Do you consider appearance in business and employment?

[Die_empty]

I have always heard this saying: You would be addressed the way you are dressed . This also connotes that you should address people the way they dress or appear. In my location you must wear a suit, a shirt tucked in good pants with a tie, or a well-tailored native attire, to prove that you are ready for business or employment. Wearing a jean, T-shirt or any casual wear is indecent in business and you would be treated like an unserious individual. But over the years I have learned that appearance can be deceptive, this has made me treat people or business prospects by their behavior, ability, and productivity and not by appearance. Some reasons for my decision are:

1. Good appearance doesn't guarantee quality: A so-called not properly dressed applicant might be more qualified and knowledgeable than a well-dressed prospect. Therefore it would be proper not to judge them by their appearance.

2. Scammers and criminals hide behind attractive appearances : To deceive people, some criminals dress presentably because they want to divert the attention of their targets. In my location, most Ponzi scheme operators always dress corporately at all times, just to give the people the feeling that their funds are in the custody of responsible persons.

3. Limited time: Thinking of what to wear can be time and strength-consuming. Most people that are too busy with work or other engagements might not give adequate attention to what they wear. As long as the clothing is clean and good to wear, they are okay with them.

4. Weather condition: It is very important to wear clothing that suits the atmospheric condition at a particular time, but most people especially in Africa don't understand this fact. I have been forced to wear a three-piece suit under the hottest sun I have ever experienced because my organization wants me to look presentable and corporate. I was sweating like a Xmas goat and all my clothes got soaked. But a T-shirt. a pair of jeans and a simple shoe would have given me the smartest look at that time.

5. More attention to the inside: Some perceived poor dressers feel that the mental and emotional well-being of an individual supersedes the physical looks. They believe that virtues like creativity, interpersonal skills, selflessness, contentment, etc are far better than appearance.

6. Poverty: indeed, looking good or corporate might not be very expensive but the truth is that some persons cannot afford them. Some individuals cannot provide a meal for themselves because of poverty. It would be unfair to look down on such persons maybe during interviews or business proposal meetings because they are not well dressed. He might be the most qualified.    

It is good to look nice and attractive but looking down on people that you feel are not well dressed might not be the best option.  

[dothebeats]

Yes, it matters A LOT, especially if you are in a client-facing role then the way you dress will also tell how the clients will address you. Also, it helps in establishing that you are someone they can trust because you care enough to dress well for your job. But if you are working a job that does not require you to talk to any clients at all, then it's okay if you just wear whatever feels comfortable for you so long as you do not disobey your office's dress code. Luckily, I'm employed in a place wherein people won't care about how you dress so long as you get the job done when they need it.

[lionheart78]

It has been the norm to wear formal attire when in a job interview.  It is a show of respect to the company to which you are applying.  It also represents your motivation and also a reflection of what person you are.  Being in a poverty isn't an excuse to not wear a neat-looking dress, if not formal attire.

At the end of it all, a person needs to be presentable.  I do agree with you on number 3.  Adjust clothing according to the atmospheric condition, a semi-formal would be better for that event.  Slacks pants with a collared t-shirt tucked in are way better than a person who is sweating a lot in a three-piece suit.    But a pair of jeans and a t-shirt aren't that presentable especially if the gathering is some how formal.

[Fortify]

I have always heard this saying: You would be addressed the way you are dressed . This also connotes that you should address people the way they dress or appear. In my location you must wear a suit, a shirt tucked in good pants with a tie, or a well-tailored native attire, to prove that you are ready for business or employment. Wearing a jean, T-shirt or any casual wear is indecent in business and you would be treated like an unserious individual. But over the years I have learned that appearance can be deceptive, this has made me treat people or business prospects by their behavior, ability, and productivity and not by appearance. Some reasons for my decision are:

1. Good appearance doesn't guarantee quality: A so-called not properly dressed applicant might be more qualified and knowledgeable than a well-dressed prospect. Therefore it would be proper not to judge them by their appearance.

2. Scammers and criminals hide behind attractive appearances : To deceive people, some criminals dress presentably because they want to divert the attention of their targets. In my location, most Ponzi scheme operators always dress corporately at all times, just to give the people the feeling that their funds are in the custody of responsible persons.

3. Limited time: Thinking of what to wear can be time and strength-consuming. Most people that are too busy with work or other engagements might not give adequate attention to what they wear. As long as the clothing is clean and good to wear, they are okay with them.

4. Weather condition: It is very important to wear clothing that suits the atmospheric condition at a particular time, but most people especially in Africa don't understand this fact. I have been forced to wear a three-piece suit under the hottest sun I have ever experienced because my organization wants me to look presentable and corporate. I was sweating like a Xmas goat and all my clothes got soaked. But a T-shirt. a pair of jeans and a simple shoe would have given me the smartest look at that time.

