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Looking professional
Thanatos
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So, I've been job-hunting, and working in an office environment. I've got the haircut, beard-trimming, clothing, and tie-tying down, no problem. The two things I'm actually worried about:
Is there anything else I should be thinking about as far as looking professional goes?
Edit: I should mention that my watch has kind of become a psychological crutch for some of my OC tendencies. I tend to set a timer to remind me of everything (including, like, turning off my car lights when I park), and on the very, very rare days when I've forgotten it, I've practically been lost, but I think I can learn to live without it.
- Backpack. I currently use a Jansport backpack with a rubber bottom to carry my stuff in. I have a birthday coming up, and I can ask for something to replace it. What's the way to go as far as hauling stuff goes? Keep in mind minimum dress code for most of the jobs (temp) I've had so far has been long-sleeved buttoned shirt with slacks and dress shoes. Is a messenger bag the way to go? Or should it be briefcase or bust?
- Watch. I currently have a Timex Datalink that's kinda beat up. How much do people notice that these days? I've been considering getting rid of it, since my cell phone/pda has the time, and I try to make a point of having it on me at all times, plus I have a very mild allergy to nickel, which causes some inflammation of my wrist under the watch. On the other hand, I've got pretty much the worst watch tan in the history of the universe. Am I better off with the Timex, nothing, or should I look into getting something more professional?
Is there anything else I should be thinking about as far as looking professional goes?
Edit: I should mention that my watch has kind of become a psychological crutch for some of my OC tendencies. I tend to set a timer to remind me of everything (including, like, turning off my car lights when I park), and on the very, very rare days when I've forgotten it, I've practically been lost, but I think I can learn to live without it.
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You can find some really nice think banded silver analog watches that give off a very professional look. Stay away from digital watches if you can.
2. Nobody I know beyond high school wears a digital watch. You can get a fairly low-key watch with a leather wristband for cheap. You can go with the all-metal watch too, but don't go overboard and get a bigass TAG HEUER clone. Don't get something with a canvas band or any visible platic. Leather and metal are your friends. Kenneth Cole has a good selection of watches in the $100 range that look nice and are just 'designer' enough. Here, simple and elegant are better than featureful. You really don't need a diver's watch, a sports watch, or a watch that tells you what time it is in Uzbekistan. This > this. If you need something with a timer, just use your cell phone. Or, get a $5 digital watch and remove the band and carry it in your pocket like a pocketwatch (wear your analog wristwatch).
Is a watch, like, a required accessory for a professional, or can I get away without one?
For a cheaper option, just try to find an all black messenger bag; those still look very sharp.
Personally I would go with just the black non-leather bag since it would probably be a lot cheaper and don't think anyone will really notice or care what you use as long as it's not pink with kittens all over it.
For clothes and shoes, if they won't fit into a messenger bag; just get a small all black duffel/gym bag and leave it in your car and/or cube and/or desk.
Depends, do you just carry the bag to work or do you then lug it around all day to meetings? If you dp lug it around all day to meetings could you get away with a nice looking bound file? If you just dump it at your desk at the beginning of the day I'd say it doesn't really matter if you are taking it to meet clients that is a different kettle of fish and I would recommend buying something neat.
It's tacky getting out a phone/pda to check the time. Plus it's far easier to subtley check the time during boring meetings than whipping out your phone to see how long the dam thing has dragged on for.
Also keep in mind a decent watch can be used for going out anyway.
Satans..... hints.....
As far as the bag goes, the briefcase is actually going out of style in my opinion. It's like a security blanket for older executives to clutch to. Everyone is moving towards leather laptop bags or messenger bags.
I would disagree with the watch advice though. Watches as a whole are on the decline, especially among younger professionals. If you have a shitty phone, then checking that at work may be 'tacky' but checking your blackberry/iphone/whatever for the time is no different from checking your watch and can be done as stealthily as checking a watch while you're in a meeting. Basically watches were displays of your $$ which I think cellphones cover now. Unless you're going to spend thousands on a watch I think a nice phone accomplishes the exact same thing.
Accessories do not make or break your appearance. They merely enhance whatever you've already got going. If you're already looking professional and classy then an accessory or two will add some extra style and flair, but if you're trying to get noticed by higher ups, just be consistent and well put together. No one's going to care about a watch unless it's flashy. Embrace the future where watches are dead.
I actually agree with this watch sentiment. Of course grabbing an Omega or some kinda watch is great at the higher level, but not having one has never been known as a faux pas in my book.
And in my opinion, no watch at all is better than a crappy one.
I can't imagine anybody faulting you for not wearing a watch as long as you show up to things on time. Of course, you will get in trouble for checking your cellphone or blackberry during a meeting because it makes you look impatient or like you're checking your email/text messages. It's also annoying to keep asking people what time it is.
http://www.seikousa.com/#
You can buy non USA models for half the price and the are made by Sekio but made with cheaper stuff. Ex.. Non USA model has hallowed bands while USA ones are 100% soild steel. I love my USA model with 3 year warranty...
I'd go with one of the first two because I sort of associate Kenneth Cole with eager interns. The watch may be "on the way out" for day to day wear, but you should still own a decent one.
I host a podcast about movies.
