Professional Development

Six small habits that will change your image immediately

If you’re a young professional, you probably know the way others see you can be important to your growth and success. While you certainly can’t control everyone’s impression, there are a few small things you can do to make you more approachable and more professional.

1. Walk with your head up.
Walk with confidence around your office (and everywhere else you go). Your head should be up with your chin parallel to the floor and your eyes should be looking forward, not down. Walking with your head down and your body hunched over tells others that you don’t care. Bonus: Greet people and smile when you see them in the hall. A simple “hi” is sufficient.

2. Say your last name when you introduce yourself.
When you go to shake someone’s hand, say your first and your last name. I recently started doing this, and I have to tell you, it really does make a difference. It’s more formal, but that’s ok when you’re a young professional trying to seem, well, more professional.

3. Speaking of names, learn other people’s and use them in conversation.
People love to hear their names (whether they know it or not!), and they hate it if you can’t remember their name. Learn the names of people around you and use their name in conversation. Instead of saying, “That was a great meeting,” say, “Great meeting, Liz, I really enjoyed it.” They might not consciously notice it, but you will make them feel a little more special.

4. Sit up straight.
Admittedly, I’m a sloucher. This is not good. Sitting up straight makes you look better, helps with digestion and helps you look alert. Slouching, on the hand, looks kind of gross (I often have a hump back!), and it can tell other people that you’re not taking them seriously.

5. Stand up when you speak in a meeting.
This might not always be appropriate, but if you want to get noticed in a large meeting, standing up when you speak is the way to do it. Now, if four people are sitting around a tiny table, that’s probably not the time to try this out. But, if you’re in a large room or at a large board table, standing up while speaking gives off instant authority.

6. Answer your phone professionally.
Phone etiquette is big because that can be people’s first impression of you. Always answer your phone in a cheerful voice and state your company and your name. I even answer my cell phone (usually) by saying, “This is Angela.”

These six tips can easily be incorporated into your everyday work routine. What other tips do you incorporate to make yourself more approachable and professional?