Professionalism: Acting the Part

The not-so-good news: multiple studies show that employers think that many recent college graduates lack professionalism in their first year on the job.

The good news: This gives you an opportunity to shine.

What is Professionalism?

  1. Be prepared: Before you show up for an interview, research the company and have intelligent, informed questions to ask.
  2. Exhibit courtesy and respect: Be polite to everyone, from the receptionist to the director. Maintain good eye contact and never interrupt the person interviewing you. Turn OFF your cell phone before the interview. Thank your interviewer for his or her time in person and in follow-up communications.
  3. Be on time: Confirm the appointment ahead of time and arrive a few minutes early, but not 20 or 30 minutes early – being too early inconveniences the office staff.
  4. Use good listening skills: Pay more attention to what the other person is saying than worrying about what you are planning to say next.
  5. Demonstrate effective communication skills: This starts with your written cover letter and resume, and continues through the interview and into the workplace. Weed out speech that is littered with “like,” “you know,” and “um.” Practice with a trusted adult and ask for feedback on your speech and inflection. Written communications should be free of casual syntax, texting abbreviations (lol, etc.), emoticons, and the like.
  6. Articulate your skills and accomplishments: Know your resume backward and forward. Have concrete examples of your experience that demonstrate the skills the employer is seeking.
  7. Pay attention to details: After an interview, follow up with a thank you note and check the status of the job. After you’re hired, complete your assigned tasks thoroughly and on time.
  8. Sustain a positive attitude: Showing yourself as a professional asset is important in the interview and after you’re hired. If you come across as negative or bored, you make it easy for the employer to find someone else. Be proactive and receptive to feedback – remember, there is always more to learn.
  9. Maintain a professional appearance: This is one of the most common areas that employers and hiring managers cite for people not getting or keeping jobs. It’s also one of the trickiest for job applicants to navigate. So what does “professional appearance” really mean?