The Minority Guide To Professionalism. Daniel Mushala

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      Daniel N. Mushala

      The Minority Guide To Professionalism

      by Daniel Mushala

      Copyright 2014 Daniel Mushala

      All rights reserved

      Published in eBook format by TMG Publishing

      Converted by http://www.eBookIt.com

      ISBN-13: 978-0-9743-4410-2

      No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

      Lesson One – The Resume & Cover Letter

      Never underestimate the power of your resume and cover letter. They are your greatest selling tool. Take your time working on your resume, because it will determine whether or not you are called for an interview. Therefore, it has to be perfect - no mistakes, no spelling errors and no grease or coffee marks. Make sure your resume is no more than two pages. Print out your resume on 100% linen paper. The paper should be either white or tan; anything else is not appealing. In today’s market, companies accept resumes via email or uploading it to the company. Be sure to exclude addresses that have any sexual, religious or racial overtures. For example, humpback@..., bigbootie@..., blackrob@..., emoney@..., ghettofab@. Remember it is all about being a professional. You can find plenty of examples on the internet. Always keep your resume update. There will be job opportunities for you in the future and you want to be prepared. You can find plenty of examples of a cover letter and resume on the internet.

      Lesson Two – Filling Out Employment Applications

      Make sure you have at least three copies of your resume with you, and a typewritten list of three references. Keep at least two pens with you – either two blue pens or two black pens, just in case one runs out of ink. Make sure you read over the entire application carefully and thoroughly to understand all the questions so you can answer them correctly. Take your time filling out the application. Too many mistakes will reduce your chances of being hired. To familiarize yourself with the application process, get a job application from a fast food place, a career center or an employment training center. Fill out the application at home and use it as an example when you are filling out other applications for different companies, non-profit organizations etc. If you have an application already filled out, it would make applying for jobs easier.

      Lesson Three – Temporary Agencies

      A temporary agency provides you with temporary employment with different companies doing a variety of different type of work. These jobs or assignments are short in duration. The can be from 1 week to a month or even up to a year. These are non-permanent jobs. However, the temp agency can help you land a job. Register with more than one temp agency in your area. Temp agencies are a great place to get started in the working world. All you need is some basic computer knowledge, to be able to type at least 45 words per minute, know how to alphabetize, understand basic math, and be organized. Please note they will test you to see if you have the skills and knowledge prior to sending you an assignment. Temp agencies give you a vast range of work experiences. They can open your horizons to what is out there and the types of work various companies and/or organizations offer. I’ve temped before and I am a big fan of temp agencies because of the life and work experience you can gain. It also exposes you to the professional world.

      Lesson Four – Dressing for Success

      Dress sharp at work, for going out for an interview, or to fill out a job application. Please do not wear jeans, sneakers, halter tops, mini-skirts, high heels, fish net stockings, shorts or anything like that. Keep it simple, clean & professional.

      Men – please wear a nice shirt with a tie, or a clean shirt with a nice pair of pants and shined shoes. Please do not wear any bling bling. Your job here is to make a great first impression.

      Ladies – please keep jewelry to a minimum. In the professional work place, it’s called the Rule of 7. Wear only seven pieces of jewelry. Starting with you earrings (2), a necklace (1), a watch (1), you can mix up your rings or bracelets (3) as long as it adds up to 7. Keep it simple, clean & professional.

      While at work, dress like your boss. If your company has a constant dress down policy and your boss is always dressed professionally, dress professionally. It will get you noticed. Pay no mind to what others say. Do not wear jeans at work even on dress down days.

      If you have to wear a uniform make sure it’s always ironed or pressed because it says a lot about you. 1^st impression matters. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

      Remember: Don’t dress for the position you are in Dress for the position you want.

      Always keep your shoes shined!

      Lesson Five – Great Grooming

      Never and I mean never go to work with uncombed or nappy hair, bad breath or bad body odor. Personal hygiene is very important. Get a haircut or get your hair done every two or three weeks. Always look sharp. Always look your best.

      Splash on a little perfume or cologne before going to work. Pleasant fragrances heighten the senses and make people around you enjoy being around you. Also, keep your nails cut, clipped, trimmed and clean.

      It’s a good idea to keep toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss, mouth wash and lotion at your desk. Imagine times when you go to lunch and have a great meal, and return to your office with food stuck between your teeth. It doesn’t look good when you have an important two-thirty meeting.

      Remember: You don’t get a second chance to make a great 1^st impression. Your appearance matters.

      Lesson Six – The Handshake

      A lot of you will be surprised to realize how important a firm handshake is. It shows you are confident and also helps to make a great 1^st impression. When you shake someone’s hand at an interview, office function or wherever, give a firm grip and look them in the eye. Don’t try to break the other person’s hand. It’s not a contest. Give a firm grip. I meet the former mayor of Washington, DC. We shook hands. He had such a soft fishy handshake. I was surprised how horrible the handshake was especially for a person in that position. It did not instill any confidence.

      A University of Alabama study found that there is a relationship between features of a firm handshake (strength, vigor, duration of eye contact) and a favorable 1^st impression. Make a favorable 1^st impression and give a good firm handshake and look the person in the eye.