West Hills Middle School Job Shadow Assembly

Four factors determine the way you look Dress Hygiene Grooming Speaker Notes: Appearance: Four factors determine the way you look Remember, many people can create a lasting negative impression in seconds. First impressions are mostly based on the way a person looks. Four things make up appearance; dress, hygiene, grooming and attitude. Dress: one step above what you would be wearing on the job. May need to do homework to find out what that is. Make sure clothes are clean, they match, are not wrinkled etc. Women: no tank tops, sleeveless shirts, mid-drifts, tiny mini skirts or short shorts. Need to be dressed modestly. Men: no tank tops, no saggy levis, flip flop shoes, etc. If blue denim is appropriate (and it very rarely is), it needs to not be frayed or have any holes. Men, most jobs applied for, the appropriate dress will be wearing a tie. Women, most jobs applied for, the appropriate dress if wearing a skirt will be nylons and close-toed shoes. Hygiene: Shower or bathe, use soap, shampoo, brush your teeth with toothpaste, use deodorant, if you are worried about bad breath—do not chew gum! Pop in a breath mint before you go in for the interview. Grooming: Women: tasteful makeup, one pair of earrings, tone down the jewelry. Men: no earrings or necklaces, mustache or beard trimmed neatly, not necessarily removed (but will depend on the employer). In general: No pink, purple, or green hair, cover tattoos, remove any body piercings. **Remember it is your choice to look however you like, it just may limit your employment opportunities. Attitude: Makes all the difference. Employers can train for skills but not for personality. Attitude

Speaker Notes: What type of job shadow are these people appropriately dressed for? These photos are appropriate dress for most offices, professional businesses etc.

Speaker Notes: What is wrong with their appearance? Answers are: The woman with the phone (do not take a cell phone with you) The other woman’s skirt is too short

Speaker Notes: What type of job shadow are these people appropriately dressed for? Answer: Appropriate dress for a business casual office. This could include fitness centers, stores in the mall etc.

Speaker Notes: What is wrong with their appearance? Answer: Mid-drift shirt, no sleeves, too short of skirt and the brown sandals are not in the best shape.

Speaker Notes: What about their dress? Are blue jeans appropriate? What about tank tops, or t-shirts with logos?

Speaker Notes: Remember to remove sunglasses, cover tattoos, trim facial hair, remove necklaces (men) etc.

Speaker Notes: Don’t forget the little things… No gum! And remember your attitude!

Be Prepared Know the job description Know questions to ask Take a pen Go alone Arrive a few minutes early Turn off cell phone or pager Shake hands with the employer Smile Speaker Notes: Being Prepared for the Job Shadow – What to do Prior to the Experience Know the job description: You need to know what the job entails so that you will know what to expect, what questions to ask and if it will be interesting to you. Be prepared to ask questions: Ask appropriate questions (Questions about pay and benefits are not as appropriate as questions about job duties, what do they like about the job etc.). Take a Pen: This shows an employer that they are prepared. If you need to sign something, it looks really bad to ask for a pen. Go alone: It shows responsibility if you go alone. It shows that you don’t need your friends in order to do a job. Arrive a few minutes early: If you are late, you probably won’t keep the job. Turn off cell phone or pager: Disrespectful to have it on. And it should remain in a purse of bag the entire time. Do not email/instant message while you are on the job. Shake hands with the employer: A good firm handshake – show example. Smile: Let your personality show through

How to Make a Good Impression Keep a positive attitude Get along with others Speaker Notes: How to Make a Good Impression Keep a positive attitude: Attitude is the biggest factor that affects job performance. Get along with others. Always be on time and have good attendance: To an employer, time is money. If you are late or miss work, an employer can (and probably will) fire you. When it comes to job shadows, it will not be very likely you will be able to get a job there later either. Know and follow office rules and policies: It is important to read the company rule and policy book/poster/guide etc. It is difficult to perform up to standards when you don’t know what the standards are. Listen and learn. Meet and exceed employer’s expectations: When this is done that is when you are in line for promotions and raises. Accept feedback as constructive: It is the supervisor’s job to discuss performance with you. It is important to realize that the information is there to help you do a better job, not to put you down. By taking feedback as constructive and changing behavior it shows you are flexible and committed to the company. Always be on time Have good attendance Know and follow office rules and policies Listen and learn Meet and exceed employer’s expectations Accept feedback as constructive

jobs.utah.gov The Department of Workforce Services This presentation has been brought to you by… The Department of Workforce Services For more information, you can visit us online at jobs.utah.gov or visit one of our employment centers.