2. Outline of Presentation
What is professionalism?
How is professionalism judged?
Image
Demeanor and Body Language
Communication
Competence
3. What is professionalism?
Webster's Dictionary defines it as, "the conduct, aims, or
qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a
professional person.”
“Having an awareness of how your actions, body language,
and words affect others perception of you.”
Taking accountability for your actions
The ability to communicate your knowledge
Displaying a positive attitude and competence that is
unaffected by discrimination, bias and politics
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism
www.fs.fed.us/.../Professionalism%20in%20the%20Workplace.ppt
4. How do others judge your
professionalism?
Your image
Your demeanor
Your communication
Your competence
http://anthonyycheung.com/School/philosophy%20Saenz/PHLfinalnotes.doc/
5. The Importance of Your Image
Remember: First impressions make lasting impressions!
One’s image is made up of looks, attire, and overall
presentation of one’s self.
http://youremploymentsolution.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-work-job-fair.html
6. When should you be dressed
professionally?
Interviews
Job Fairs
Conferences
Professional meetings
Whenever you are presenting
9. Portraying a Professional Image for
Women
http://www.temple.edu/provost/careercenter/Students/InterviewingProfessionalDress.html
10. How to Dress - Women
Wear a conservative skirted or pant suit in navy blue,
dark brown, gray or black.
Skirts should be at or just slightly above the knee – do not
wear anything shorter!
Make sure that your clothing is flattering but that it is not too
tight or revealing
Wear a blouse with a modest neckline that fully covers
the shoulders – a long sleeve jacket is usually best.
Do not wear shoes that are open toed, open healed,
strappy, flashy, or that have heels higher than 2.5 inches
NEVER wear dirty, torn, or offensive clothing
11. Hair, Nails, Make-up, Jewelry
Hair may be pulled up or left down as long as it looks clean
and will not be a distraction
Avoid styles that may be considered to be too “trendy”
and may be looked down upon by the older generation
Wear make-up that is not distracting and that looks natural
Do not wear flashy nail polish – have a subtle, neutral color
or clear coat only
Stick to no more than one pair of earrings, one ring on each
hand, one necklace, professional-looking watch, and one
bracelet.
Avoid jewelry that is flashy or loud that could be distracting
12. Dress like this… not like this
http://sbcareercenter.blogspot.com/2012/02/dos-and-donts-of-dressing.html
13. Portraying a Professional Image for
Men
http://sbcareercenter.blogspot.com/2012/02/dos-and-donts-of-dressing.html
14. How to dress – Men
Wear a nice looking suit that fits well – best colors are black, dark
blue, or dark gray
Pants should not drag on the floor or expose the ankle
Wear a long-sleeve button up shirt under the suit jacket
Make sure that your shirt is fully tucked in
Wear a silk tie that is tied securely
Avoid flashy color or patterns
Make sure all clothing is ironed and freshly
pressed
Wear nice black dress shoes
Have them shined (no scuff markings)
Wear dress socks that match your suit and shoes
http://sbcareercenter.blogspot.com/2012/02/dos-and-donts-of-dressing.html
15. Additional tips for Men
Shave and have a clean hair-cut
Make sure nails are clean cut and free from any dirt
Avoid wearing any phony watches or athletic looking
jewelry (i.e. Livestrong wristbands)
Limit jewelry to only one ring one on each hand and a
professional looking watch
16. Casual to Professional Dress Examples
for Men
http://www.professionalpenwriters.com/2009/12/24/dress-job-interview/
17. Important Tips for Everyone
Carry your resume inside a small portfolio
Turn off your phone
Do not chew gum
Do not wear strong smelling cologne or
perfume
Hide any visible tattoos (they should be
completely covered)
Avoid facial piercings – if you have facial
piercings then remove any jewelry
Avoid any unnatural hair colors or off-the-wall
hair cuts
http://www.gogettercareers.com/employment/PortfolioInterview.aspx
18. Demeanor – Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Have a positive attitude and SMILE – this will make you very
personable
Take accountability and ownership of your actions
Be approachable
Go the extra mile - show other’s you take your work seriously
and that you want to excel
Try to stay calm even in a chaotic or stressful environment
Maintain focus
Maintain a sense of humor when appropriate
Be humble
Show that you are trustworthy, dependable, and sincere
Have strong ethics
Be supportive of others
19. Demeanor – Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t:
Lose your temper
Expose your insecurities
Complain or have a negative attitude
Hold a grudge
Gossip
Arrive late – always try to give yourself enough time to not
appear rushed.
20. Tips for appropriate body language
Do:
Introduce yourself with a confident, firm handshake while
standing
Make eye contact
Sit-up straight
Lean forward slightly to show your interested and engaged
Show that you are actively listening by nodding your head and
making positive response gestures (do not become a
bubblehead by overdoing it!)
Don’t:
Cross your arms – it makes your appear closed off
Play with your hair, jewelry, clothing, pen/pencil, etc.
Slouch or hunch your back
21. Remember
You should ALWAYS be practicing appropriate demeanor and body
language because you never know who you are going to see or
meet that you may establish a professional relationship with later on
down the road.
http://www.emc-accounting.com/about.html
22. Communication
Use proper language
Do not use profanity or slang terms
Speak using proper English
Maintain an appropriate tone of voice
Do not yell or shout
Make sure you are speaking loud enough to be heard from a comfortable
distance
Avoid speaking monotonously
Avoid inappropriate content
Remember to make all social media site private unless they are kept
professional
Speak clearly
Make sure you are not speaking too fast
Make sure to enunciate you words so that you are easily understood
Be an active listener
Avoid saying “um” or “like” excessively
23. Competence
Before an interview or meeting make sure to do your
research
Know information regarding:
Who will be there
About the company, position, etc.
The topic or focus of the meeting
Show that you are well prepared
Bring a copy of your resume
Bring new ideas
Rehearse typically interview questions
