1. Professional Communications Communicating in the Professional World 1Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

2. Professional Communication Successful communication skills in the professional world are critical and involve the following: writing, reading, editing, speaking, listening, software applications, computer graphics, and Internet research. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 2

3. Active Listening - Goal Your goal as a listener: Comprehend Retain information Make effective and accurate responses Recognize non-verbal cues Know the purpose/meaning of the speaker Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 3

4. Communication Barriers Distractions Language or accents Attention span Vocabulary Noise or interruptions 4Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

5. Resumes Resumes give insight to your experiences, skills, goals and activities. It’s a picture of who you are and what you are capable of doing. Guidelines to follow: Consistent formatting Neat Brief Use action verbs Proper headings 5Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

6. Resume - Headings You will need to have at least 3 headings. Group your experiences to reflect your strengths. Common headings include: EDUCATION LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY SERVICE SKILLS ATHLETICS ACTIVITIES PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS 6Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

7. Resume - Objective Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 7 Replace each underline with the information below. Seeking an/a __________ position that will expand my ____________ skills and utilize those skills to strengthen ____________ operations. Blank 1 = career name Bank 2 = skill that matches that career Blank 3 = Company Name Image: Decide what overall impression you want your resume to communicate. Does it show that you are a leader, a team player, an artist, an innovator, a salesperson, or something else?

8. Resume - Action Verbs 8Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Start phrases with action verbs to convey enthusiasm and achievement. Sample verbs include: Advised, Analyzed, Coordinated, Created, Developed, Evaluated, Guided, Handled, Implemented, Increased, Led, Managed, Organized, Performed, Planned, Presented, Processed, Researched, Served, Trained. Photo and Resume by Lutitia Featherston. Used with permission.

9. Interviewing Know the Organization First, Know the Organization USE THE ORGANIZATION FROM YOUR RESUME OBJECTIVE If you want employers to take an interest in you, show interest in them by demonstrating knowledge of the position, the organization, and the employer’s industry. Find this information at: Employer websites; Professional associations; Current employees; Magazines and newspapers 9Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

10. Interviewing Know Yourself Second, Know Yourself (Mock Interview Prep) Tell about yourself Explain why you chose your major What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your career ambitions? What motivates you? Why should we hire you? What are your top skills or strengths (related to the employer’s needs)? You may want to emphasize three or four of these points when responding to interview questions (e.g., “I have strong sales experience, I am self-motivated, and I work well in teams.”). 10Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

11. At the Interview Professionalism Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 11 Third, Convey Professionalism Dress professionally and conservatively. Smile, make eye contact, and use a firm handshake. Be positive when describing your experiences. Communicate with Impact. Structure your responses: – Briefly describe the context in which the behavior or action took place. – Specifically explain the action you took to handle the situation. – Most importantly, describe the result or impact of your action.

12. At the Interview Ask Questions Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 12 Fourth, Ask Questions Be prepared to ask questions to build on what you have already learned about the position, the organization, and the industry. A few sample questions you might ask: How would you describe the ideal candidate for this position? What would be expected of this person during the first few months on the job? What are the biggest challenges currently facing your organization (or industry)?

13. At the Interview Finish Strong Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 13 Last of all, Finish Strong Communicate your enthusiasm before you leave the interview. Ask for the interviewer’s business card so you can follow up. Thank the interviewer and project confidence as you shake hands and say goodbye. Always send the interviewer a brief thank-you letter or email.

14. Overview  Know Communication Terms  Listen to Presenter and Answer Questions  Group-Share and Discuss Answers  Go Over Resume Objective and Guidelines  Complete Resume with Objective  Go Over Mock Interview Guidelines and answer Know the Organization and Know Yourself  Complete 2 Mock Interviews, Dressed Professionally 14Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.