Polishing Your Professional Image Workshop Updated Fall 2005

Why should you be concerned with a professional image?

First Impressions In face-to-face, verbal encounters: 7% of the message comes from spoken words 38% comes from the vocal tone and inflection 55% comes from appearance and body language.* *Albert Mehrabian, PhD,UCLA Professor Emeritus, from his communications research

Appearances Count! According to The New Professional Image, one college career center surveyed 150 employers and found that the number one reason for rejecting an applicant after a first interview was a low rating on presence and impression. * The New Professional Image by Susan Bixler, 2005

Agenda Professional Clothing: What’s expected for different professional situations –What should I wear? –What should I bring? –Professional Attire Examples

Interview Job Interview n : an interview to determine whether an applicant is suitable for a position of employment

Interview “What should I wear for an on-campus interview?” »First Year MBA, Class of 2007

Interview What to Wear: –Normally expected: Tailored,dark-colored matched suit with a shirt-tie or blouse –Exceptions to the rule: More creative companies, like advertising agencies, allow for more colorful options What to Bring: –Portfolio/pen with notes and questions –Several resumes on quality paper –Business cards –Transcript, if requested What not to bring: –Water bottles –Backpacks

Interview Recommended Attire:

Informational Interview Informational Interview n: a meeting for purposes of obtaining advice, information, and possible referrals to an interview

Informational Interview “I never know what to wear to informational interviews. Should I dress up or down”? »Second Year MA-HRIR, Class of 2006

Informational Interview What to Wear: –Normally expected: Matched suit –Exceptions to the rule: Depends on the meeting location What to Bring: –Portfolio/pen with notes and questions –Several resumes on quality paper –Business cards What not to bring: –Backpacks

Informational Interview Recommended Attire:

Information Sessions Information Session n: Companies visit Carlson, providing an opportunity for companies and students to meet. They present information about themselves and possible career opportunities.

Information Session “At information sessions, some of my classmates wear full suits, whereas others show up in khakis and sweaters. What do you recommend?” »Second Year MA-HRIR, Class of 2006

Information Session What to Wear: –Normally expected: Business Casual –Exceptions to the rule: If the dress code on CARS states otherwise –Your nametag, pinned on the right side What to Bring: –Portfolio/pen –Several resumes on quality paper –Business cards –Your questions What to do: –Introduce yourself and exchange business cards –Take Notes

Information Sessions Recommended Attire:

Traveling for Interviews Traveling for an Interview v: Taking an airplane to an interview

Traveling for Interviews “What do I wear when an employer requests that I fly to their company directly to interview?” –MA-HRIR alumnus, Class of 2005

Traveling for Interviews What to Wear: –Normally expected: Business Casual –Exceptions to the rule: If you’re flying in and going directly to the interview, wear your suit on the airplane. What to Bring: –Carry on your interview attire (do not check with luggage) –Several resumes on quality paper –Business cards

Traveling for Interviews Recommended Attire:

Business Casual Business Casual n:attire that is acceptable for an office but casual; varies depending on the type of business and workplace

Business Casual “Business Casual is such a vague description. What is really classified as ‘business casual’?” »MBA alum, Class of 2005

Business Casual What to Wear: –Normally expected: Casual, but no jeans or sweats –Exceptions to the rule: Offices that permit jeans or sweats, or forbid all casual wear

Business Casual Recommended Attire:

Miscellaneous Blazer n : lightweight single-breasted jacket; [synonyms:sport jacket, sport coat]

Miscellaneous “I had an interview at a conference, where I was invited to attend an evening event after the interview concluded. It was more social, yet still a recruiting event. What should I have worn?” »Second Year MBA, Class of 2006

Blazer/Separates When to Wear: –Informational Interviews –Information Sessions –Employer Receptions –Commonly referred to as Business Informal

Blazer/Separates Recommended Attire:

Image Tips: General Properly tailored suit Professional laundry and dry clean recommended Style hair conservatively Have your shoes shined

Image Tips: General Limit your jewelry Take out piercings (for women, a pair of earrings is acceptable) Conceal tattoos Avoid fragrance Avoid smoking immediately prior

Image Tips: Men Wear a belt & dark trouser socks Proper tie length Clean shaven or neatly groomed facial hair

Image Tips: Women Shoes should be closed-toe Wear hosiery (non-patterned) Style hair neatly (recommend pulled back) Conservative make-up Avoid revealing tops (lacy camisoles are a NO for interviews)