We spend so much time working out how to fit in we sometimes forget we were born to stand out.

It’s all too easy to become one of the crowd. Never more so than when you’re sharp suited and booted for a buttoned-down day in your job.

After all, when you’ve been hired for your professional skills, not your fashion sense, you’re expected to conform. Out goes the nose ring and mohawk, and in comes the respectable hairstyle and office attire.

It’s all very well fitting in, but you risk becoming a clone, doomed to languish unnoticed among the masses.

Unless, that is, you’re able to bring the ‘real you’ to work – let your personality shine and see your career progress. Here’s how to do it.

 

Choose your arena

Outgoing personalities may be more suited to Sales or HR, assertive types to Security or Procurement or the more introspective and academic to Engineering or Accountancy.

 

Make a good match

Wherever you work and the type of work you do, try to match your personality to the relevant company. A smaller business may offer more opportunity to shine but, if you prefer being in the spotlight on a bigger stage, you’re better off in a larger outfit.

 

Wear something funky

We know this isn’t easy if there’s a dark and dismal dress code modelled on Hogwart’s Snape. But a dash of colour isn’t going to break the law. For men it could be a glimpse of bright socks (stay away from the novelty ones, such as Bart Simpson), or for women a colourful item of jewellery.

 

Decorate your desk

A little adornment can work wonders. We’re not talking DIY SOS here but a family photo, favourite mug or a holiday memento (leave the ouzo at home) can help you connect with colleagues as well as be a reminder you have a life outside work.

 

Make connections

This is one of the easiest ways to show your personality and can be one of the most influential in advancing your career. Allow co-workers to get to know you beyond your professional persona. This way they build up a more rounded picture of you and your ambitions. They could be the ones vouching for you when it comes to promotion.

 

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