Professional Standards and First Impressions
Understand how behaviour, appearance, communication and attitude shape first impressions in digital workplaces.
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Professional Standards and First Impressions
Professional Standards and First Impressions
Professionalism is shown through everyday choices: how you communicate, prepare, present yourself, respond to instructions and treat other people. In digital work, these standards apply in person and online.
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What professionalism looks like
What professionalism looks like
Professional employees are prepared, respectful, reliable and willing to learn. They use appropriate language, follow workplace policies, protect confidential information and take responsibility for their work. Clothing expectations vary, but presentation should suit the role, workplace and client situation.
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Case File 002 - The Interview That Started Before the Interview
Case File 002 - The Interview That Started Before the Interview
The Interview That Started Before the Interview
Watch this video without leaving the lesson.
View transcript
Tuesday morning at Westbridge Engineering. Two candidates are arriving for an interview for a junior digital role.
Maya arrives ten minutes early. She is appropriately dressed, has researched the company and has a copy of her CV ready.
Jordan arrives several minutes late. He walks through reception looking at his phone and barely acknowledges the receptionist.
Neither candidate realises that their interview has effectively already begun.
During her interview, Maya listens carefully, gives clear answers and uses examples from her previous experience.
Jordan has good technical skills, but gives rushed answers and hasn't prepared any questions about the company.
Afterwards, the hiring manager asks reception how each candidate behaved when they arrived.
Both candidates had potential. But Maya demonstrated professionalism throughout the entire experience. She gets the offer.
First impressions begin before the first interview question.
Maya arrives ten minutes early. She is appropriately dressed, has researched the company and has a copy of her CV ready.
Jordan arrives several minutes late. He walks through reception looking at his phone and barely acknowledges the receptionist.
Neither candidate realises that their interview has effectively already begun.
During her interview, Maya listens carefully, gives clear answers and uses examples from her previous experience.
Jordan has good technical skills, but gives rushed answers and hasn't prepared any questions about the company.
Afterwards, the hiring manager asks reception how each candidate behaved when they arrived.
Both candidates had potential. But Maya demonstrated professionalism throughout the entire experience. She gets the offer.
First impressions begin before the first interview question.
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Check your understanding
Check your understanding
1. Give three behaviours that build trust.
2. Why can online conduct affect employability?
3. How should standards change for different workplace situations?
2. Why can online conduct affect employability?
3. How should standards change for different workplace situations?