I purchased this fossil watch on a cruise ship for 60$ and I like it a lot.
http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=12052&catalogId=10052&categoryId=30016&parent_category_rn=30001&productId=1002038&N=0&No=60
They have others for as low as 65$ Good brand has held up for 3 years now of some pretty solid abuse at times. Never have had a problem with it. Still looks great.
I host a podcast about movies.
Alt joke answer: Have you considered maybe not being a fat bastard during the interviews?
Cell phone - Use a neutral ring tone and always turn off volume for interviews. Don't answer phone calls or texts unless you think it is an emergency. Try not to pick up your phone during the interview, unless you are deliberately using it as a visual prop. If you use it as your clock then I advise putting the clock mode on screensaver (if you can) with large text so you can look at it without having to pick it up.
The Bag - Personally I think backpacks are not really appropriate in most office situations for men, unless you are working/interviewing at a place that you know doesn't really give a fuck about that kind of thing. I would recommend going for a leather shoulder bag that is big enough to carry a laptop, as leather is pretty timeless and fits in most places, casual or not.
Jewellery - Unless you are married, belong to a religion/ethnic group that requires it or a woman I'd advise not wearing any for an interview as a lot of people are pretty traditional when it comes to this, even young types. So I'd say no necklaces, rings or earings unless you are interviewing in a place where that type of thing is clearly acceptable (like the legal offices of a Pirate)
Cuff links - I may be reading too much into these guys but to me they give the impression that you've spent a little more cash/time on your appearance than if you were wearing a normal collared shirt. I always try and wear them for interviews. If you don't have any and are looking to get some then I say go for neutral, non patterned silver or brushed steel cuff links
I'd never thought about it, but where's a good place to look at them?
Also, are there any physical retailers that sell Fossil watches? I'd like to get a look at some/try them on before I buy one.
edit: looks like there is one at Westlake Center.
The mall near me has a full blown Fossil store. So, yes.
Cuff-links - Generally any clothing store that has a good selection of men's business shirts will stock cuff links somewhere, at least in my experience anyway. I can't give you any names or brands though, since I am not familar with the US. Go for something simple and without pattern, you can always develop a mighty collection of snakes and roses once you've got the job
i don't think lacking a watch says much, you're punctual if you show up on time, not necessarily if you wear a watch. i'm not a fancy executive though. perhaps this has more to do with the industry you're in.
If you're in any kind of job where you need to make a good impression (on clients, bosses, etc) wearing a simple, visual cue that says "I am punctual, can manage my time, and am aware of basic shit like what time I have a meeting" is very important. Yeah, you know that you can look at your phone, but it's what they know that's important. Plus, getting a phone out during a meeting is just plain tacky.
Also, I just got back from lunch, and was looking at the watches in the Fossil store in Westlake. Definitely going with the one I was looking at online.
3 or 4 people so far have said this exact same thing and I'm extremely confused. Basically every single place I've ever had a meeting at has a clock on the wall that you can look at if you want to know the time. Is this not the norm?
On the topic of a tie clip I've never had a problem with it really getting out of place without one. You do have to readjust your tie occasionally, but as long as you don't have to lean forward or do something that causes the tie to swing forward a lot then it should stay in the same spot.
as far as the watch. definitely don't whip out a cell phone during an interview. but i ask this, why would you want to check the time during an interview? you need to have your entire focus their and not worry about anything else. I think checking your watch during an interview is almost as tacky as whipping out a phone
Try a tie made of a different material and try using a different tie knot to what you currently use perhaps
The forum disagreed when I said this in the Watch thread. I am pro watch however. But I do agree the cell phone is the new bling.
Oh you know what I would recommend? A dual analog/digital watch. Lets you keep the time while still having alarms and countdowns etc. ALSO they tend to look nicer then a straight k-mart special digital.
If your boss thinks poorly of you because you don't have nice status objects then it might be time to reconsider your employment. I could see if you're in a forward (sales/marketing) or executive position and you deal with clients who are going to give your company a lot of money, having a decent jewelry timepiece as a status symbol would be de riguer, much like having a relatively new german mode of conveyance. but i dont have much experience with any old money bullshit though.
regarding ties stayzen-enplacen: do the ties have the makers tag on it? a horizontal tag on the back of the tie usually across the back near the widest point. you can feed the back "tail" of the tie through this, this keeps the back tail aligned with the front tail.
My problem is that the whole thing tends to move from side to side, get off-center.
There ought to be a textbook on this. I don't even understand the rules by which I'm supposed to choose a combination of pants and shirt.
I mean it's a cliche but it's pretty serious and accurate. They tend to wear flight/diver watches that have the ability t use the bezel as a slide rule or something equally exciting.
I think you missed my point.
A watch is not necessarily a status object. It's also a useful tool. I wasn't advocating a Vacheron Constantin, nor do I necessarily think it's a good idea to buy one. But like a tie, a watch suggests to your employer that you're professional, even though it has a negligible impact on productivity. It is part of the business "uniform". Maybe not essential, but an optional extra that will count in your favour.
I think if you can turn up with a nice, well kept package containing shirt, tie, black shoes and suit, know your shit, are articulate and are confident yet not cocky then you are giving as much as you can.