Professional Impression

How Dressing Well Can Open Doors and Enhance Your Self Image
By: Rudy Rizo

For the bulk of last year, my school schedule coincided so closely with my work schedule that I was almost always in a suit. While dressed up, I could not help but notice how I was treated differently by the people I interacted with, compared to when I was in just a t-shirt and jeans. I was often given preference whenever a door was opened, caught people looking at me for long periods of time and was even dubbed “the suit guy” by a professor. 

Aesthetics aside, people I interacted with thought I was some important businessman when in reality, I was just another college kid that worked a retail job to make ends meet. But, not only did my suit make me look good, it made me feel good too. And I took it upon myself to wake up earlier than normal just to plan every detail of my outfit for the day.  

So now you may be asking yourself, “What does any of this have to do with public relations?” A lot, actually. Public relations is all about the image and exposure of an organization or individual to the public and a well maintained professional appearance can cast who or what you represent in a positive light. 

Studies have shown that people dressed in formal attire are more likely to gain more profitable business deals as opposed to their dressed down counterparts. Recruiters are far more likely to reach out to you, people are more likely to compliment and want to talk to you and all the while you will feel more confident. 
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So, from time to time, switch out the hoodie, sweats, t-shirt and jeans for something a little more professional. This can enhance your life a lot more than you think.