1

The Power of Professionalism

• Introductions• Handshakes• Mingling/Networking• Resumes• Cover Letters

2

You only have ONE opportunity to make a good first impression.

Why is etiquette important?

3

Sometimes all you have is one minute to make a good

impression…Within 30

seconds people judge yourEconomic levelEducational level

Social positionLevel of sophistication

Level of success

Within 4 minutes people decide yourTrustworthinessCompassionReliabilityIntelligenceCapabilityHumilityFriendlinessConfidence

4

Are First Impressions Lasting?

• YES• Made with emotional not rational brain• Once made rational brain seeks

validation• Don’t want to change opinions• Labels helps make sense of world• Experience teaches us validity of first

impressions

5

Making Positive First Impressions•Determine audience•Identify their expectations•Establish objectives•Dress, behave, and communication in a way that reflects audience expectations

6

A,B,C’s of Image• Appearance• Color, wardrobe, grooming

• Behavior• Etiquette, civility, attitude

• Communication• Verbal, nonverbal, written

7

Introductions

8

Introductions

Step 1•The first person's name you say is always the most important person. •In business, rank and status are the primary determinants to who takes precedence over whom. •Gender and age are typically not factors.

9

Introductions

Step 2•When you use the word "meet" to introduce someone, you will always throw the emphasis toward the wrong person, thereby falling out of protocol for a proper business introduction. •For an informal introduction, use the words "this is" as the bridge between the most important person's name first and then the second person. "Jane Doe this is John Smith, our new staff member. Jane Doe is our CFO."

10

Introductions

Other Considerations•It is best to use both a person's first and last name when making introductions. •Say something about the people you are introducing so they will have something from which to springboard their own conversation. Then you may excuse yourself to meet and greet others.

11

Introductions

Response•The accepted response to an introduction is, “How do you do” and “I’m pleased to meet you.”•Always stand when being introduced. It shows respect. •Only if you are elderly, ill, or physically unable to stand is it acceptable for you to remain seated while being introduced.

12

Introductions

Mistakes•If someone hesitates even for a second when introducing you, jump in quickly and introduce yourself. •Everyone can forget a name; even of someone they know very well.

13

Introductions

Mistakes Cont.•If you forget someone’s name as you are introducing him or her, it is okay to admit that you have forgotten. •It is better for him/her to say their name than for you to introduce him/her by another name or fail to introduce him/her at all.

14

Handshakes

15

Handshakes

10 Tips on How to Shake Hands with Confidence1. Begin With an Oral Introduction of Yourself2. Pump Your Hand Only 2-3 Times3. Shake From Your Elbow4. Do Not Use a Forceful Grip5. Avoid Offering a “Fish Hand”

16

Handshakes

10 Tips on How to Shake Hands with Confidence Cont.

6. Forget “Lady Fingers”7. One Hand is Better than Two8. Shaking a Sweaty Hand9. Ending a Handshake10.Covering Your Mistakes

17

Mingling/Networking

18

Name Tags

• Proper placement of the name tag is high on the right shoulder

• When shaking hands, your eye follows the line of your arm to the other person's right side

• It’s easy to read the name while shaking hands

19

Mingling

• Recruiting events• Cocktail parties with clients• Networking events• Alumni events

20

Cocktail Parties• Work event—not social• Determine your strategy: network with new people or certain known targets• Don’t just hang out with friends• Enter room, step to one side, survey room• Move toward friendly faces or already formed group• If someone enters your group, greet them and make introductions

21

Cocktail Party Tips• Go to food table first—easiest place to start conversations• Stand in middle of room or near food table, stay away from walls• Learn how to hold napkin, plate and glass in one hand• Keep one hand free to shake hands• Don’t overindulge in alcohol• Maneuver among people—don’t get stuck

22

Small Talk Openers• Individuals• Compliment, weather, food, current event• “I love your______. Is it a family heirloom?”

• Group• Something pertaining to everyone• “How do you all know each other?”• “Will you be traveling this summer?”

• Casual acquaintances• General comments• “How has your year been?”

23

Small Talk Middle• Safe topics• Sports, books, movies, theater, art, travel

• Questions• Ask, listen, elaborate with matching experience, Ask again

• Be more interested than interesting

24

Small Talk Break-Away• Stay no more than 10 min in one place• Break-away lines• “I don’t want to monopolize you.”• “I’m going to circulate.”• “I see someone I must meet.”

• Tell them you enjoyed speaking with them• Discuss next steps• Going for food, to next person, etc.

25

Business Cards

Many, if not all firm professionals you speak to will offer to give you a business card. What should you do with them?• Write down key aspects of your conversation• Use them to write a follow-up thank you email

If you have your own business cards:•Ask for someone’s card before offering your own•Present card face up•Take time to look at received card•NEVER turn down an offered card

26

Follow-UpAfter a networking event it is important to follow-up with anyone that you made a connection with.•Email within 24-48 hours•Be specific

• It was great to speak with you at UCSB’s Meet the Firms.• Add details from business card notes.

•Should I call recruiters?• Recruiters meet with hundreds of students

27

If you forget everything else remember these tips:

• Never introduce yourself by your title• Name tags on your right shoulder• Keep your right hand free• Stay informed of current events• Maintain eye contact

28

What do I bring to a Career Fair?•Resume (bring 2 - 3 copies per company you plan to speak with) • Your resume should be specific and targeted.

