College Mentoring for Access and Persistence Professional Development Workshop.

College Mentoring for Access and Persistence

Professional Development Workshop

Professional Development WorkshopPage 2

Agenda

► Business Basics► 3 Steps to Success: Greetings, Elevator

Pitches and Conversations► The Handshake► Making Connections► Dress for Success

► Global Etiquette and Awareness► What is Etiquette?► Global Etiquette ► Media Etiquette

► Email Education► Resume Speed Dating ► Mock Interviews► Virtual Marketing

► Media► Conversation ► Meals

► Putting it all together: Networking Reception

Business Basics3 Steps to Success: Greetings, Elevator Pitches and Conversations


Handshakes

► DOs:► Solid grip► Shake firmly, once or twice► Observe (if they are disabled

or injured, how are other people greeting them?)

► Make eye contact► PRACTICE!

► DON’Ts:► The bone-crusher► The two-hander► The slippery fish► The half hug/kiss/head bump


Making Connections

► DOs:► Introduce yourself, use your

“elevator pitch”► Use your personality/have a positive

attitude► Sit with people you do not know!► Take notes, follow up with emails

and questions► DON’Ts:

► Engage in sensitive topics (politics, religion, sexuality)

► Talk negatively, or gossip ► (i.e. instead of “I don’t like...”, try, “I

prefer...”)

► Spend too much time with one person

► Just shake hands/be shy► Activity: Elevator Pitch

Elevator Pitch Activity

Global Etiquette and Awareness


What is “office etiquette”?

Definition: The code of ethical behavior in a professional practice or the socially acceptable actions among members of a profession in their dealings with each other


Quick Etiquette: Workplace

► Always be conservative (with dress, language, rules)► Dress and act for the job you want. Want to be a manager? Act like

one by managing your time effectively and being organized► If you’re unsure about the rules, ask or observe and follow (greetings,

schedules)► Language and posture

► All emails, calls and interactions should be professional. Check written work for spelling errors, clarity and formatting

► Ask for help and permission if you are unsure ► Reebok Office Etiquette Commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAVcCZa5MlE


Quick Etiquette: Conversation

► During conversation► Remember to use names, it will help you memorize them► Maintain eye contact (comfortably)► Are you engaged in the conversation?

► Listen► Ask questions► Show interest and enthusiasm► Pause to let others speak

► Following up► Ask for a business card

► Makes notes on the back after your conversation so that you can include topics in your follow up email


Global Etiquette

► Acknowledge that different people will have different customs, perspectives and ways of thinking.

► Realize that while you may not be in an unfamiliar environment, your counter person may be.

► Adapt. Be flexible and understanding. Know how to listen, even when you don’t agree.

► What resources can you use?

Global Etiquette Activity

Email EducationCreating an appropriate email address for business communications


What does your email address say about you?

Because it is used to identify you, your email address is often seen as a representation of your virtual self.

► Does your address contain your first and last name? (initials to save space is okay)

► Does it identify you?► Have you set up a standard

electronic signature?

Email Education ActivityCreating an appropriate email address for business communications

Resume Speed DatingMastering the technicalities of resume building


Resumes

► DO: 10-12 point font depending on length

► DO: Use a simple, standard font► DO: Use strong verbs and

numerical measurements in descriptions

► DON’T: Use a lot of colors or overuse italics

► DON’T: Include pictures► DON’T: Lie, embellish, stretch,

add, fluff, fudge or add anything deceiving to a resume. It can come out during the interview or even worse – on the job.


What should your resume look like?

► Overview: Write a 3 sentence mini biography about yourself. Highlight your strongest features

► Education: After the heading, lead with educational information. The name of your high school and its address will go here. Follow that with your GPA and, if you know it, your class rank

► Work Experience: If you have any work experience – internships, apprenticeships – provide a bulleted description of each after the heading

► Volunteer Experience: List and describe any volunteer initiatives that you have been a part of

► Extracurricular Activities: Any clubs, programs, community service organizations or sports you were a part of during high school will fall under this list, but try to limit the list to 8 entries

► Skills: If you are proficient in advanced computer programs or fluent in multiple languages, list those skills

► Awards: Don't limit yourself here. This section can be a laundry list (though you should explain any awards that don’t have obvious titles). Remember that even accomplishments for which you never received a trophy, medal or certificate for fit into this category

Resume Speed Dating Activity

Mock InterviewPutting your revamped resume and etiquette skills to work


Interviews

► Be Polite► Know Your Schedule

► When can you start working?► Which hours/days will you be

available?

