Being a professional is being an expert in your field, showing your proficiency in all aspects of your job, and your commitment to

keeping your skill set sharp and well suited for your job.

 

Knowledge of company/jobo As a professional and expert, it is necessary to know the company you are

working for and how to function within the workplaceo You must know what is required of you each day, the company's goals

for the position, and the company's expectations for you as an employee. Certain companies set specific goals and deadlines that are necessary to be aware of and to plan for accordingly. 

Computer skillso Basic understanding of emails, Office programs (Word, Excel, etc.),

presentationso Some jobs may require specialized computer skills, but usually specify in

the job description or provide training for the program 

Verbal skillso Necessary to communicate ideas effectively and clearly with other

employees, your boss, your clients, etc.o Some jobs require specific understanding and use of jargon, and all jobs

require proper grammar and vocabularyo Non verbal skills are also essential in communication

 

Initiativeo Employers expect you to do your job without being constantly reminded

to do your jobo Shows leadership, determination, ambition, enthusiasm

Accountabilityo Accepting responsibility for your own actionso Making responsible decisions without supervisiono Includes integrity, honesty, obligation, responsibility

Self Growtho Commitment to improvemento Involves self-reflection and evaluationo Takes initiative for implementation of growth strategieso Long term personal and career goals

Learningo Leads to self growtho Involves continual movement as a result

Respect is valuing others. It is not only our feelings towards others, but how we act in response.

Teamworko Requires denial of the ego to work as part of a larger unito Involves less work from each member to achieve a greater goal, faster

 

Integrityo Honesty, principle, honor, faithfulness, trustworthiness

 

Punctualityo Essential responsibility as an employeeo Shows initiative and enthusiasm

PROFESSIONAL DRESS FOR WOMEN: 

DO

Wear nice blouse/button up Wear suit separates Wear knee-length skirts Wear jacket, or blouse with sleeves Dress shoes, closed toe Wear well fitting clothing Neutral colors Cover tattoos if possible

 

DO NOT

Wear short skirts Wear bulky jewelry Wear low cut shirts and short skirts Wear lots of makeup Wear extremely loose or tight clothing Wear tank tops, or clothing that shows

skin Wear large amounts of perfume Wear jeans Avoid cleavage

PROFESSIONAL DRESS FOR MEN:

DO

Wear neutral Wear suits Pressed shirts Solid color/ subtle ties Dress shoes Clean shaven face Match belt to shoes Tuck in shirt Cover tattoos if possible

DO NOT

Wear large amounts of cologne Wear bulky jewelry Wear baggy clothing Wear sneakers Wear jeans

Communication is necessary in the professional setting and it is essential to be able to communicate clearly and effectively, as well to illicit

respect and understanding. Language encompasses this.

What language is appropriate to use in the workplace?

 

DO:

Use polite, respectful language Use correct grammar and vocabulary Speak with clarity Be direct, clear and keep to main points

 

 

DO NOT:

Use profanity Use slang Use vulgar or sexual language Use derogatory or biased comments Communicate how you talk to your

friends

 

We also communicate through body language

DO:

Keep eye contact Be aware of posture, facial expression,

and gestures

 

DO NOT:

Be inconsistent (your nonverbal should match your verbal)

Understand the effects of paralanguage, or tone of voice

The Relationship of Verbal and Nonverbal: 

1. ContradictingEx: verbal and nonverbal message don't match up

2. Emphasizing - accents specific words highlighting the messageEx: gestures; pounding table emphasizes the emotion of the message

3. Regulating - directs the flow of the conversationEx: pointing a question or comment directly at someone through eye contact

4. ComplementingEx: verbal and nonverbal match up

5. Substituting - replace verbal message Ex: nodding head replaces "yes"

6. Repeating - confirms the verbal messageEx: saying "no" and shaking head no

The following are scenarios that could happen in the workplace, but were handled incorrectly. For each scenario, the issue is defined and a

solution is given.

1. Sam works for IHOP. His shift starts at 4:00pm. He forgot that he was supposed to be working today, so he didn't leave his house until 3:55pm. When he finally shows up at 4:30pm, he lies to his boss, and says that he was stuck in traffic which is why he was late. Sam's boss, knowing good and well that there was no traffic, gets mad but lets it go, letting Sam get on with his job for the day. What were some of the issues with what Sam did today and what could he have done differently?