•Portfolio / Folder (leather or vinyl-bound portfolio to hold resumes etc.)•Pen•Positive attitude

29

Resumes and Cover Letters

To obtain an interview (not a job) by communicating your unique knowledge, skills and values required for a targeted job

30

Important preliminary steps

1. Self-Assess: What are your skills, interests, values?

2. Identify specific career fields of interest: Which are a good fit for you?

3. Research the career fields

Identify the specific language of the fields

Identify the skills of the fields: Job specific skills and transferable /adaptive skills

31

Picking a resume style which best presents your

qualificationsChronologicalRepresents your experience in a date order with the most recent/relevant experience first.

FunctionalEmphasizes qualifications according to categories using job-related skills. Work experience is placed under different skill categories, not under specific positions.

CombinationMixes both Chronological and Functional.

32

Provide the employer with adequate contact informationMinimal information

Full Name Address Home Phone Number E-mail address

Optional information Mobile Phone Work Phone URL Address

33

Use an objective to communicate the position

you are seekingAn employer uses your objective to determine where you might fit within her/his department or organization

Position based objective:

Financial Analyst Position

Industry based objective:

A position in a biological research department within a pharmaceutical firm.

34

Use Accomplishment Statements

Use statements that emphasize achievements rather than duties.

NOT THIS:Bartender, XYZ Bar, Santa Barbara, CAMarch 2010-present•Mix drinks•Stock bar•Order supplies•Close bar

35

Use Accomplishment Statements

THIS:

LEAD BARTENDER, August 2011-presentBARTENDER, March 2010-presentXYZ Bar, Santa Barbara, CA

•Assist up to 300 customers during a four hour time period in a fast paced, stressful environment

•Troubleshoot bar inventory issues, ordering supplies proactively to maintain appropriate inventory levels crucial for effective customer service

•Problem solve and negotiate a diversity of customer service issues

•Hire, train, and supervise bar staff of 6 in accordance with company customer service policies, procedures, and health/safety regulations

36

Proving your Effectiveness

1. Describe what you actually DID, not just what was on the original job description

2. Include what IMPACT/ CONTRIBUTION your actions provided (the results)

3. Provide details Supervised WHO and HOW MANY? Analyzed WHAT? HOW? Improved quality, efficiency,

productivity HOW?

37

Use strong action verbs

Avoid starting phrases with “Handle…”, “Work with…”, “Duties included…”, “Responsible for…”

Start each bulleted statement with a descriptive action-oriented verb and combine with accomplishment statement

(Not this) Handled incoming telephone calls (This) Directed up to 40 customer calls per hour to appropriate

service departments throughout company

38

Organize information efficiently for reader with

descriptive headings

Suggestions for headings: Education Internships Academic Projects/Coursework Computer Skills Relevant Experience Language Skills Leadership Experiences Community Service or Activities

39

Organize information efficiently for reader with descriptive headingsSuggestions for headings (continued):

Professional Affiliations Skill Summary Licenses and Certifications Military experience Technical Skills Laboratory Skills Publications and Presentations Avoid: “References available upon request”

statement

40

Increasing the effectiveness of your resume and cover letter

Maintain 100% error free Tailor both resume and cover letter to

each position and employer Lead with most relevant information first Avoid items that might promote negative

bias Use abbreviations only if standard and

well-known Keep to one page-unless you have a lot

of relevant experience

41

Cover LettersPurposeExpress your intent, interest, and enthusiasm in position

Complement and emphasize highlights of your resume Demonstrate your personality and writing ability

42

Opening Paragraph

State which position you are applying for, and how you found out about the organization and/or position

Express what is attracting you to work for this organization and in this position

Arouse the reader’s interest in reading more about your qualifications

Cover Letters

43

Middle Paragraph(s) Give detailed information about how your

qualifications fit with the position’s responsibilities

Use key words from the job description to make the connection between the employer’s needs and your skills

Include information about academics, job experience, and/or personal attributes relevant to the position

Cover Letters

44

Closing Paragraph

Summarize your qualifications

Refer the reader to your enclosed resume

Mention your interest in an interview

Cover Letters

45

Maximizing Your Marketing Power

Style/Format Font size = 10-11-12

Even Margins=.5 inch-1 inch

Font style = Palentino, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Arial

Well-organized, attractive & easy to read

Consistent formatting

46

Maximizing Your Marketing PowerStyle/Format continued

Understated paper color = white, ivory, light gray

20-24 lb. paper

Unfolded and mailed in a large flat envelope

47

Technology and Your Resume/Cover Letter Scanner friendly

DO use: Industry specific ‘key’ words

Do NOT use: fancy scripts Graphics or shading Complex layouts and columns

Always upload documents as PDFs You never know what word processing program the

viewer is using May cause formatting issues and make it appear

that your resume/cover letter wasn’t neat

48

Next StepsCreate a draft of your resume, bring 2 copies tomorrow

Look at Resume/Cover Letter writing books at Career Services

Use many samples as guidelines Look at samples on Career Connection site

(via department website)Get resume critiqued

Career Connection – North Hall 2119

49

Next class, bring 2 résumés and 2 cover letters.

Practice what you have learned

50

Questions?