Image is everything and whether you like it or not you are judged by your appearance and how you conduct yourself in the workplace.

In today's competitive work force, we are all looking for an advantage over the next guy.  Whether you are interviewing for a new position, being considered for a promotion within your current organization, or trying to survive the next round of layoffs, your image will be a factor.  Your image tells a potential or current employer a lot about how you do your job and how serious you take your current position.  What is your image?

First, let's talk about your appearance.  Whether your company has a uniform or dress program in place or not, you should dress in a manner appropriate for your position within the company.  Your clothes should:

• be neatly pressed and wrinkle free;
• fit and not be too tight or too loose; and
• be appropriate for work in style and material.

Also, your shoes should be appropriate for your position and for your work environment.  For example, I don't think flip-flops or stilettos are ever appropriate footwear for the workplace.  Well, stilettos would be appropriate for some workplaces - just not within the multifamily industry!

Other things to consider when evaluating your appearance would be the following:

• your hair - is it well-groomed?
• your nails - are they neat and polished?  the appropriate length? 
• your makeup - is it tastefully applied?
• your jewelry - is it minimal and appropriate for work?

Secondly, I want to talk about how you communicate.  Whether it is verbal, written, or electronic communication, please remember that slang, profanity, and incorrect grammar should never be used while communicating in the business world.  While it might be appropriate to use LOL and LMAO, etc., when you are texting with your friends, it is not appropriate for business communications.

Lastly, I would suggest that you would look at how you conduct yourself in your current position.  Are you an employee that the company can count on to go the extra mile to get the job done or are you just collecting a paycheck?  Do you meet your goals and objectives?  Are you a team player?  Do you have a good attitude?  Image is defined as the appearance or impression given to the public by a person or organization.  What is the impression that others have of you in the workplace?