you mean by matching shirts? You mean ones that 'go' with the pants, I assume, not a Canadian tuxedo type thing?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2014 10:33:33 GMT -5
Not only is presenting yourself important, I think it is more important to present yourself as competent than to actually be competent. In other words, bullshitting is an art form.
There's probably some truth to this. I've seen enough incompetent people in positions of authority to know that they probably did a better job of convincing others they were right for the job than actually being right for the job.
Sadly, it is.
Sorry I assumed you were female- don't know why- then noticed the reference to wearing ties. Frankel's book is a good one anyway!
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yogiii
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Post by yogiii on Oct 7, 2014 10:34:35 GMT -5
Business casual can be your best friend, but has a few pitfalls. A few suggestions:
1) Avoid wearing short sleeves if possible. Especially never, ever wear a short sleeved button down shirt. Nothing screams geeky engineer or fashion don't like a short sleeved button down shirt. There is no way to pull this look off nicely and professionally. If you need to wear short sleeves for safety or comfort reasons, you can do a short sleeved polo, but make sure the polo is in excellent condition (no fraying or fading), fits you well and is ironed. (I know - I hate ironing, too - but it does make a difference and people instantly notice.)
LOL - I often find myself surrounded by short sleeve button down shirts. I don't even find it offensive anymore
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2014 10:38:41 GMT -5
If you can swing it, I'd budget $1000 or so for a new 'you' and include some nice shoes, the briefcase, maybe a sharp haircut, clothes, etc. IMHO it never hurts to smartly invest in your image. Are you going to be spending a lot of time on a plane? Does work provide you with a laptop? You might consider getting a kindle or something, too, for passing the time. Briefcase? What is this briefcase of which you speak? A few more things to save your sanity if you'll be flying a lot: 1. Noise-cancelling headphones. 2. An mp3 player if you like music. 3. An airline club membership. PriorityPass is a decent option if you'll be using a variety of airlines/airports but make sure the ones you're likely to use have lounges conveniant to the terminals you're likely to use. They have a directory on their site. We don't fly as much as we used to, but back when we did, and when PriorityPass had a better selection of lounges, it saved our sanity many times when we were stuck at an airport for hours. Your company won't cover it, but you may want to do it anyway. It beeps overcrowded gate areas and beeping carts.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Oct 7, 2014 10:41:47 GMT -5
And what do you mean by matching shirts? You mean ones that 'go' with the pants, I assume, not a Canadian tuxedo type thing? I'm not sure I'm using the terminology right, but a long sleeved button down shirt of a solid color that goes with the pants. For example, a dark blue dress shirt with black pants. Or a light green dress shirt with tan pants.
I'll look into Nordstrom and the briefcase manufacturers you mentioned. I'm just not familiar with the "good brands" of those kind of things.
But I'm not adverse to making a investment in my image. Once you buy things like a briefcase, it should last for years if you take care of it.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Oct 7, 2014 10:47:01 GMT -5
I have one short sleeved button down dress shirt, but I agree, it's not a look that's flattering. All that would be missing is a pocket protector.
Those are good ideas. I probably could update my dress shoes, as the ones I have are cheap and honestly don't fit that well.
I also only have black and white socks, but I guess I should get some brown and tan socks too.
Dumb question time, what exactly are "khaki's." I always thought Khaki was a color, the tan color, but people often seem to use it in the context of a style.
Right now I have a pair of tan dress pants and a pair of black dress pants. Are those not acceptable? I planned on wearing them with a matching button down dress shirt (with long sleeves) and dress shoes with matching socks. Dress pants = khakis. Make sure they are long enough, too. I hate it when guys wear high waders. And for love of all that is holy, no cuff on the bottom! And I think you'll need more than 2 pair. Go buy new socks. They are cheap. Throw away all your white socks except for exercising. And yes, invest in 2 pairs of nice leather shoes. One brown, one black. I suggest Nordstrom because they stand behind their products forever but it will definitely be more expensive than JCPenny. If you can swing it, I'd budget $1000 or so for a new 'you' and include some nice shoes, the briefcase, maybe a sharp haircut, clothes, etc. IMHO it never hurts to smartly invest in your image. Are you going to be spending a lot of time on a plane? Does work provide you with a laptop? You might consider getting a kindle or something, too, for passing the time. I'd be very surprised if work didn't supply me with a laptop. Every job I've worked since I was a tech has provided a laptop.
