CTAE3 - Level 3 - Professional Image and Behavior (Lesson)

Professional Image and Behavior

Introduction

Being professional is one of the most important aspects of being successful at your job.

Can I Wear This to Work?

Being professional is one of the most important aspects of being successful at your job. Your professionalism could open the door to other career opportunities, a raise, or even a bonus. Your demeanor towards your boss, your coworkers, and your clients should be courteous and professional at all times, from how you present yourself to how you communicate to how you interact with others at work.

Professional Dress and Grooming

Presenting yourself in a professional manner involves dressing appropriately for the job and being well groomed.

Depending on the career field, acceptable attire will vary. A dress code is a set of standards companies develop for employees to guide them in appropriate work attire based on the company and the position. Companies set dress codes to set standards for employees and protect the company's reputation and image.

Different categories of dress in the workplace might include:

- business formal
- business casual
- casual

Regardless of the job, employees need to be well groomed, neat, and practice good personal hygiene. Companies may specify that clothes be clean and ironed. Other possible grooming policies may specify hair length, use of jewelry, limit use of perfume, or makeup. The grooming policies will vary depending on the company, type of work and safety and health issues.

Professional Behavior

Professional behavior involves following the business norms of the workplace. Pay attention to other professionals in the office to get a sense of what is considered acceptable practices in the workplace. There are many factors that affect your professionalism:

Your manners and behavior with coworkers and others in the workplace
Your speech and communication through email, phone and in-person
Your attitude in your day to day activities
Your conduct when interacting with others

Watch the video below to learn about professional behavior.

Challenge

Takeaway

Be a Professional

Professional Image and Behavior Summary

Follow the cultural norms of your workplace.

Note how your coworkers operate in your office to get a sense of how things are done. You may note how people dress, and how they lower their voices when someone is on the phone nearby, or that they go into the staff room to have more casual discussions. You may also notice how your coworkers interact with clients during meetings, and how everyone always shows up on time, or a few minutes early for a meeting. Pay attention to the behavior of others to get a sense of what is considered professional in your workplace.

Be on time for meetings and discussions.

The majority of workplaces will expect you to be on time for all meetings, planned discussions, and to be at work by a certain time in the day. If you are not sure about the expectations around the start time for the work day, ask your superior. Most offices expect their employees to be in the office early in the morning to field any calls from clients and to ensure the office is functioning during regular business hours.

Maintain a positive attitude.

Often, a professional attitude is a positive and motivated one. To be successful, you will need to demonstrate to others that you have the skills and knowledge to perform your duties and responsibilities. But in addition to expertise and know how, your employer will value a professional attitude that demonstrates character and integrity.

The following video is a "fashion show" of ideas for choosing your professional look.

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