Mastering Professional Impressions: Say, Wear, and Convey Your Best Self

Say, Wear, Convey Center for Career Services Southern Connecticut State University

Say • One’s ability to make a good impression based on verbal and nonverbal messages

In Order to Prepare… • Practice Practice Practice! • Utilize special Career Services tools such as: • The Perfect Interview • One on one role-play with a career counselor • Research the company • Develop and organize your thoughts before you speak

Consider… • Saying why you are the best! • Use success stories for emphasis • Be convincing • Remember your audience • No slang • No inappropriate disclosure • Being yourself! • Being comfortable enough to ask for clarifications

Wear • One’s ability to dress appropriately for the desired job

A Tip… • In order to be successful, dress for the job you want! Doing this shows: • respect for the company or organization • that you are serious about the job • that you are aware of the importance of making a professional impression

Do’s • Wear an appropriately-fitting, dark-colored suit • Wear conservative, comfortable shoes • Women should wear hose with pumps • Do have nails trimmed • Women should only wear light-colored nail polish • Make sure your hair is neat, tidy, and out of your face

Don’ts • Wear casual fabrics such as leather and denim • Smell heavily of perfume or cologne • Wear flashy jewelry and facial piercings • Wear loud colors • Dress like you are going out for a night on the town

Convey • The overall professional impression that you want to make known to a potential employer

This Includes: • What potential employers will learn about you through: • Your cover letter and resume • Your appearance • How you speak • Your Facebook • Your Myspace • A Google-search

Some messages you may want to convey • Professionalism • Commitment • Trustworthiness • Self-confidence • Ability to work in a team environment • Personal Responsibility • Using workplace technology appropriately • Do not update your Facebook account while at work! • Displaying appropriate behavior • Do not participate in workplace gossip!

Some Final Thoughts… • You have less than 60 seconds to make a positive first impression so take advantage! • Demonstrate your passion for the position • Remember to write a personal thank-you note immediately after the interview • Just because you didn’t get the job, doesn’t mean you weren’t qualified • Keep a journal of your job search experiences

For More Information Center for Career Services Southern Connecticut State University Room 102, Schwartz Hall 203-392-6536 www.careers.southernct.edu

Mastering Professional Impressions: Say, Wear, and Convey Your Best Self