Professional Image Provided by Education Week

What is a Professional Image? Qualities and characteristics that represent how peers perceive you Depends on your environment What will people remember about you?

What makes up your image? What you write - written and electronic communications – Perfect your writing skills – Manage your online image (Google yourself, clean up Facebook) – Check your voic professional, not "What's Up?" or "Hey!“ – Watch your /texting: professional address, content, grammar, spelling - even with SmartPhones that check and correct information as you type it needs to be professional

What makes up your image? What you say - professional etiquette – Conduct yourself in an ethical manner – Respect the organization and its rules – Never say bad things about your colleagues or your employer or your university – Practice your introduction and handshake – Remember that you are the message and the product

What makes up your image? What you do – attitude – Avoid negativity – Listen and learn – Seek out opportunities to be visible - volunteer, take a risk – Follow through - accomplish what you say you will do – Be unique, irresistible and enthusiastic – Shine! Use your strengths – Smile!

What makes up your image? How you look - looks matter both on and off the job – First impression is always visual – Sloppy dress = sloppy work; inappropriate appearance = questionable behavior – Good grooming - neat, clean, pressed (yes, use an iron) – Think of the competition – Dress for the industry or position you are aspiring to attain; better to be more – formal than under-dressed – Develop a signature style? - a color, tie/scarf pattern, piece of jewelry – Don't distract from your message....that you are a qualified candidate!

What makes up your image? Who you know – network – Surround yourself with successful and helpful people; this may mean leaving old friends behind – Talk to everyone; it is not WHO you know but who knows YOU – Project the image of a confident communicator – Keep in mind that you are remembered and judged by who you associate/ hang out with

How can you create a professional image as an early childhood educator?