A professional image involves not only how we look on the outside with our professional attire and appearance, but also our demeanor, problem-solving strategies, communication skills and confidence. Here are a few reasons why you need to make sure you are portraying your professional image in each area of your life.
1. A First Impression may be your Only Impression
Many times the image we first give to others is our only opportunity to ensure they want to see us again. This is why when we head to school, work, interviews, social events or even when we are running errands, it is important to dress appropriately, treat others with respect and to always remember that people are watching what we do. Portray an image to others in your daily lifestyle that shows you are a professional.
2. A Lasting Impression is what others will Remember
So, you landed your chance for an interview or a meeting…What now? It is important to remember that the impression you leave on others determines your future. Is this person comfortable enough with your professional image that they are willing to give you a shot for the position? Are they going to refer you to others?
A good test is to pretend you are in the other individual’s position. Pretend you are a manager for a department in your field and that you have agreed to meet with someone entering the job market for a position. What kind of characteristics would you look for in the individual? Are you portraying these in your own professional image?
3. It’s all about WHO you know in this Job Market
During this day and age, networking is huge. There are so many ways to network, whether it is meeting others through groups or clubs, asking friends and family for contacts, joining social media sites or simply taking the old-fashioned ‘cold calling’ approach. Knowing others in your field is a vital part of getting your foot in the door.
This is why it is important to always maintain your professional image. In a previous blog on our site, you will see an article regarding how word travels fast in a small town. This is why it is so important that you learn how to control anger, problem solve effectively, communicate well with others and have respect for all others you come into contact with.
An excellent example of this is a student in the classroom. Our facility hires very well-trained and mastered professionals to give our students the best possible education and preparation for positions in their field when they leave our school, so naturally, these instructors know many other people in the area. If you get upset in the classroom and mouth-off or storm out of the room, what kind of reputation is this going to give you in the area? Is that instructor going to be someone that gives you a good referral for a position? Will they give a good recommendation if someone they know asks about you? Chances are, they are not going to take the chance on ruining their relationship with another professional by sending them someone who did not treat them with respect. You could be one of the best workers in your field with the best qualifications, but with one bad recommendation, you can ruin your chances for potential relationships with professionals or job opportunities.
Maintaining a professional image is not always easy. It is easy to slip into old ways of handling situations, but always remember: You made the decision to further your education at a place that will work hard to place you in a career in your field when you graduate. You are mature adult now and have to start taking responsibilities to act in a professional manner that you can be proud of. Remember the key elements of a professional image and work on portraying that image…starting today!
-JT
Your professional image is notice the second you walk in the door. Thats the first thing that somebody remembers about you is your image. Its really important to have a professional image. You can talk very professional, be fit for the job that you are applying for but your image could stand in your way of getting this job. It's VERY important in your career. They won't look at you professionally, they will look at you like a person just walking down the street. They might think your really not interest in this job if you don't dress like it and they won't take you seriously.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this you should always have professional apperance. First impressions to a employer are very important. I doubt their going to look at some one as a hire if you come in with ripped jeans and tshirt on. Should always have your hair fixed nice and not to much make-up. Your Professional image i think is definitely a major part of an employers decision in your interview.
ReplyDeletei think first impressions are very, very important not only for an employer, but for anyone important in your life wether it be a intentional employer or meeting your boyfriends parents for the first time. for me i want to make a good impression on everyone. if you make a bad impression people will not want to deal with you or be around you let along work with you daily. Remember making a good first impression is not only how you are dressed but also how you carry yourself and represent yourself to people you interact with everyday.
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone should keep up with their perfessional image. Now days everyone that asks you in for an interview will probably check your myspace, facebook,etc. As soon as you walk into the interveiw your apperance will make you or break you. Your frist impression is everything and how your dressed is how they will judge you before the interview even starts.
ReplyDeleteTreating people the way you would want to be treated has always been my motto in all aspects of life. In a professional enviroment you should always be on your best behavior because you never know who is watching.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this because first impressions are always very important. Everyone should have good first empressions and keep up their perfessional image. If you want a good job, then you have to act like you want that job. That meaning, a person needs to try and be on their best behavior at all times, and you need to dress nice. No hospital or doctor ( if in medical field) will want a person who looks like a slob or cant get along with patients and employees because of a bad attitude.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteMy plus 3 cape of bad ass apparently is not considered professional
ReplyDeleteT. Foster
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input, very informative!