 

Issue:

a. Not calling early. When Sam knew he was going to be late, he should have called his boss to let him know, giving him an accurate estimate of how late he would be. Sam didn't call, and instead his boss and fellow employees were left wondering if he was showing up for 30 minutes.

b. Not taking personal responsibility. Sam lied, making up an excuse about being late. Luckily, his boss let it go, but Sam's lie diminished his trustworthiness, and likely affected his future relationship with his boss 

What to Do:

a. Call early. If you are going to be late. It is better to let them know you will be late, than to leave the employer wondering whether or not you will show up. With an accurate estimate of how late you will be, the company can make plans on how to cover your position until you arrive.

b. Take personal responsibility. Don't wait for the boss to come to you to talk about it, take initiative to apologize to your boss and coworkers. Then get to work!

2. Becky applied for a starting position at a new computer software company and she just got an interview. To the interview, Becky decides she is going to dress to impress. She wears a simple black skirt with a very low cut white blouse. She also decides to wear her favorite sparkly dangle earrings and matching eight bangles on her wrist that make a clinking noise every time she moves. To finish off the look, she puts on quite a bit of the new Jennifer Lopez perfume she got for Christmas that year. Even with all her outfit planning, Becky did not get the job. What do you think went wrong for Becky and what advice do you give her for her next job interview?

 

Issue:

a. Unprofessional dress. The interview is a time to give the employer a glimpse of what type of employee you would be and how you would fit their company. The first impression an interviewer gets of you and your skills is based on your dress.  

What to Do:

a. Dress business professional or business casual. (See the Dress Code section)

3. Rick is in the break room relaxing for his 15 minute break. He begins a casual conversation with a few fellow coworkers, talking about their plans for the weekend. One of his friends, Jim, begins talking about his romantic interests for the weekend, and even begins making inappropriate comments about fellow women in the workplace. Rick laughs along, despite feeling uncomfortable. What should Rick have done in this situation?

 

Issue:

a. Sexual harassment is a real and serious situation in the workplace. Jim was in the wrong as his comments were offensive and can create an uncomfortable or hostile work environment. Complaints of harassment can lead to suspension, getting fired, or further legal action.

b. In being involved in this conversation, Rick could easily be associated and considered part of the harassment.

c. Even when you are in the break room, you are still at work and conversation must be kept professional.  

What to Do:

a. Rick should have talked to Jim and asked him to stop his inappropriate comments, instead of laughing along. He also should have removed himself from the conversation

b. If the inappropriate comments continue, Rick should inform his boss of the situation. 

4. Nancy works as a receptionist at a local pharmacy. She has been dealing with her supervisor Denny giving her a hard time every time he walks by, he will make comments about her poor work performance, even though she is a good employee and actually always gets work done. Denny has gone so far as to talk badly about Nancy to other workers, and it has gotten back to her. Finally having has enough of it, Nancy curses out Denny in front of the entire office after another one of his comments. The office manager, overhearing the commotion, suspends Nancy for two weeks without pay. How could Nancy have avoided this situation and kept her job safe? 

Issue:

a. Unprofessional language and behavior. No matter how angry someone makes you, or even if they were in the wrong first, responding with profanity and disrupting the office are not appropriate or professional ways to handle the situation. 

What to Do:

a. Nancy should first bring up the issue to Denny himself, and ask for how he believes she can improve her work performance. She should also mention that she would prefer if he brings these things up to her through a private conversation instead of making comments for the whole workplace to hear. The first step is to try to come up with a solution or compromise. All of this needs to be done in a professional tone and language.

b. If this does not remedy the situation, Nancy should then bring the situation up to her boss, or Denny's boss if he is her boss. She wants to come prepared with specific examples of the situation, along with any witnesses that have seen the events occur. Professional tone and language is essential.

Having an organized and concise resume is absolutely necessary for job application. The resume is the first glimpse an employer has of you. The resume serves as a brief introduction into who you are as a person, your skill set, and your professional goals. Keeping an up to date resume will

make the application process easier.

