Some characteristics put you at risk of making a negative impression,
and this can hurt your career.
Here are 5 key characteristics to watch for, and ways to change them.
1. Negative attitude: Dressing or behaving badly, and thinking that no
one will notice, is a sure sign that people will notice - and think
badly of you. Your attitude colors everything you do. Pay attention to
how you dress, and how you treat other people. It does make a
difference.
2. Unprofessional body language: Here are two things we see often in
public, that create a poor impression. The first one is yawing with
your mouth wide open. Showing the world your molars isn't
professional. Cover your mouth.
3. More unprofessional body language: Chewing gum advertises you as
unprofessional. It's distracting to see someone chomping away at a
piece of gum while they are talking to a client, or in a meeting. If
you chew gum while driving to an appointment, get rid of it before
your meeting.
4. Excessive fragrance: Too much perfume or aftershave lotion is
distracting, and can aggravate allergies in some people. Be clean and
fresh, but keep your fragrance to a minimum. People should not smell
your fragrance unless they are hugging you. If they smell you across
the room, you've overdone it.
5. Unkempt fingernails: Women with inch-long fingernails, as well as
unusual colors of polish, are not taken seriously. Anyone with ragged,
or unkempt nails makes a poor impression as well. Did you know that
people notice hands right after they notice faces? Keep your nails
trimmed and clean. For women, a clear polish or French manicure looks
classy and professional.
Rubina S Das.