Perhaps the best advice I received early on in my career was to think of every day at work like a job interview. I still run into instances today where I know this advice can be put to use in other people's careers.
A majority of the time, I take a suburban commuter train to my office in downtown Chicago. Because these commuter trains run on a consistent schedule, you end up seeing the same group of people day in and day out on your train. Over time, I’ve gotten to know a few of the passengers I ride with. One of the passengers on my train is a nice young guy, probably early 20s. Let’s call him "Joe." Occasionally, Joe and I end up on the same car and converse casually about current events and the like. We don’t speak extensively about work, but we’ve talked enough for me to know that he’s an entry-level securities analyst for one of the larger firms here in Chicago.
He’s had the job for a little over a year, and in that time I’ve seen quite a change in Joe, and not for the better. The funny thing is, his attitude hasn’t changed much at all. He still goes to work early, is always upbeat and generally energetic. What has changed, and quite dramatically, is his appearance.
When I think back to the first few times I spoke with Joe, he was always well put together in a suit and tie. This was around the time he started with his firm and it appeared he was doing his best to send a message to his employers that he was professional. Over time, however, Joe lost the tie, then the suit altogether, and now it often looks like his shirts aren’t even ironed.
I don’t get the sense that he’s disillusioned with his job, but I definitely get the sense that he’s comfortable. That can be very dangerous. One day last week, I ran into Joe on the train and he hadn’t even bothered to shave that day. We have a lighthearted rapport, so I joked with him and asked if he had a rough night.
To that, he said, “No, I never drink on a work night, but it’s not like I’m going on a date. Who do I have to impress?”
His nonchalant reply struck me. The truth is, if you’re trying to make the most of your job, you have everyone to impress. From the second you arrive at the office until the moment you leave at night, you are constantly being assessed by your peers and superiors. You never know who might notice your work ethic, behavior or even your appearance. Despite seeming like a model employee, the fact that Joe implying that he doesn't need to appear professional for his role may end up hurting him in the long run. Especially in big firms where the higher-ups don’t even know everyone’s names, it can’t hurt to make the extra effort to be noticed and send the message that you are a consummate professional.
This was a golden opportunity for me to pass on the same advice I had been given at the same time in my career. I told him to think of his appearance as part of his everyday job interview and that he might want to consider picking the up the razor each morning. Don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly no fashion plate myself, and I know that dress codes do vary widely depending on the office environment. But putting on a tie, a belt and a matching pair of socks, and shaving my face every day is the least I can do to show respect to the job and company that I love. Though I have my on days and off days like everyone else, I always try to treat my job like an ongoing interview and send the message every day that I am deeply committed to what I do.
I haven’t run into Joe again since our chat on the train, but I'm curious to see next time if he took any of my comments to heart. If nothing else, it reminded me of how important the messages we send to others can be in our careers. Just the simple process of thinking about these messages can help us to find ways to make the most of our jobs every day.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about demonstrating your commitment through actions, appearance and attitude. If you do that day after day, you will be noticed and rewarded.