Professional Communication
What are three important parts of a professional email?
What is : A clear subject line, appropriate greeting, clear purpose, respectful tone, polite closing, or signature
What is one thing you should always do before a job interview to show that you're prepared?
What is: Research the company, understand the position, or prepare thoughtful questions
What are the two main dress codes we discussed for professional workplaces and interviews?
What are business professional and business casual
What does it mean to be reliable in a professional setting?
What is: Being someone others can depend on to fulfill responsibilities and follow through on commitments
What does adaptability mean when it comes to professionalism?
What is: Recognizing different environments and expectations and adjusting your behavior appropriately
Why should you communicate differently with a professor or employer than with a close friend?
What is: You need to adapt your tone, language, and level of formality to your audience
Name two examples of positive body language during a job interview
What is: Appropriate eye contact, smiling, sitting attentively, nodding, or showing interest
What is the main difference between business professional and business casual attire?
What is: Business professional is more formal, typically including suits, while business casual is less formal but still workplace-appropriate
What is the difference between reliability and accountability?
What is: Reliability means following through on commitments. Accountability means taking responsibility for your actions and mistakes
Why is it important to treat a receptionist or custodian with the same respect as a CEO or supervisor?
What is: Professional respect should be given to everyone, regardless of their position or influence
What should you do if you send a professor an email and haven't received a response after several business days?
What is: Send a polite follow-up email that references your original message
Why is it a good idea to prepare questions to ask an interviewer?
What is: It demonstrates preparation and genuine interest, and helps you decide whether the job is a good fit for you
Why is dressing professionally not always the same as wearing a suit?
What is: Because appropriate dress depends on the environment, event, job, and expectations
What should you do if you realize you aren't going to meet an important deadline?
What is: Communicate as early as possible, take responsibility, and discuss a plan for completing the task
What is the professional way to respond when a professor gives you constructive criticism?
What is: Listen carefully, avoid becoming defensive, consider the feedback, and use it to improve
Besides the words you use, what are two ways to demonstrate professional communication during an in-person conversation?
What is: Active listening, not interrupting, putting your phone away, being attentive, or asking clarifying questions
In The Pursuit of Happyness, what qualities helped the main character make a positive impression despite his unusual interview appearance?
What is: Honesty, determination, communication, and confidence
What should you do before attending an interview if you're unsure what clothing is appropriate?
What is: Research the organization or event, check dress-code guidance, or ask about expectations
Why can missing deadlines in college have consequences beyond just losing points on an assignment?
What is: It can damage trust, reflect poor reliability, affect your academic or professional reputation, and prepare you poorly for workplace expectations
Name two ways your digital presence can affect someone's first impression of you.
What is: Through your social media, email address, Zoom username, voicemail greeting, or online communication
You need to request a favor from a professor you've never met. What should you include in your email to make it professional?
What is: A clear subject, respectful greeting, introduction, explanation of the request, polite wording, appreciation for their time, and a sign-off
You arrive at an interview and are asked a question you don't know how to answer. What is the professional way to respond?
What is: Be honest about what you don't know, then explain how you would approach the problem or learn the skill
A coach wears athletic clothing while a lawyer wears a suit. Explain how both can be equally professional
What is: Professionalism involves meeting the needs and expectations of the environment, as well as demonstrating respectful behavior, responsibility, and competence
You are responsible for part of a group project, but you forget to complete it. Explain how to demonstrate both accountability and reliability afterward.
What is: Admit the mistake, apologize, communicate a realistic plan, complete the work promptly, and follow through consistently in the future
Your supervisor asks you to take on additional responsibilities, but you genuinely don't have enough time. How can you remain professional while maintaining your boundaries?
What is: Communicate honestly and respectfully, explain your availability, and discuss an alternative or clarify priorities rather than automatically agreeing