HOW DOES DRESSING CODE AFFECT YOUR CAREER AS A KAM
Nadia ?? ARNAUD
Multilingual Key Account Manager! I manage companies' key accounts to achieve mutual value, growth, and revenue.
The way we dress is essential because it influences how other people perceive us and how we feel. Several researchers have concluded that a strong bond exists between dress code and how we feel about ourselves.
For example, when we are wearing a sophisticated outfit, like a dress, a suit, heels, we feel more confident and predisposed to perform better.
When we are in front of someone wearing a suit or a dress, it is like a sort of respect is imposed.
As a KAM, the way you feel about yourself and the way others perceive you is essential. You must feel confident and professional because you will transmit a secure feeling to your clients only in this way. When you pay attention to your dress, it is an indirect way of saying that you pay attention to yourself and your job because you spend time and money to look well.
It is essential to pay attention to how you look and adjust your dressing manner depending on the industry you are working with and the meeting you have.
Above I will list some advice extracted from experience, which I hope will help you in this delicate matter. ??
- Mimic. Before deciding what to dress, a smart thing to do is thinking of the people you are going to meet. What is the way they dress? How formal is their appeal? And try to find something similar to that. This will be an indirect way of saying that you are in the same frequency, on the same style, will prove that you have something in common with each other.
- Choose an outfit that goes well with your body type. Whether you are a man or a woman, it is essential to know your physically strong and weak points. Don't just choose an outfit that is trending; choose something that fits you well.
- Avoid low cut, see-through, or formfitting shirts. It would be best if you appealed attractive but without crossing the line. You don't want to give the wrong message to your clients or your colleagues. It is perceived as unprofessional to wear shirts that show too much from your body, whether you are a man or a woman. You don't want to have this type of attention. You want that your clients to perceive you as someone ethical and professional. You want them to focus on your words, not your body.
- If you have tattoos or body piercings, I would suggest you cover them. In most cases, tattoos and piercings are perceived as unprofessional, a style that is for younger people, adolescents, maybe. If it is in your style and you like them, I strongly suggest that you not show them in your work environment because whether you like it or not, remember that everyone is different. And you don't want to be judged or perceived as unprofessional only because you have tattoos or piercings.
- Make sure you have taken proper care of your hair. Whatever style you have chosen to have makes sure that your hair is well-groomed when you are at work. It is not to be a chaotic spontaneous style, not to seem like you were in a rush and haven't appropriately taken care of.
- When choosing your jewelry, makeup, perfume, or cologne, remember that less is more. You don't want to cross the boundary and seem maybe a bit desperate for attention. Remember that it is your job, not a wedding. ??
- Shoes, whether you are a woman or a man, I suggest you wear closed-toe shoes with little to no heal and in a neutral color. Avoid intense colors like red, yellow, orange, strong green, etc.
- If you are a woman and like to wear skirts, always choose ones that are no shorter than 2 centimeters above the knee. Also, make sure to select that type of skirt that is not formfitting. Not only because most probably you will give the wrong message but because you won't be very comfortable as well.
These were my pieces of advice; I hope that you found them useful, and it would be great if you share more in the comment section!