The Personal and Professional Identity

The notion of having a  “personal” and “professional” identity on social media is practically a fallacy. As (aspiring) professionals, students must therefore appreciate the need to think and act responsibly in the use of the internet and in particular social media. Please watch the video below and share how your digital footprints can impact your professional life whether positively or negatively. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/video/modal/4241346

Preparing for Your Workplace Engagement.

Here are some personal and professional tip adopted from:

 http://personalgrowth.lifetips.com/cat/57062/being-professional/index.html

Body Language

Use positive body language at all times. You can convey this by smiling and paying attention to the person. Stop doing other activities and listen to the person's concerns. Attend to those concerns or direct the person to someone who can help if you are unable to do so.

 

Rude People

Be tactful with rude people. If someone at work is rude to you, be patient and courteous. Count to ten silently and slowly, then respond politely and positively.

 

Gum

Avoid blowing and popping gum in the office. This behavior is unprofessional and distorts the communication process between you and a fellow employee or customer. Furthermore, the popping or cracking sound of gum in the mouthpiece of a telephone should also be avoided since the sound is magnified and may have a negative effect on the caller.

 

Eating

Avoid eating at your desk especially when seated in a public area. If you eat onions or any other foods with strong odors, use mints or brush your teeth before interacting with others. Strong food odors are offensive to many people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coughing

Be discreet when coughing or yawning. These are necessary physical functions. However, when done with a wide open mouth, besides being unattractive and distracting, they are also unhealthy. Germs can be easily transmitted from one person to another in this manner. When coughing or yawning, cover the mouth; if possible use a tissue, and turn away from those around you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquiring a Professional Look

It is very important factor to have a  polished professional look. Having your nails and your hair done is key. You don't have to pay someone to do this for you. A home manicure (pedicure if you wear open toe shoes) is sufficient. Make sure to take care of your hair and skin.

For women, simple accessories can make your outfit look better. For example, simple earrings and a light simple necklace when worn with a suit and can do wonders. A small thin bracelet and a simple ring can finish the look. You may not even need all these excepting a simple brooch. 

Do You Have the Skill -Sets that will Make You Globally Employable?

The world of work is very competitive. Strive to be on top of your game even if you think you are only on a Co-op Ed assignment. Remember, you want to make an impression that will say to the employer "This is someone who is right for my business."

 

You need these global employability skill-sets to be on top of your game:

1.    Communication

The ability to express your ideas, and convey effectively your messages, whether verbal or written,  while being confident at the same time. 

2.     Teamwork

 The ability to function as a team player, be dependable, flexible and interpersonal.

3.    Initiative and enterprise

Speaks to your display of creativity as well as your ability to think and act independently to enhance productivity.

4.    Planning & Organizing 

Being able to organize and use your time effectively.  You must be able to produce consistently high quality of work by paying close attention to every detail. Your ability to make an informed judgment is key.  

5.    Self Management

Being able to perform major duties with minimum supervision, accept responsibilities, be open to constructive criticisms and exert high levels of leadership skills.

6.    Learning

Being able to understand the goals of the institution, relate theoretical knowledge to practice and possess technical skills. 

7.    Work Ethics

You must possess a positive attitude towards work, further; ensure that you are present at work each day and punctual.

8.   Technology

Being able to utilize the technologies that are relevant to the job.

Résumé Template

There are many templates for creating a résumé. Here is one you can use to guide you. 

 Click here for Résumé Template

Email Etiquette

Watch this video for some great tips for sending business emails. Feel free to ask questions and give us your feedback.

8 Tips for Acing Virtual Job Interview

Article adopted from: http://www.salary.com/8-tips-for-acing-virtual-interviews/

 

8. Get Your Technology in Order

Before the meeting, conduct the necessary checks to ensure that all the technology namely: camera and microphone are functioning effectively. Ensure there is internet connectivity and the ability to conduct the meeting without any hitches. Any technology related interruptions can possibly send the wrong impression and cast doubts on your interest in their job. Act professional at all times.

7. Prepare Your Environment

If possible, position your computer and webcam so there's a blank wall in back of you. Otherwise, organize your environment so that it appears to be a professional setting. Ensure your environment is quiet and you are free from any possible disturbances / interruptions.

 

  6. Dress for Success

  The same way you would dress for an in person interview, dress just    the same for the virtual interview. Refrain from wearing excessive jewellery and distracting colors.

You want the interviewer to focus on you, not on your outfit

5. Position Yourself to Win

Avoid slouching and maintain the illusion of eye contact by looking directly in the camera. Because you won’t have the benefit of a face-to-face connection, body language becomes more obvious and important to mange in a virtual view.

   4. Go for a Practice Run

Conduct a mock interview with someone who will give you their honest opinion, using the technology that will be used in the real interview. Ensure that you can be clearly seen and heard, so adjustments can be made if possible before the actual interview.

Get feedback on how you appear on the camera, whether you come off as professional, prepared, enthusiastic and interested.

3. Show and Tell
Conduct research on the company and the job you are applying for so that you can share with the interviewers exactly how your skills and qualifications make you the right fit for the position. Your enthusiasm and interest should be conveyed using voice intonation and facial expression

 

2. Take Your Time, Get It Right

Practice how you would answer possible questions in an audible manner. Pay keen attention to your grammar and ensure your speech is fluent. This will highlight excellent verbal communication skills. If you are sharing a screen and/or asked to type during your virtual interview, make sure you type carefully and read your answers before hitting send. No grammatical errors or typos.

1. Be Yourself

Organizations want to get a quick sense of who you are, so they can determine if they will advance you to the next round. Instead of trying to be the person you think the interviewer is looking for, be yourself. Being true to yourself is the best way to highlight what you can offer, and will make it easier for the organization to determine if you’re a good fit.