Want to increase your chances of getting promoted? A new CareerBuilder survey of managers across a variety of industries suggests you better cover up that tattoo and tame your bed head. Check out what might be keeping you from moving into that C-suite.
Piercings: 37%
Take your piercings out: The CareerBuilder survey showed 37% of employers cited piercings as the biggest personal attribute that stacks the cards against employees getting promoted. (Reuters)
Bad Breath: 34%
No one wants to work with a person who has perpetually bad breath. Don't forget to brush before you go to work and keep a toothbrush and mouthwash in your desk to freshen up before a big meeting. (Reuters)
Visible Tattoo – 31%
Showing off a tattoo may be a great conversation starter at a bar, but the survey respondents agreed exposing ink in the office comes off as unprofessional.
Wrinkled Clothes – 31%
Wrinkled attired gives off the impression you are messy, or worse yet, lazy.
Tip: If you don’t like to iron, a quick fix for a wrinkle is to throw the clothing item in the dryer with a damp cloth for 10 or 20 minutes. You can also hang your clothing in the bathroom while you shower for a quick steam. (Reuters)
Messy Hair – 29%
Control your coif! Take the time to brush your hair—men and women. (Reuters)
Too Much Perfume or Cologne – 26%
No one likes to smell bad, but overdoing it with perfume or cologne can be an annoyance to your co-workers. (Reuters)
Too Much Makeup – 22%
Female workers should avoid a heavy hand when putting on makeup for the office; put your daytime face on. In addition to keeping it light, experts also suggest women use makeup to enhance their best attributes like their eyes or high cheekbones. (Reuters)
Messy Office or Cubicle – 19%
A clean office and happy office. A cluttered messy office may make you seem unorganized. Keep your paperwork in folders and bins and tidy up each day before you leave. (Reuters)
Chewed Fingernails – 10%
Kicking this common bad habit is not easy, especially if you're under a lot of stress. But it's bad for your image and give off the sense you might not able to handle tough situations. (Reuters)
Too Suntanned – 4% Man in a Tanning Bed
A healthy glow or sun-kissed skin is one thing, it’s quite another to be mistaken for an Oompa-Loompa. Maintain a healthy glow throughout the year, but don't overdo it. (Reuters)