Uptree

How you present yourself, how you act and how you talk to others all links to your professionalism. Being professional can help you make a good first impression, get along with people, and appear serious and respectful.

Whether you are attending an Uptree event or a job interview, it is important to adhere to certain standards. In this blog you will learn some useful tips to help you stand out from the very beginning.

Be punctual. We've all been there - we've lost track of time having breakfast and next thing you know, we're running for the bus and end up late for school.

On the other hand, meticulous planning and nerves can cause some of us to arrive more than an hour early for our set appointment. Be aware that many companies won't be ready for you at this stage. Avoid flustering your future manager, by taking a walk or grabbing yourself a coffee. Uptree recommends turning up about 15 minutes before your appointment time. We understand unexpected events might get in the way so if you are running late, please let your Uptree representative or your interviewer know. Don't forget to check email signatures for phone numbers.

Dress appropriately. Many workplaces have adopted a more relaxed approach to dress code, but will still expect you to appear professional. Remember that when you are attending an event once you walk inside the building you are not only presenting yourself to a potential future employer, but you are also representing the company. For Uptree Work Experience Days, smart casual attire is usually appropriate eg. smart trousers/skirt with shirt/top and smart shoes/trainers. Ties and blazers optional. There is no need to buy a new outfit, your school uniform is perfectly appropriate. Religious and cultural dresses are also deemed appropriate. If you are unsure, you can email the educationteam@uptree.co with your questions. If you’re attending an interview and you’re unsure, always go smarter. If you’re struggling to find suitable clothes for an interview, there are a number of charities, such as SmartWorks who can provide you with an outfit. If in doubt, look at what current employees are wearing on the company website or social media and copy that.

Be prepared. Make sure you research the company in advance and are ready to ask questions. Have a look at the company’s website to find out what their values are, if they are taking part in any initiative or are working on any interesting projects. Asking questions at the end of an interview is a great way to showcase your interest in the company. Do not forget that you can also bookmark any companies page on the Uptree Platform to receive updates when roles are made available with our Employer Partners.

Do not use your phone unless you are asked to. At an event you might be asked to use your phone to engage in activities or search information online. But remember - this is not the time to check your messages. Spending time on your phone when it is not the right time to do so, will make you appear disinterested and shows a lack of respect for whoever is standing in front of you. If you are expecting an urgent call/ message let an Uptree representative or a possible interviewer know.

Be aware of your digital presence. After attending a Work Experience Day or Application Masterclass, you might want to connect with the employees and peers you have met, and LinkedIn is the perfect platform to do so. LinkedIn is a business and employment-focused platform; make sure you have a profile photo and header image, write a short headline and fill in all sections of your profile. As per all the other platforms, we are all for posting pictures of your latest trip or the last dance you have learned on TikTok. Just remember that anything you post online is public and visible to all including a potential employer.

Update your email and voicemail. Once you start meeting employers and applying for roles, companies may get in touch whether it is for an interview, a follow up email after an event or similar. Make sure your email address is professional and appropriate. If it is not, we would recommend you update it or create a separate email address you can share with employers.

Examples:

• Inappropriate email address: donaldduck@nowhere.com
• Professional email address: firstname.secondname@domain.com

As for your voicemail, we’ve heard some great ones in the past - replace that funny joke with your name and a polite message. Don’t forget to check your messages so you don’t miss out on any opportunities!

In summary, professionalism is a key factor for success at work. By showing up on time, dressing right, being prepared, and keeping your online presence tidy, you'll impress employers and other coworkers. As you start taking the first steps in your career journey, keep these tips in mind to stand out and show you’re serious about your future.

Start registering today for our upcoming events to develop your employability skills and practice your professionalism.