Pathways to Success Look the Part (lesson # 3) Looking the part is an important step in the job application process. If you look the part you are more likely to get the job. By Sissy Osteen, Ph.D., CFP PowerPoint by Cindy Clampet Revised 2017

Today you will learn How appearance, cleanliness and proper clothing are important in getting and keeping a job. Today you will learn how your appearance, cleanliness and proper clothing are important in getting and keeping a job.

Grooming Quiz Did you know that personal appearance often has an effect on whether or not you get a job, and how much money you make? Take the grooming quiz on page 2-3 of your booklet to see how you are doing. Your personal appearance and grooming have an effect on whether or not you will be hired for a job and even how much money you will make. Take the grooming quiz on page 2-3 of your booklet to see how you are doing. If you score 36-42 you are looking good and feeling good. If you score 30-35 you might pass If you score 23-29, you need some work If you score below 22, your best friend wouldn’t eve tell you. If you aren’t happy with your score, what will you do to change? Discuss.

Looking Good on the Job Look at how other workers dress. What you wear depends on the job you are doing. You should dress correctly, but just as important is being groomed correctly. Clean and combed hair Clean body Clean hands and nails No body odor Clothes clean and ironed The right clothes for work Have you ever been to a store and been helped by someone who has an odor or bad breath? When we are being helped at a place of business, we want it to be a pleasant experience. If you want to work, look at how the other workers dress and try to dress a little bit better for your interview than they are dressed. Be sure you are groomed well and clean.

Impressions Everyone forms impressions of other people based on what they see. What can people tell about you by looking? What do you think about the people in these pictures? What is your first impression of the people in these pictures, if you saw them in the workplace? Possible answers— 1—not really ready to work, unless she is a fashion model. Looks like shes ready to party 2—nervous, maybe waiting to be interviewed? 3—depressed or discouraged. Maybe just got laid off or fired? 4—thoughtful. Or maybe lazy, not really working 5—friendly, ready to work, looks professional Everyone you meet will form a first impression of you as well. There is an old saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This means your first impression better be a good one!

Your Impression? What kind of impression do you make? When applying for a job, you need to make a good impression so you can get the job. After you have a job, you want to give a good impression so you can keep the job You need to make a good impression to get a job and to keep a job. What are some characteristics employers are looking for? Possible answers are: Ready to work Serious about the job Willing to follow rules and directions On time and works a full day Dependable and willing to change plans when needed More???

What kind of clothes should you wear? The kind of clothes you wear will depend on the job. If your job requires a uniform, you need to keep it clean and ironed. If you don’t know what to wear, ask your boss or look around at what others wear. Watch the video “Pathways to Success—Dress the Part” https://ostate.tv/media/Dressing+for+a+job+intervi ewA+Pathways+to+Success/1_xcumoqvv/87593481h Paste this address into your browser. Watch the video “Pathways to Success Part I—Look the Part” This video is about 15 minutes long and can be watched by pasting the above address into your browser.

What clothes do you have or need? A good place to start is to see what clothes you already have that can be worn to work. Then see what else you might need. Picking a basic color scheme based on either black, navy, brown or gray is a good way to insure all the clothes go together. Use the chart on page 8-11 to make a plan to get a work wardrobe together. A clothing plan is a great way to make sure that all your clothes pretty much go together, and you can wear separates to make more outfits without spending a lot of money. Use the chart in your booklet on pages 8-11 to make a plan to get a work wardrobe together. Sticking with one color scheme makes it easier to match separates and create more outfits. Start with the clothes you already have.

Where to shop? You don’t have to shop at the most expensive stores! Don’t buy more than you need! Don’t buy trendy or faddish clothes—they go out of style quickly! Great deals can be found on good quality clothes at: Thrift shops Second-hand stores Discount stores Garage sales Outlet mall stores Sales at higher priced stores You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a great work wardrobe. Don’t buy more than you need, Don’t buy trendy or faddish clothes because they go out of style quickly. Look for great deals at thrift shops, second-hand stores, discount stores, garage sales, outlet mall stores, and sales at higher priced stores. But definitely don’t pay full retail price! (last spring a local discount store had several colors of men’s polo shirts for only $5!!)

Summary Do the quiz on page 12 of your booklet What are you going to do in the next week to get clothing together for a job interview or for your job? Do the quiz on page 12 of your booklet. Answer key— E F. G. B. Z. C and h D