JOBTALKS Projecting a Professional Image Indiana University Kelley School of Business C. Randall Powell, Ph.D Contents used in this presentation are adapted from Career Planning Strategies and used with the permission of the author.

Projecting a Professional Image Indiana University Kelley School of Business C. Randall Powell, Ph.D.

WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE? The image you project in the world of work Consists of: Personal Appearance Clothing Grooming Manners Etiquette Personal behavior Communication effectiveness

PROFESSIONAL IMAGE Judgments are made about people based on the professional image they display as a result of appearance and behavior. This occurs before the individual’s level of competence or performance is determined.

IMPORTANCE OF PROJECTING A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE …………… AFFECTS: Self-confidence Interaction with peers Customers Supervisors Ultimate success in your career mobility

PROFESSIONAL IMAGE Viewed by two major perspectives: Appearance Personal Behavior

PERSONAL APPEARANCE You want to develop your ability to dress appropriately and present yourself in an attractive manner

PERSONAL BEHAVIOR You want to develop your communication skills and your effectiveness in the use of proper manners and etiquette Recognize the importance of appropriate personal behavior

ATTRIBUTES OF A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE Four main attributes: Appropriate professional appearance Use of correct manners and etiquette Appropriate personal behavior Effective communications

APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE Consists of professional dress and grooming (based on several factors) Can enhance your authority, promote respect, aid in promotion, promote your advancement opportunities Involves selecting appropriate clothing (based on several factors)

MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE Making introductions and appropriate greetings Being able to initiate and maintain conversations Respecting and valuing the differences of others Being able to express appreciation

MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE (continued) Knowing appropriate dining rules and protocol Extending courteous behavior to others Knowing how to behave in difficult situations

PERSONAL BEHAVIOR Respecting the organization and its rules Being a loyal employee Conducting yourself and business in an ethical manner Assuming responsibility Valuing diversity

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS Posture Facial gestures Neatness Listening Personal behavior PUNCTUALITY

VERBAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Speaking correctly Writing appropriate communications Expressing written appreciation LISTENING EFFECTIVELY Communication verbally in difficult situations

“The way you look may not make up for poor performance, but it could give you a competitive edge during your interview and in your future career”.

THE WAY YOU ARE PERCEIVED CAN…….. Selection for participation on projects Inclusion in social settings with customers and clients Selection for presentations Promotions to positions of greater responsibility Performance rating Overall competitiveness!!!!!

REMEMBER!!!! Your professional image not only affects how others react and interact with you, but also affects YOUR self-confidence and performance

REMEMBER!!!! Throughout the course of a day’s work you will be observed and evaluated in an informal manner. These observations contribute to the overall perception people have about you.

MEN BUSINESS WEAR

MEN’S BUSINESS CASUAL

MEN’S CASUAL

WOMEN BUSINESS WEAR

WOMEN’S BUSINESS CASUAL

Women’s Casual

If you would like to learn more, Career Planning Strategies textbook will supply additional information on this topic.