Do you dress for success? What you wear matters. It matters during your job interview, when you are in a sales meeting, and anytime you are meeting someone for the first time. First impressions matter, and what you wear has an impact on how people perceive you.

“Whether you like it or not, your clothing communicates — and it can have a serious effect on your ability to achieve success,” says Jacquelyn Smith on Business Insider.

“Research shows that your appearance strongly influences other people’s perception of your financial success, authority, trustworthiness, intelligence, and suitability for hire or promotion. And, because perception is often reality, what you wear not only communicates who you are in the minds of others but also influences your level of career advancement,” she adds.

Study Proves Being Better Dressed Increases Results

A study by an assistant professor of organizational behaviour at the Yale School of Management found that clothing associated with a higher social status can increase job performance in competitive tasks, such as sales.

The study used a role playing exercise negotiating the sale of a hypothetical asset, and better dressed men fared better:

• The average profit for well-dressed men was $2.1 million and the average concession was $830,000
• The average profit for casually dressed men was only $680,000 and the average concession was $2.8 million

As you can see, what you wear can have an impact on your sales performance. So, it may be time to re-think your attire.

5 Simple Tips from Sales Recruiters on How to Dress for Success

Here are some simple tips that will help you look and feel your very best:

1. Know your audience: Researching your clients and knowing who you are dealing with will allow you to adjust your attire accordingly.
2.  Overdressed is better than underdressed: No one wants to be the person in jeans when everyone else is in a suit. If you are not sure, always dress up, not down.
3. Wear clothes that fit well: Clothing that is too big or too small will not flatter you. Consider having your clothing tailored to fit you perfectly.
4. Keep it clean: Always wear clean and pressed clothing. Don’t try to get away with a shirt with a small stain or one that is due for a dry cleaning.
5. Easy on the accessories: Avoid being too flashy or overdone. Wear appropriate shoes and accessories that will complement your outfit.

More Tips from Sales Recruiters

5 Unprofessional Habits That Kill Your Chances of Getting the Best Candidate

5 Must Read Sales Recruiting Trends for 2017

SalesForce Search is a sales recruiting company which specializes in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. We recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. Find the right salesperson for your organization, start your search here.