A Professional Introduction
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
photo credit: mariahfleming
A professional introduction is a significant factor in establishing a positive first impression, critical for those seeking to advance in their careers. Although it is completely under our control, we often find ourselves on auto pilot; unconscious behaviour based on old habits, which may work for some but most individuals should be concentrating on the extra effort necessary to initiate a practiced and polished, professional introduction. Old habits are hard to break and without many years of experience introducing yourself in a professional environment, you may regret relying on your instincts.
Looking good is also critical to a professional introduction. If you’re not sure about your attire, ask for advice. If they’re not sure, buy a new suit! Practice at home in front of a mirror or even better, a video camera, concentrating on eye contact until you have a well rehearsed, clearly articulated, introductory message. Don’t wing it! You may not have realized that up until now, 50% of your vocabulary consisted of “eh?” Give careful consideration to your handshake and practice it. That may sound as ridiculous as advising those submitting a resume to include contact details but more often than not, it is the most basic of protocols and information that are given little attention or consideration leading to easily avoidable mistakes and lost opportunities. Many people do not provide a professional handshake with the majority offering a less than firm handshake, which is usually perceived as a lack of confidence. And then there are those whose handshake is far too firm, especially when the recipient is donning a ring! OUCH!!!
Your investment in a professional introduction will contribute to establishing a memorable and confident first impression. Follow these five tips to look good, feel good and sound good:
- Attractive, clean and pressed attire
- Eye contact
- Confident but considerate handshake
- Practiced and polished verbal introduction
- Ask how you can help
How do you create a professional introduction when submitting your resume? Accompany your resume with a professional and personalized cover letter!




Are you currently in career transition? If so, you have likely estimated the length of time you are expecting it will take to secure a new position and have set your goals accordingly. How have you determined this time frame? Some career professionals suggest an old rule of thumb theory, which suggests that simply allocating one month for every $10,000 in earnings will establish an approximate time frame. This is more accurate than you may think and is clearly reflected in a recent study of 9 professionals from an independent networking group for people in career transition who have landed over the past 4 months.
What is the one word that describes you? This is likely a question you have heard alot lately especially if you are in career transition. More than ever before the key to advancing your career is to promote your value. Give careful consideration to the one word that will describe your most impressive attribute but at the same time distinguish you from the competition. Although passion and drive are highly influential to employers, too many individuals refer to themselves as passionate when in fact few people really are truly passionate about what they do. It is so widely used that it risks credibility and will not help you to stand out from the competition. Consider words such as inquisitive, audacious, competitive, ambitious, intuitive, savvy and indomitable. Steer clear of out of date, overused or boring words such as results-oriented, methodical, detail oriented and communicative. 





