Personal Dress and Presentation

The first impression visitors recieve when entering the reception area determine to some extent their impression of the business. Reception is the "shop window" of the business. So, the reception area should have:

• a welcoming atmosphere with attractive decoration
• modern furniture and comfortable chairs
• a cofee table with magazine and pot plants
• tea and cofee facilities

Factored into the corporate image is your personal appearance at reception. In today's climate of equal opportunity and affirmative action, if woman to be considered on an equal footing with men it is important that they follow the corporate rules and regulations by which men are bound. In the service sector of industry, men are expected to turn out in smart business suits. Particularly in sales, details of personal presentation, such as the colour and style of business suits, shirts and ties, and the lenght of hair, are strictly controlled. How you dress outside the office is your own business, but how you dress in the office, and in particular in the reception area, is part of the corporate image. So.....??

Dress
In large company there is often a formal code as to how personnel should dress, depending on the type and size of business you are working for. In some company, such as banks, airports, hospitals, etc, you might be required to wear a uniform. In other business, youn would need to follow how other personnel dress. Some businesses like to project a modern image and will be more casual with their dress code than conservative businesses, such as law and accouunting firms.

Resource: Horsfal, M & Turner, S (2010) Office Skill: a practical approach. McGraw Hill: NSW, Australia.