5. More attention to the inside: Some perceived poor dressers feel that the mental and emotional well-being of an individual supersedes the physical looks. They believe that virtues like creativity, interpersonal skills, selflessness, contentment, etc are far better than appearance.

6. Poverty: indeed, looking good or corporate might not be very expensive but the truth is that some persons cannot afford them. Some individuals cannot provide a meal for themselves because of poverty. It would be unfair to look down on such persons maybe during interviews or business proposal meetings because they are not well dressed. He might be the most qualified.    

It is good to look nice and attractive but looking down on people that you feel are not well dressed might not be the best option.  

You should always try to  maintain a good appeareance, which includes personal grooming and wearing the proper clothes for the occasion. At least until you're rich enough that you don't need a job and at that point you can dress whatever you like. That's probably the best policy to go for, although it can really vary between different workplaces - if you walk into a factory or warehouse you might expect to see everyone wearing relatively casual clothing. If you walk into a solicitors office you might be more assured and impressed it they wear a shirt or maybe even a full suit, because it gives the appropriate level of professionalism when it comes to handling large sums of money or potential court cases.

[Husires]

Depending on the type of job, the importance of the dress will be determined. Some jobs related to marketing and management require a certain style of clothing that is different from the rest of the jobs. Therefore, the examples you set may not be accurate for all cases.

[gantez]

6. Poverty: indeed, looking good or corporate might not be very expensive but the truth is that some persons cannot afford them. Some individuals cannot provide a meal for themselves because of poverty. It would be unfair to look down on such persons maybe during interviews or business proposal meetings because they are not well dressed. He might be the most qualified.    
 

This is unfortunate that the application environment doesn't look at this point you said. I understand it myself but to seek for job , that kind of job that you have to appear nice you have to try and appear that nice you. Your topic come here also. If you don't appear nice you can be prevented out of the opportunity to get interviewed where you can display the talent or knowledge the employer is looking to see. If you don't get a chance to impress how will they know. It is not a pity situation but to try and get dress well in an interview. In many interviews dressing is part of the interview.

[Zaguru12]

I think no matter how busy one is, he/she should actually pay attention to his/her dressing because they can actually win you clients. You don't expect me to discuss a million dollars deal with people who are on torn clothes

Good looks wins you crowd that is why right from school dressings is part of assessment for presentations. You don't expect people to listen to a man of God in a rogue dressing.

The only advice is don't spend excessively on clothes leaving other necessities lying around. If not dress well every time it's even hygienic.

[Silberman]

I have always heard this saying: You would be addressed the way you are dressed . This also connotes that you should address people the way they dress or appear. In my location you must wear a suit, a shirt tucked in good pants with a tie, or a well-tailored native attire, to prove that you are ready for business or employment. Wearing a jean, T-shirt or any casual wear is indecent in business and you would be treated like an unserious individual. But over the years I have learned that appearance can be deceptive, this has made me treat people or business prospects by their behavior, ability, and productivity and not by appearance.

It depends on the kind of industry you are in, there are jobs in which your image is indispensable, obviously you still need the skills necessary to get the job done, but if someone got the skills plus the appearance and you only have the skills then you are not getting the job over them, however there are many other industries in which as long as you have the skills the way you are dressed does not matter at all, this is especially true now when it comes to the jobs which can be done remotely.

[tabas]

Go into an interview without fixing yourself and let's see what will be their first impression. Actually, first impression lasts and that's why you need to be at your best whether it's an interview or a business meeting.
It's important how you look and your appearance matters a lot to them because it is your asset and it can be considered that you can face people seriously with the attire that you wear.

[Pokapoka124]

I have always heard this saying: You would be addressed the way you are dressed . This also connotes that you should address people the way they dress or appear. In my location you must wear a suit, a shirt tucked in good pants with a tie, or a well-tailored native attire, to prove that you are ready for business or employment. Wearing a jean, T-shirt or any casual wear is indecent in business and you would be treated like an unserious individual. But over the years I have learned that appearance can be deceptive, this has made me treat people or business prospects by their behavior, ability, and productivity and not by appearance. Some reasons for my decision are:

Everything you stated are a bunch of excuses imho, it just doesn’t make sense. We are humans, we can’t see the heart of a person we can only judge by what we see. And the first thing anyone sees is your physical appearance, it is your most powerful tool, your appearance creates the first impression a person has of you even before you speak. This gen z like to think of themselves as being “woke” and challenge the traditional way of doing this, I think it will be impossible to change the dress code of the business world. Appearance does matter. If you’re in the business world, you have to look smart always, it gives investors and colleagues the impression that you can be trusted and that you have a sense of self value. I can’t imagine going for a interview or walking into a room to pitch an idea to potential investors dressed in my pyjamas, none of them is going to trust a guy in PJs with their money. It’s that simple.

[TimeTeller]

Go into an interview without fixing yourself and let's see what will be their first impression. Actually, first impression lasts and that's why you need to be at your best whether it's an interview or a business meeting.
It's important how you look and your appearance matters a lot to them because it is your asset and it can be considered that you can face people seriously with the attire that you wear.

