C O N S U L T A N
T L I F E
Appearance
Philosophy
Our consultants are professionals who use technology and business
expertise to define and implement client solutions. They are not
lone technicians programming unseen in the client's back office.
They communicate with people at all levels of a client organization,
from the CEO on down. Communication at various levels may happen
in a single day or on short notice.
The effectiveness of the communication depends on the confidence
that the client has in the consultant. One of the essential ways
to inspire client confidence is through appearance. Like it or not,
clients expect consultants to have a professional appearance.
Principles
Here's what we use to plan our wardrobe:
- Dress at a level that is appropriate to the client environment.
On one client engagement you may need to dress in business casual
attire. On another, traditional business attire.
- Dress slightly better than what is expected in the client environment.
Believe it or not, this helps make your job as a consultant easier.
- Always be appropriately dressed for talking to the CEO. You
never know who you'll meet in the restroom.
Your concerns
We realize that candidates may have some initial concerns or objections
to our ideas about appearance, so we've offered a few responses:
- "I don't know how to dress professionally." No problem.
You're a smart person and can learn. We address this in your initial
orientation.
- "I don't have a professional wardrobe and can't afford to
go out and buy one." Because you travel, you don't need many
clothes, but you do need good clothes. If you can't afford the
wardrobe as a new employee, we'll advance you the money to buy
one.
- "Dressing up for work is silly; I should be respected for
my ideas and expertise alone, not my appearance." Perhaps
you'll be right someday. For now, our experience with clients
tells us otherwise.
- "I don't want to dress up for work." Can't help you there.
You don't need to be dressing professionally now, and you don't
have to know how. But you do need to be willing.
If you have questions about our approach to appearance for consultants,
contact
us.
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