Building a Professional Presence

Out of all the topics I have learnt in this subject, Professional Presence is one of the topics I find very useful. This is because this topic teaches us the basics of dressing well for an interview and for work. This topic also teaches us many grooming guidelines such as how much make-up to put for an interview, what kind of shoes and stockings to use, the kind of accessories that are not too ‘loud’ and most importantly, the grooming standards for our hair.

I find all these grooming guidelines very useful because a well-groomed applicant will create a good first impression on the employer during an interview. We only have one chance of making a good impression and it is important to make it the best. A good impression is equivalent to half the battle won and we can only create a good impression when we are well-groomed.





Before I took this subject, I knew grooming was important during an interview, but I didn’t realise how important it was until I took this subject. This subject has taught me that grooming is the basic requirement of the working world and only when we know the fundamentals of dressing can we move on to achieve and accomplish greater things. When we dress professionally, we feel good about ourselves and it reflects on our personality, which in turn affects the work we do.

Besides teaching us how to groom ourselves, this topic also prepares us for the working world by teaching us what to wear for the different special occasions we will face in future when we come out to work such as a White Tie Event or Cocktail party. It also teaches us what kind of handbags to use and to dress according to the company culture. This is very useful when it comes to dressing for events as we represent our company during company events and we want to look professional. By dressing well, we will uphold the image of our company and it also reflects well on ourselves.

Besides dressing well, this topic also teaches us meeting and greeting etiquettes such making a good introduction of ourselves, professional handshakes, the correct way in handling business cards and safe topics for small talk. When meeting someone, a good impression depends on the physical appearance. Thereafter, we have to introduce ourselves to the person, and a good introduction is important in leaving a good impression.

Another part I find useful about this topic is the handling of business cards. The handling of business cards is important as it can affect the relationship of you with the client. For example, if a client gives you a business card and you scribble on it or put it at your back pocket, it’s equivalent to scribbling on his face and not giving him due respect as the business cards represent his ‘face.’ Hence, it is important to take note of such details and make sure we do not offend anyone when we are out to work.

References:

http://www.inozemstvo-posao.com/smf_1-1-2_install/index.php?topic=418.0

http://amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti/