ProfessionalismCreated by Wendy Thompson, WVU Graduate Dietetic Intern

Outline of Presentation

What is professionalism?

How is professionalism judged? Image Demeanor and Body Language Communication Competence

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/professionalismwww.fs.fed.us/.../Professionalism%20in%20the%20Workplace.ppt

How do others judge your professionalism?

Your image

Your demeanor

Your communication

Your competence

http://anthonyycheung.com/School/philosophy%20Saenz/PHLfinalnotes.doc/

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

When should you be dressed professionally?

Interviews

Job Fairs

Conferences

Professional meetings

Whenever you are presenting

http://www.tarleton.edu/careerservices/Students/dress-to-impress.html

http://www.tarleton.edu/careerservices/Students/dress-to-impress.html

Portraying a Professional Image for Women

http://www.temple.edu/provost/careercenter/Students/InterviewingProfessionalDress.html

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

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

Dress like this… not like this

http://sbcareercenter.blogspot.com/2012/02/dos-and-donts-of-dressing.html

Portraying a Professional Image for Men

http://sbcareercenter.blogspot.com/2012/02/dos-and-donts-of-dressing.html

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 shoeshttp://sbcareercenter.blogspot.com/2012/02/dos-and-donts-of-dressing.html

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

Casual to Professional Dress Examples for Men

http://www.professionalpenwriters.com/2009/12/24/dress-job-interview/

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Sources:

http://www.surgerycenterrecruiter.com/dress-for-success /

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism

www.fs.fed.us/.../Professionalism%20in%20the% 20Workplace.ppt

http://anthonyycheung.com/School/philosophy%20Saenz/PHLfinalnotes.doc/

http://youremploymentsolution.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-work-job-fair.html

http://www.tarleton.edu/careerservices/Students/dress-to- impress.html

http://www.temple.edu/provost/careercenter/Students/InterviewingProfessionalDress.html

http://sbcareercenter.blogspot.com/2012/02/dos-and-donts-of-dressing.html

http://www.professionalpenwriters.com/2009/12/24/dress-job-interview/

http://www.gogettercareers.com/employment/ PortfolioInterview.aspx

http://www.emc-accounting.com/about.html