Appearance and Professionalism in the workplace Dari DeSousa; PHR Director of HR Operations San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina

How serious am I?  Please think to yourselves and rate the level of how well you think my presentation will be…  1 is low, and unprofessional.  5 is high, and represents a skilled presentation.  WHY did you pick the score you did?

Match your appearance to the job you are seeking…

Visible Body Piercings  How much is too much?  When are they appropriate?  Should you remove them for the interview or only when you get the job?  Biggest “NO” = facial piercings  Sometimes acceptable = tongues  Most acceptable = various ear piercings

But what if you work here?

Female attire…

But what if you work here?

Pajamas under any circumstances … never!

Basic guidelines:  Closed toe shoes  No shorts, short skirts or jeans  Clean, neat and conservative  Never show the interviewer your belly, back or too much cleavage  Leave funky fashion at home – you want to stand out because of your skills, not your extreme state of dress

More appropriate for an interview…

Men’s attire…

But what if you work here?

Basic Guidelines:  Neat and clean appearance  Under no circumstances should the interviewer know the answer to the question, “Boxers or Briefs”  Neat hair, clean shaven  Wear conservative clothing instead of sports wear or items with logos  Remove excessive jewelry and any earrings.

More appropriate for an interview…

How about this?

Now is it okay?

How about facial hair?

Facial Hair Guidelines:  Any facial hair must be neat, groomed, trimmed and well kept  Know the company’s policy before you waste your (and their) time interviewing …if you are especially attached to your moustache or goatee and would refuse to shave  5 o’clock shadow will impress no one

Be a minimalist in extreme designs, colors or amounts of jewelry.

Mannerisms that will get you noticed (in a bad way)!  No eye contact, no smile  Slouching  Slang  Talking on your cell phone or having your cell phone ring at all  “Uhhhh”  Not shaking our hands and saying, “thank you” at the end of the interview

Be prepared:  Know the answer to the following question, “Why should this Company hire you over other applicants with the same amount or slightly more work experience than you”?  A resume will make your application stand out over other students/teens also trying to get a job.  Know the Company for which you are applying – visit the web site, visit the workplace before you interview – then you will have an idea of who you could potentially be working for.

A few extra “WOW”s…  Know the name of the person interviewing you, at the end of the interview say, “Thank you very much for your time Mr. Jones”.  Ask for the interviewer’s business card, use the information to send them a quick “thank you” note, thanking them for their time, and letting them know you are excited about the possibility of working for their Company.  If you are unsure of what is appropriate, call the HR Department of the Company and simply ask – they will help you out.