► Be on Time ► Get there early!

► Go on Your Own► You can arrive with support, but

interview alone

► Send a Thank You Note► In the following days, take time to

email or mail a thank you letter to your interviewer


Dress for Success

Women's Interview Attire:

► Solid color, conservative suit ► Coordinated blouse ► Closed toed shoes ► Limited, matching jewelry ► Neat, professional hairstyle, kept

away from face► Hosiery?► Minimal make-up & perfume ► Clean, conservative nails► Portfolio or briefcase

Men’s Interview Attire:

► Solid color, conservative suit ► White or earth toned, long sleeve

shirt and tie ► Black or dark blue socks► Professional shoes that match your

belt!► Very limited jewelry, avoid color► Neat, professional hairstyle ► Minimal cologne& aftershave ► Neatly trimmed nails ► Portfolio or briefcase


Mock Interview Questions

► How has school prepared you for working at our company?

► Why should we hire you? ► How would you describe your ability to work as a team

member? ► What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?► Tell me about a major problem you recently handled.► Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor or teacher?

How did you handle it? ► What do you feel your greatest strengths are?

Mock Interview Activity

Virtual MarketingHow online profiles, photos and voicemails represent you


Media EtiquetteThe importance of positive personal branding

► Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)► When it comes to social media, if it doesn’t help you, it’s probably

hurting you. Consider your online profiles. Would you be PROUD to show your them to an interviewer?► Pictures (tags), status, jokes, groups, tweets and screen names► Delete old, inactive profiles (who knows what’s on there)

► Are you utilizing professional sites? (join Linked In)

► Email► Does your email address contain your first and last name? Does

it identify you?► Have you set up a standard electronic signature?

► Are your voicemail greeting and ringtone appropriate?

Virtual Marketing Activity

Networking ReceptionPreparing for the meet and greet


Quick Etiquette: Meals

► Before:► It may appropriate to stand behind

chairs at dinner until everyone has found a place to sit (observe)

► Greet peers and introduce yourself (it is not about the food!)

► Order a meal in a similar price range with the seniors

► Avoid messy and hard to eat foods. (i.e. long spaghetti)

► During:► Place your napkin on your lap► Take small bites so that you are

always prepared to answer any questions asked of you

► After:► Thank seniors for meal► Light clean up of space? (observe)

Networking Reception Activity

Review


Review questionsRemember, sometimes there is more than one answer

1. If you are not sure what to wear to an interview you should…a) Call/email ahead and ask

b) Research company policies online

c) Dress on the conservative side

d) Wear what you had planned, and apologize on arrival

e) Call to cancel

2. What shouldn’t you bring into an interview?a) Questions

b) A resume

c) Your parents

d) Perfume


Review questions (continued)

3. What should always match?a) Men’s ties and shoes

b) Men’s shoes and belts

c) Women’s blazer and purse

d) Women’s jewelry

4. What is REQUIRED for a business professional?a) Men’s complete suit

b) Men’s polo shirt

c) Men’s tie

d) Women’s close toed shoes

e) Women’s cardigan

f) Women’s suit skirt or trouser set.


Review questions (continued)

5. While reading the menu at a social or interview dinner, you should be…

a) Listening to what the seniors are ordering and their food price range/amount

b) Considering which foods will be easy to eat while talking

c) Thinking of excuses to order two entrees

d) Avoiding garlic and other smelly foods

6. You meet someone you want to keep in contact with:a) Ask for their home address so you can mail a letter

b) Request a business card and add notes/questions to ask them about

c) Send them an email thanking them for a great conversation using the notes on the back of their business card

d) Step on their foot and use it as a reason to take them shopping

Wrap-up

College Mentoring for Access and Persistence Professional Development Workshop.

Documents

email slide

awareness slide

elevator pitch slide

professional practice

quick etiquette

success global etiquette

business communications

elevator pitch activity