ASK HR: Is it true that I need to wear high heels to thrive in my career?

Q. I recently attended a seminar on career growth. One of the speakers, a popular image consultant, made a statement that left me confused. He said that a woman can only “conquer” the corporate world in heels.

Essentially, he was saying that to thrive in your career as a woman, you cannot afford to wear flat shoes. I know that image matters in the workplace, but is this really a fact?

I once interviewed two female candidates for a senior role. One was quite the stunner, fashionable suit, great hairdo, just the right make-up and an eye-catching pair of heels.

She made quite an impression and I was totally sold and eager to see the person behind the image.

The other was neatly dressed, had a standard hairdo and okay shoes. To be honest, she wasn’t as impressive in appearance as the first candidate.

When the pleasantries ended however, and we got on to the interview, candidate number two turned out to be solid, practical and very impressive, while candidate number one, who had all my attention, struggled in her interview.

Did she make a great first impression? Yes. Was that impression backed by the right competencies? No. Image is important yes, but it has to be backed by knowledge and the right skills.

My point is that you do not have to wear heels to succeed at the workplace. I know many senior women, in various sectors, who perhaps only own a pair or two of heels, but are at the top of their careers because they are competent, hardworking and great influencers.

I also believe that you should not wear heels just to impress and use your femininity to get ahead of others.

Some roles require lots of movement, and instead of walking around in uncomfortable shoes that you can barely walk in, put on what is comfortable and practical and suits your role.

It is not just about heels only, sometimes women hide behind misguided self-branding and grooming.

Does your dress have to be too tight, or does your skirt have to be so short such that you are forced to constantly pull it down, or your top so low it leaves nothing to the imagination?

My question is, what do you want to be remembered for – your heels or your work? You decide.