Clarity of dress code is key to compliance

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Okay, all you fashion mavens, free thinkers and corporate newbies, what do you think about this?

1. A pierced nose, eyebrow and tongue are a fashion statement that should be overlooked by an interviewer when interviewing a candidate for a job.
2. When corresponding with a potential employer via e-mail, the employer should not be influenced by the candidate’s e-mail address: such as, "undertheinfluence@idontliketowork.com"
3. An employee should be able to wear a sweatshirt to a meeting where a customer will be present.

(Answers: 1. If it violates the dress code, the candidate should be asked if he or she would be willing to comply. 2. Duh. 3. She can wear what ever she wants but accept the consequences: not invited to future meetings, sent home to change, stunted career, etc.)

See if you agree with this reader:

Dear Joan:

What ever happened to ironing a blouse before it’s worn into an office setting? Are a wrinkled, ill-fitting blouse and a pair of cotton pants suitable attire for an office job that involves meeting the public, members of a Board of Directors or vendor reps?

The last thing I want to be is a dinosaur. I’m contemporary in my thinking and appearance but I feel concern over the impression made by staffers (usually under 30) who appear messy (clean-usually, but not neat), when representing their organizations.

Should a manager need to be told that she should wear pantyhose to a meeting with Board members? Shouldn’t one know that a sweatshirt is not suitable attire for a business meeting?

When asked by a new hire, "What is the dress code," I respond that it should be neat, no jeans, while suits are not required, slacks and a sweater, jacket and skirt, etc. I explain what is appropriate and tell them that appearance should reflect one’s pride in their appearance. Am I delusional to think that this should result in proper, fitting, clean, ironed clothes?

And, do people really think that six earrings in their ear and e-mail addresses like "freak," "cannibal," "coolchick," or "wicked God" will encourage me to hire them?

Help. I am lost in what I thought is the world of common sense propriety. (Remember that old saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression?" Is that old hat?)

What is acceptable? How is it conveyed, if you’re the lone ranger department head, without it being a turnoff to others? There is no HR department here and I’m an experienced business professional (20 years). I’m confused and concerned.

Answer:
You’re not delusional and you’re not a dinosaur. Business casual doesn’t mean picnic casual.

The best defense is a good offense. During the interview, state the dress code and explain that it is an expectation that must be met in order for the person to accept and keep the job. For instance, give an example such as this, "It is critical for our customer service reps to present a professional image to our customers. In our finance department, the policy is no earrings on men and only one earring per ear for women. Would that be a problem for you?"

Let people know during the interview—and after—that a serious violation of the dress code may result in a trip home to change. Explain that repeated violations will send the wrong message about the person’s professionalism and will affect their promotability. It could even result in termination. I know of an employee who wore see-through blouses, thigh-high skirts and plunging necklines. Not only were employees complaining (men, included), but customers were making comments. She thought her manager was picking on her and she felt it was a violation of her personal freedom. Wrong. It was inappropriate for the job and a major source of problems in the workplace. She refused to change and was invited to find a workplace where that attire was acceptable. When you accept a job, you trade a piece of your free spirit for a piece of opportunity.

If this is a recurring problem and a customer meeting or Board meeting is going to be held, mention in advance that the "customer dress code" is in affect. A number of companies allow flexibility in the dress code, with the understanding that if employees are expected to attend an important meeting, they must dress up.

Another approach, when you are coaching someone about this issue, is to use reverse psychology. For instance, you might ask, "If you were a manager here and you saw one of your employees show up for a meeting with a customer wearing a yellow, polyester leisure suit with a white belt and shoes, what would you think?" I suspect the employee would think he was a total geek who would be an embarrassment to himself and the company. Now, ask the employee if you would promote someone like that into a role where they would have even more visibility. I think the person will get the point: when an employee doesn’t dress appropriately it does have an impact on how they are perceived, no matter how talented they are.

Another version of a coaching scenario: "What you wear on your own time is your business and I’m not judging that. What I’m concerned about is your credibility and image as well as that of the company."

If you’re a Tyrannosaurus Rex, then so am I.

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