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by a panel of men. Not that it would have made a lot of difference if it had been women scrutinizing her - I don't know. What I do know however is that one's facial appearance is a portion of one's image; and that women need an extra edge to survive the workplace - if they want to advance - in any firm dominated by men.

In addition to the makeup thing - the coworker's clothes were outdated. I mean they were clean and pressed and all. But in my opinion, they were not "dress for success" oriented. They were more like Sunday dinner out. Considering the potential for advancement the positions we'd applied for were offering us - in a multimillion dollar industry - her clothes should've said things like: "I'm a business person at heart. I'm in control of myself. This job will be a piece of cake. Or even - hire me. I have good taste!"

Whereas my coworker had the education portion of self-image under control, she faltered in the areas of acting and looking like she belonged in the position for which she aspired. However, all was not lost, the coworker went on to improve in the areas she'd been weak in and eventually was hired in a like position that came up a couple of years later. Yes. It was "years" later. However, the point is self-image can be altered; and she'd altered hers.

Here are a few ways one can improve their self-image:

LOOKS: Learn to dress in a way that's the norm in your place of employment. If you're seeking a job and don't know what others in the firm are wearing, wear clothes that are in between casual and dressy; at least until after you're hired and can evaluate your future coworkers appearances and dress codes. If you want to be taken seriously, not just as someone trying to pay the rent, stay away from colors and patterns that are excessively loud or noisy. Males keep your pants pulled up. Females go easy on cleavage exposure.

Women - if you wear makeup use it conservatively and make sure to freshen it up at least once during the workday if necessary. Keep your hair groomed.

Men - don't forget to keep those whiskers either shaved or neat and keep your hair groomed.

KNOWLEDGE: As with the dilemma my coworker had - impressions can be deceiving. This goes for knowledge-based impressions as well. When trying to fit-in with business professionals, don't try to get in on discussions involving topics you know little about. Let's face it - no one knows everything. You'll maintain a more favorable impression if you don't say anything than you will if you say

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