Professional Image Kimberly Ryan, Assistant Director Career Management Services Florida Institute of Technology
What Type of Worker Do you think this is? What are your initial opinions? Mike Cannon-Brookes- ceo of atlassian (enterprise software)- 5.8 billion company worth
ArE Your thoughts different now? Stefan Winkelmann, former CEO of Lamborghini and head of Audi Quattro division
What you wear conveys meaning You should want to convey that you are credible, reliable, trustworthy, dedicated (cultural norms can change meaning) What Does Research Say?
Looking Polished Good Hygiene/ Well Groomed Clothes are clean and fit well (not wrinkled or worn out) Matching outfit and socks No outlandish hair styles or makeup/nails No distracting accessories No overwhelming perfume or body spray Looking Polished
Business Casual Or Dress Pants. http://www.businessinsider.com/what-business-casual-really-means-2014-8 Or Dress Pants.
Traditional Business Attire http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-dress-for-work-business-attire-2014-8
Formal (Boardroom) Attire
Not appropriate Flip Flops Fishnet Tights or Clothing with Holes Revealing or Too Tight Large logos, images, or any words Hats Not appropriate
How You Say It You should be able to speak: Understandably (clearly) Confidently (good tone) Credibly (good vocabulary) Adaptively (to your audience) *If you think you struggle with pronunciation, a speech impediment, or strong accent, consider taking some speech courses *If practice makes no difference, you will need to compensate for this through positive body language and strong written communication How You Say It The way you speak is part of your image. Do you: Speak fast? Too low? Pronounce clearly? Mumble? Shake or quiver? Psychology of Sound
Body Language Positive Smile Turn towards who you are talking to DO: Don’t: Positive Smile Turn towards who you are talking to Open posture Mirror expressions Make eye contact Firm handshake Slouch Fidget, scratch Too much blinking Stare Sit on the edge of your chair Get too close to people Putting It Together
Professional Behavior Being on time (both with arrival and turning in work) Actively listening (pay attention) Taking notes Being honest & genuine Showing respect and following rules Healthy boundaries with customers and co-workers Open to learning and taking constructive criticism Not getting distracted by personal devices or web surfing
Career Management Services Harris Commons, Room 307 321-674-8102 www.fit.edu/career career@fit.edu Career Management Services