 

General Sections of a Resume:

 

Without Work Experience

1. Contact Infoa. Nameb. Addressc. Phone number (professional voice

message)d. Email address (professional)

2. Objective statement3. Education4. Community service & volunteer projects5. Extracurricular activities6. Applicable school work7. Awards and recognitions8. Special skills and certifications

With Work Experience

1. Contact Infoa. Nameb. Addressc. Phone number (professional voice

message)d. Email address (professional)

2. Objective statement3. Education4. Work experience5. Membership in professional

organizations/leadership positions6. Awards and honors7. Special skills and certifications

Chronological Resume Template:

Use this resume if you have a good amount of applicable work experience that relates to the position you are applying for.

Skill Set Resume:

Use to emphasize the skills and abilities you have that relate to the position you are applying for.

After completing your resume and turning in applications, the next step in the job application process is the interview. This is a critical step because the employers get a glimpse into your nature and the skills set you possess. It is the time a company uses to determine

whether you are a good fit for them.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW:

Find a way to release the nervousnesso You want to be confident

Have answers prepared for some typical interview questionso (See mock interview questions, pg.)

Print out your resume and bring it with youo Shows preparedness

Think of past job experiences and come up with specific exampleso How you overcame problemso How you worked as a team membero How you were a leader

Do your researcho Know about the company and the position you are applying for

Dress business professional/business casual (see dress code, pg.)o Have your outfit picked out ahead of timeo Have clothes ironed

Have the address and directions to the interview location Leave early Turn your phone OFF!!

DURING THE INTERVIEW:

Greet the interviewer with eye contact and a handshake Think about body language, look interested!

o Make eye contact with the interviewero Sit up straighto Be attentive

Take your time and deliver well thought through answerso Shows your interest in the position

Give specific answers to questions Avoid talking bad about previous employers

o Show appreciation for your job opportunitieso Bring it back to what you learned from any difficult/bad experiences

Don't be afraid to show your personalityo Be personable, show you a great person to work witho Be careful to not get carried away, bring a joke or an off topic conversation

back to the question asked Ask questions

o Show your interest in the company, ask more in depth questions about your position

o However, remember you should have already done your background research (see the preparation tips), so questions like "What is your company?" or "What does the position entail?" are not appropriate, unless that information was not provided

o Example Questions: What are the company's long term and short terms goals for this

position? Who would I be working with on a daily basis in this position? What is the time frame for getting the position filled?

Thank the interviewer and shake his or her hand before leaving 

  

AFTER THE INTERVIEW:

Send a thank you email, or even a hand written noteo Show your appreciation for the employer's timeo Timing is key - send the note within 24 to 48 hours

Follow up if you have not heard backo Wait a few days after the deadline and then ask if the company has made a

decision If you did not get the job, ask for suggestions to improve your interview

Questions Asked:

Tell me about yourself. How would you describe yourself? Give some examples of teamwork. Why do you want this job? What qualifies you for this job? What applicable attributes/experience do you have? What is good customer service? Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager? Why are you leaving your previous place of employment? What do you know about this company? How would you describe yourself in three words? Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement? What have you learned from your mistakes? Tell me about your work experience? How has it prepared you for a career? How long do you expect to remain employed with this company? How would you describe the pace at which you work? What are your short term and long range goals? What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness? How would you describe the pace at which you work? Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to

know? Do you have any questions?

o Your answer should always be yes; have a few questions ready to ask, it shows your interest

 Questions to Ask:

How would you describe a typical week/day in this position? What are the specific responsibilities for this position? What is the time frame for getting this position filled? What is the company's long term and short term goals for this position? Who would this position require working with on a regular basis?

 Questions NOT to Ask:

How many vacation days do I get and when can I take my time off? What is this company/what does this company do? Can I change my schedule if I get the job?

Did I get the job? How did I do?

In this age of social media, it is essential to consider the role of social media in the professional setting. Professionalism needs to be displayed not only at interviews and within the workplace, but

also on your social network profile.

 

Remember: Part of the application/interview process involves the ability of the company to view prospective employees' social

media profiles

The process doesn't end once you're hired.

 

43% of businesses worldwide report social media misuse as an issue in the workplace.

42% of businesses report taking disciplinary action in response to social media misuse in 2009.

8% of businesses report social media related firings.

Examples of Inappropriate Postings

While it can be tempting to vent emotions about work on your social media page, remember that you are not the only one who can view what you post. Either have your

privacy settings set correctly, or better yet, keep work and social media separate.