I probably will buy a tablet PC if I travel a lot.
I'm a bit reluctant to start buying expensive shoes and briefcases and doing a complete overhaul of my wardrobe. As I said, I SUSPECT it'll be business casual, but you know what they say about assumptions.
That's why I only have two pair of dress pants. I will buy more if I find out the dress code is what I suspect it is. I think I can get by without a briefcase and the like for at least a few days.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2014 10:58:38 GMT -5
And what do you mean by matching shirts? You mean ones that 'go' with the pants, I assume, not a Canadian tuxedo type thing? I'm not sure I'm using the terminology right, but a long sleeved button down shirt of a solid color that goes with the pants. For example, a dark blue dress shirt with black pants. Or a light green dress shirt with tan pants.
I'll look into Nordstrom and the briefcase manufacturers you mentioned. I'm just not familiar with the "good brands" of those kind of things.
But I'm not adverse to making a investment in my image. Once you buy things like a briefcase, it should last for years if you take care of it.
NO!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2014 11:00:33 GMT -5
I have one short sleeved button down dress shirt, but I agree, it's not a look that's flattering. All that would be missing is a pocket protector.
Those are good ideas. I probably could update my dress shoes, as the ones I have are cheap and honestly don't fit that well.
I also only have black and white socks, but I guess I should get some brown and tan socks too.
Dumb question time, what exactly are "khaki's." I always thought Khaki was a color, the tan color, but people often seem to use it in the context of a style.
Right now I have a pair of tan dress pants and a pair of black dress pants. Are those not acceptable? I planned on wearing them with a matching button down dress shirt (with long sleeves) and dress shoes with matching socks. khaki is a color as well as a style of pants. dockers type - cotton - as opposed to dress pants/suit pants that would go with a blazer. and for all that is holy, do NOT wear tennis shoes with either dockers or suit pants
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chen35
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Post by chen35 on Oct 7, 2014 11:01:47 GMT -5
Business casual can be your best friend, but has a few pitfalls. A few suggestions:
1) Avoid wearing short sleeves if possible. Especially never, ever wear a short sleeved button down shirt. Nothing screams geeky engineer or fashion don't like a short sleeved button down shirt. There is no way to pull this look off nicely and professionally. If you need to wear short sleeves for safety or comfort reasons, you can do a short sleeved polo, but make sure the polo is in excellent condition (no fraying or fading), fits you well and is ironed. (I know - I hate ironing, too - but it does make a difference and people instantly notice.)
2) Get decent khakis. Pay a few bucks to have them tailored and make sure they are the right length. Again, iron them and make sure there are no signs of wear.
3) Get decent dressy upscale men's shoes and keep them polished. Men don't have many accessories, but people do notice if their shoes look bad.
4) Wear the right color socks with your pants. Black does not go with everything and will look odd if you're wearing brown shoes and tan khakis for example. Same thing with white. Get a few pairs of socks that are similar color (not too close a color or it will look like you're trying to match exactly and failed) to your khakis for an easy match with most any shoe.
And good luck with the new gig. I'm showing this to DH ASAP!
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Waffle
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Post by Waffle on Oct 7, 2014 11:03:31 GMT -5
I think of Khakis as a style of pant. Think Dockers. If you're not familiar with dockers - google it and look at the picture of men's Dockers. (not that I'm saying that you have to get the brand Dockers). "khakis" seem to be the go-to pants for business casual.
I always thought that men's dress pants were the kinds of pants you would get with a suit. (I'm sure someone will correct me, if I'm wrong about that)
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Oct 7, 2014 11:05:54 GMT -5
Business casual can be your best friend, but has a few pitfalls. A few suggestions:
1) Avoid wearing short sleeves if possible. Especially never, ever wear a short sleeved button down shirt. Nothing screams geeky engineer or fashion don't like a short sleeved button down shirt. There is no way to pull this look off nicely and professionally. If you need to wear short sleeves for safety or comfort reasons, you can do a short sleeved polo, but make sure the polo is in excellent condition (no fraying or fading), fits you well and is ironed. (I know - I hate ironing, too - but it does make a difference and people instantly notice.)
