Posted by LynnNC on 6/14/06 1:51pm
Msg #125924

More on proper business attire

In addition to dressing business casual (slacks, pullover top, jacket, low heels or closed flats, watch, wedding/engagement rings, one bracelet, necklace and one pair of pierced earrings), I wear a nametag.

I believe that since we go to the borrowers' homes, and we are strangers to them, wearing a nametag adds to the professional image. It attaches with a magnet, so I don't have to worry about making holes in my clothes.

To further my professional image, I always hand my business card to the borrower at the door.

Reply by Roger_OH on 6/14/06 2:13pm
Msg #125929

I had my company name embroidered on the breast of some nice golf shirts. Wear them along with khaki dockers. People are always amazed that a notary can have their own company.

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 6/14/06 2:49pm
Msg #125935

I had my Co. name embroidered on my lightweight jackets also. The kicker is that the entire cost of the jacked and the embroidery are deductible when you do that.

Reply by LynnNC on 6/14/06 5:26pm
Msg #125959

You guys are dressing right! I wish I were a guy when it comes to dressing for this business. I would have a uniform of polo shirts and long-sleeved button-down shirts, and a jacket, all with my business name, which I would wear with khakis and docksiders, or a similar casual shoe. If I were going to a million dollar house, I would wear a navy blazer with the usual uniform.

My uniform is that I always wear black slacks with a pullover top and jacket. The black slacks go with everything, but also pick up all the pet hair. When I go to a signing with pet hair all over me, I just explaing that the previous borrowers' dogs and/or cats rubbed against me, or as often is the case with cats, sat in my lap!

Reply by TitleGalCA on 6/14/06 9:50pm
Msg #126092

Lynn, you are clearly an amazing example of professionalism - Lands End would be proud.

However, the mode of dress is always to fit the region and way of life. If you showed up in Southern California dressed as such, we'd wonder if you weren't the new model for Coldwell Banker on television.

I think it's wonderful that you are so well-dressed, yet it doesn't make someone from Southern California "undressed" to wear something different.

The whole tone of your post is to suggest someone who doesn't dress like you isn't professional, right down to the amount of jewelry. I agree your dress code is very rigidly professional, but it is no where near the model for the signing agent - at least in California.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 6/15/06 1:54am
Msg #126123

I usually agree with you, TitleGalCA, but I differ slightly on this one. My usual attire is pretty close to what Lynn says she wears. Even though things might be a bit more casual here in So Cal (and more so in some areas than others), I think people still want to see someone showing up looking business-like. I've even heard comments from other people (non-notaries) about their experience with unprofessional looking (etc...) notaries that they've dealt with in the past. (I'm sure we've all heard stories that would make our hair curl...) I strive for at least business casual. (But in warm weather the jacket may come right off once we sit down!)

Reply by Tess/ME on 6/15/06 8:39am
Msg #126141

Re: Janet, I agree

with you on the business attire. Here in Maine most of the borrowers are blue collar workers. Fishermen, iron workers, mechanics, etc. and alot of the women are just part time workers or stay at home moms. The men are there in their sweaty, dirty jeans and the women have a baby under their arms and a pen in the other, trying to push back the straggerly hair falling down in their eyes. But I have had many comment that I looked and act much better than the last "notary" that was there who came in looking very, very casual and flopped down and threw the docs on the table. They seem to appreciate the fact that some people do take their work seriously no matter whose home they are going to.