How Our Actions Can Affect Our Professional Image

Public vs Private Profile

I've been reflecting on my "Polishing our Professional Presence” article, (how our verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills indicate our professional presence to others).  I’ve been pondering what it is that was missing from this “package” of communication skills that make up our professional presence.  Well, I figured it out.  

Our professional presence is our public image, and as such is only one tiny aspect of who we are and how others view us.  If we don’t pay attention to our private image and don’t consider our behavior and how we treat others privately, can we really be taken seriously professionally?

How Our Private Life Can Negatively Affect Our Public Image

Let’s take for example a well-known actor, whose name I cannot mention out of courtesy.  His career was going well and had been for many years.  However, after his highly publicized arrest for poor public behavior, it has taken him many years to land good parts.  He is just one example.  

There are numerous recent examples, but this does demonstrate how our private lives and behavior can affect how others view us in every facet of our lives.  Our public and private profile should reflect who we are. Therefore, it seems logical that if we want to be the best of ourselves, we would want to project that—always.

Take That Well-Crafted Image to a Career Fair

Employers send representatives to career fairs to find the most qualified job applicants. It is a pre-screening activity.  Recruiters may travel all over the country looking for the right person for the job or internship.

A career fair is a perfect place to meet representatives from companies of interest who could assist you in opening the door to opportunities. Moreover, statistics indicate that an internship assists in becoming more hirable.  So, taking the career fair seriously and knowing how to prepare is vital. In fact, preparing for a career fair is like preparing for a traditional interview.  

Please note:   

Dress more casual than you would be for a formal interview but show them that you are serious!  And always remember, when in doubt, go for the conservative look.  

No

• Flip flops or sandals
• Shorts or beachwear
• Bellies or underwear exposed
• Tattoos or piercings exposed
• Too short, too tight, or too revealing
• Backpacks
• Interrupting or slumping

Do

• Stand tall
• Speak confidently
• Make good eye contact
• Shake hands when the representative offers his/her hand

Remember to take with you

• Copies of your resume in all versions tailored to different career choices
• A few pens and pencils
• A folder or portfolio for collecting material
• Paper, tablet, or app for taking notes
• Know your strengths and practice relating them to the organization’s needs  

Be ready to relate your background to the organization's needs. Practice introducing yourself, research the company and relate how your background and education can benefit the company.

Final note:  

Take good notes!  Handwritten, pertinent follow-up and thank-you notes are essential.  In addition, you want to be able to remember with whom you interviewed and had discussions.

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