Building and Maintaining a Professional Image
What, besides experience, distinguishes a “professional” from a
“paper” certification? One of the most important factors is the image
you project. I have taught many MCSE classes and have seen many students venture
out into the IT workplace. The piece of paper they have is the same – but
there are some glaring differences between those who succeed in quickly getting
a job and getting subsequent promotions, and those who don’t.
Most of it boils down to the image you project to a potential employer. Ask
yourself these questions:
Do you come across as
someone who is easy to get along with, or do others see you as whining,
demanding, and/or self-absorbed?Do you focus in job
interviews on what you can do for the company, or is every
question you ask concerned with how the company will benefit you?Do you project a professional
image?
What are the elements of a professional image, you ask? Interestingly, it’s
often the little things that count, that brand you as a pro – or not. Just a
few things that I, as a hiring authority, see as important in a candidate I’m
considering for a position include:
Your Language and
DemeanorYour Professional
Presentation