Especially if you have no idea about the people you are going to meet.
So dress accordingly, because you'll never know what you're going into.
You can start wearing clothes that are more comfortable to you when you already know these people.
But I do agree, first meeting will give them first impression. You need to create a great one.

[Cryptomultiplier]

It is the proper thing to always dress and appear well irrespective of the environment one works or stays in. Gone are the days where always being formal with a tucked in sleeve in pants and suit or jacket, is norm. These days the T-shirt on jean can be rocked to work or other business engagements or it could be dependent on the sector one works in. One doesn't expect an accountant or a lawyer to be seen in the office always on T-shirt and jean. However, an engineering or logistics business might place no concrete slab over dress code.
Appearance matters a lot. It is distinguished from dressing in the sense that an appearance of being neat is a general outlook on dress and body cleanliness. The remote work experience many of us had during the past Covid-19 lockdown, actually revealed that most persons work efficiently in their most comfortable cloths. Don't know how trivial that sounds, but it places more emphasis on work efficiency, skill, general outlook of neatness and dress code as a component of what makes ones appearance matter in business and employment.
I consider appearance as a necessary productivity hack in business and employment these days, as it contributes to the trust bond between colleagues, clients or parties involved.

[tabas]

Go into an interview without fixing yourself and let's see what will be their first impression. Actually, first impression lasts and that's why you need to be at your best whether it's an interview or a business meeting.
It's important how you look and your appearance matters a lot to them because it is your asset and it can be considered that you can face people seriously with the attire that you wear.

Especially if you have no idea about the people you are going to meet.
So dress accordingly, because you'll never know what you're going into.
You can start wearing clothes that are more comfortable to you when you already know these people.
But I do agree, first meeting will give them first impression. You need to create a great one.

Yeah, they can judge and belittle you based on your outfit and might not take you seriously. That's why even if you're not good at it, try to be the better one in dressing yourself.
Be presentable and be at your best outfit, ask your wife, mom or any person that's good at dressing and ask their opinion on how you look like with those choices you've got so you get their suggestions.

[2stout]

Yes, I consider appearance in both business and employment, at least initially anyway.  Appearance is what open the door, but it doesn't guarantee you will like the contents within.

[Majestic-milf]

Yes. Looking good is an art on its own and since I'd need to appear for an interview, it's pertinent I dress as suits the occasion. Since most people, especially potential bosses judge the physical outlook, before giving you the opportunity to show what you can offer, I don't think looking "casual" would cut it.

 Another thing to dressing good is it gives you confidence and this could help one be bold when faced with potential clients or bosses.

[Wexnident]

It wouldn't do to judge someone based on their appearance BUT a good appearance does indicate a good first impression which drastically improves your chances of being employed imo. It's just a matter of leaving a good impression, it doesn't necessarily need you to spend enormous amounts of time dressing up or to force yourself to suffer under the weather, as long as you're able to dress properly together with your comfort, then I don't think it'd be an issue really.

This is only for the employment process though tbf, I reckon employees can be rather comfortable with their clothes once they've been in the company for months, heck even weeks, as long as there's no strict dress code implemented.

[Smack That Ace]

Depending on the type of job, the importance of the dress will be determined. Some jobs related to marketing and management require a certain style of clothing that is different from the rest of the jobs. Therefore, the examples you set may not be accurate for all cases.

Right, it all depends on the type of work, we don't always have to be neat or always wear fancy clothes but it brings a feeling of heat and does not bring a comfortable feeling when working, thereby making work less efficient. Before, I was a worker and my work was mostly in a factory, so I didn't have to dress like a high-ranking person. Currently, I am a freelancer, I have never liked wearing suits or having to wear expensive suits, it gives me a very uncomfortable feeling when working.

[adaseb]

Yes this is pretty much common sense. If you are an employer who meets with other companies the company you work for will tell you need to present a clean image. You need to wear a suit and have nice hair and such.

If you are a customer it’s different. Some dress in casual clothes. However if you dress casual and go to a Porsche dealer you might be ignored. Because it projects a certain image.

[mindrust]

In a world we live in today, especially where everyone is an instagram addict, having a good look matters a lot.

Employers tend to hire good looking but less capable people instead of capable but shit looking.

That’s simply how the world works.

[CageMabok]

Yes, I consider appearance in both business and employment, at least initially anyway.  Appearance is what open the door, but it doesn't guarantee you will like the contents within.

The analogy is this, when an attractive and unique external appearance of a product or work will always invite more attention from everyone even though the quality of the content is not very good or attractive. But at least it has invited everyone to see the product or work that has been packaged well.

But I prefer to consider the quality of the contents inside even though the packaging is not very attractive to look at because the outer packaging is the first thing that will be torn and thrown away when someone wants to use the contents inside. So why consider a good outer appearance if it will eventually be thrown away and not used.