This presentation is an introduction to maintaining a professional image in both the workplace and online. It s never too early to start planning and making steps toward becoming a well respected, successful professional in the workplace! 1
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Professionalism means many things to different people, but here are some of the basics you should be maintaining. 15
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Use a calendar. Get a pocketsize planner, and/or use Outlook, etc. Don t count on your memory to keep interviews organized in your head. 22
Opportunities may fall through the cracks due to disconnected phone service. Make sure your voicemail message is professional. Do NOT include a musical background. 23
Get a professional email address. Yourname@yahoo/gmail/hotmail.com is usually best. Keep it simple. 24
Send cover letters with all résumés. Obtain the name, professional title, direct number, email and correct street address of the person you are interviewing with. 25
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Do NOT cancel interviews to work extra shifts at a current job. Missed opportunities cannot be recovered. AVOID excuses and make it work. 27
DRESS APPROPRIATELY. The way you dress and present yourself should not distract others from your hard work, skills, personality, or even the interview. Best Practices: Wear slacks (NOT jeans). Nice, clean shoes (NOT sneakers or tennis shoes). Pressed button down shirt/blouse with a collar (NO t shirts/athletic gear) Be sure to groom appropriately. Shave, trim, fix your hair, brush your teeth, and clean your nails; anything that will produce a positive image of yourself. AVOID heavy makeup, having tattoos visible, wearing excessive or non traditional piercings, revealing or immodest clothing, heavy cologne or perfume, or large and excessive jewelry. Keep it simple. 28
Research for directions and know where YOU are going. ALLOW TIME for traffic, late buses, broken down trains, etc. Avoid scheduling interviews during rush hours or taking routes that are usually busy throughout the day. Plan your travel schedule in advance, ESPECIALLY if you are taking public transportation. Make sure to carry change for parking, fares, and tolls, etc. Be at least 15 minutes early. Breathe, look over questions or notes, use the restroom, etc. Check in with the receptionist and be confident and prepared. Remember to smile and be polite. The very SECOND you perceive you may be running late or will not be able to make it, YOU MUST call the interviewer AND your career advisor to let them know. Try to reschedule cancelled interviews immediately. 29
Have questions to ask the interviewer relating to the position. Take the time to ask questions about the position and the company. It s your turn and chance to interview them. DO NOT ask about money/salary. 30
LEAVE THE CELL PHONE IN THE CAR OR TURN IT OFF. Don t bring in toys, an ipod, or anything that makes noise or may distract. 31
ALWAYS bring pens and copies of your résumé and references. Plan to fill out the company s employment application in addition to providing a résumé. 32
SPEAK clearly and concisely. Replace yeah or uh huh with YES, and nuh uh or nope with NO. Don t waste time rambling. DO NOT use offensive or slang language, even if the interviewer does. 33
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Thank the employer/interviewer for his/her time. Emphasize your interest in the position. Ask the employer when you can expect to hear from them. Make a follow up call or email to let them know of your continued interest if the expected contact date has passed. Send a thank you note after the interview via mail or email ASAP. It s not old fashioned. 35
NEVER discuss salary before you are offered a position. When offered the position, ask for at least 24 hours to make your decision. Don t make a split second decision you might regret. Negotiate, but don t fight over mere dollars; think SMART. Get the final official offer in writing, including benefits, etc. 36
FREE Career Assistance for 6 months after you graduate. Don t take time off to find yourself. It s a good idea to start working in your field ASAP and to be proactive in your search. Work closely with your Career Advisor they will help you. Research companies prior to your interviews; it makes a great impression on the interviewer when you come prepared and informed. Let your Career Advisor know when you have secured employment. Choose your employment wisely. Do something you re great at and love what you do. 37
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Depending on your company and their social media policies, different organizations promote their businesses on social media or may have you establish an online presence representing their company. 46
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Don t strive to be a social climber befriending everyone under the sun and trying to connect with the President or CEO is not the best approach. Rely on introductions; network through friends and through the contacts you ve made in person. There are lots of great opportunities to connect with groups on Facebook and LinkedIn if you choose your groups wisely. 51
Before you start your career search, find out What people are saying about you? Set up a Google alert to find out. 52
Cached files sit on the net you think you ve deleted content, but it can be difficult to remove. You have to actually contact Google or other search engines to have it removed. 53
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Mashable.com is one of the top technology sites that has a whole section on Social Media by breaking down the top sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It also gives you tips how to make the most of these sites and new updates you should know. 57
Do you have a Twitter account? Mashable.com has The Twitter Guide Book, which gives more details on how to use Twitter for job searches, networking, and business. 58
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