LOL - I often find myself surrounded by short sleeve button down shirts. I don't even find it offensive anymore Is it sad that I don't care? I mean my dad, my brother, my boss.... who cares? I guess I'm just a nerdy engineer too.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2014 11:09:18 GMT -5
I agree with not running out and buying a ton of new clothes/accessories yet.
See what your manager wears (well, unless your manager is the opposite sex). See what the people in higher positions wear. Whose outfits look "just right"? You may not be able to match their brand names, but you can dress similarly.
I'm still pondering the briefcase thing. I suppose if everyone in your place has one you'll need one but I haven't carried one since I started carrying a laptop bag. If people are actually referring to the little, boxy suitcase things, IMO those went out in the last century.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2014 11:10:41 GMT -5
I agree with not running out and buying a ton of new clothes/accessories yet. See what your manager wears (well, unless your manager is the opposite sex). See what the people in higher positions wear. Whose outfits look "just right"? You may not be able to match their brand names, but you can dress similarly. I'm still pondering the briefcase thing. I suppose if everyone in your place has one you'll need one but I haven't carried one since I started carrying a laptop bag. If people are actually referring to the little, boxy suitcase things, IMO those went out in the last century. I agree, I don't know anyone that carries a briefcase. we all carry laptop bags or use a backpack (much easier on the shoulder/neck).
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Oct 7, 2014 11:12:32 GMT -5
I agree with not running out and buying a ton of new clothes/accessories yet. See what your manager wears (well, unless your manager is the opposite sex). See what the people in higher positions wear. Whose outfits look "just right"? You may not be able to match their brand names, but you can dress similarly. I'm still pondering the briefcase thing. I suppose if everyone in your place has one you'll need one but I haven't carried one since I started carrying a laptop bag. If people are actually referring to the little, boxy suitcase things, IMO those went out in the last century. He'll need something to carry around his laptop in. I don't really mean a hard boxy one. I guess I mean more of a laptop bag that you can also put files/phone in. He'll need to carry around a notepad or something to take notes on. Something like this but not quite as 'murse' like:
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Oct 7, 2014 11:13:12 GMT -5
I agree with not running out and buying a ton of new clothes/accessories yet. See what your manager wears (well, unless your manager is the opposite sex). See what the people in higher positions wear. Whose outfits look "just right"? You may not be able to match their brand names, but you can dress similarly. I'm still pondering the briefcase thing. I suppose if everyone in your place has one you'll need one but I haven't carried one since I started carrying a laptop bag. If people are actually referring to the little, boxy suitcase things, IMO those went out in the last century. I agree, I don't know anyone that carries a briefcase. we all carry laptop bags or use a backpack (much easier on the shoulder/neck). Ok! Ok! Lol, I never updated my terminology.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2014 11:14:34 GMT -5
I agree with not running out and buying a ton of new clothes/accessories yet. See what your manager wears (well, unless your manager is the opposite sex). See what the people in higher positions wear. Whose outfits look "just right"? You may not be able to match their brand names, but you can dress similarly. I'm still pondering the briefcase thing. I suppose if everyone in your place has one you'll need one but I haven't carried one since I started carrying a laptop bag. If people are actually referring to the little, boxy suitcase things, IMO those went out in the last century. He'll need something to carry around his laptop in. I don't really mean a hard boxy one. I guess I mean more of a laptop bag that you can also put files/phone in. He'll need to carry around a notepad or something to take notes on. Something like this but not quite as 'murse' like: his employer will provide him with a laptop bag along with his laptop so it's up to him whether he wants something different.
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Oct 7, 2014 11:16:33 GMT -5
He'll need something to carry around his laptop in. I don't really mean a hard boxy one. I guess I mean more of a laptop bag that you can also put files/phone in. He'll need to carry around a notepad or something to take notes on. Something like this but not quite as 'murse' like: his employer will provide him with a laptop bag along with his laptop so it's up to him whether he wants something different. I have never been given a laptop bag WITH my work laptop. He didn't say he would get one, either?
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