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

2. 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?

3. Match your appearance to the job you are seeking…

4. 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

5. But what if you work here?

6. Female attire…

7. But what if you work here?

8. Pajamas under any circumstances … never!

9. 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

10. More appropriate for an interview…

11. Men’s attire…

12. But what if you work here?

13. 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.

14. More appropriate for an interview…

15. How about this?

16. Now is it okay?

17. How about facial hair?

18. 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

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

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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.