Human resource managers and employment professionals agree there are several common mistakes made by young professionals that may be keeping them from climbing up the career ladder as quickly as they’d like.

According to Business NH Magazine, these are the top five common mistakes made by young professionals:

1. Poor Communication Skills
Some young professionals lack proper verbal writing and presentation skills which influence how they are perceived. Particularly in the public relations industry, poor writing can make or break your career.

Good rule of thumb: Always spell check a document, email, letter, or presentation or ask a peer to review. If in doubt about your writing abilities, explore taking certificate courses or one day seminars to shore up these skills—on your own dime, don’t expect the company to pay for it—if you’ve graduated from college with any kind of degree, this skill is assumed.

2. Impatience and Entitlement
Today’s young professional is highly adept at multi-tasking at a high rate of speed. For years they have handled phone, email, text, IM, surfing the web and holding a conversation—all at once. However, in the work place this can come across as scattered and unfocused. Consider these pitfalls:

• Don’t talk over others if the pace is not up to your speed.
• Don’t show disregard for others
• Don’t believe you know everything
• Don’t speak in a manner that can be disrespectful or disregarding

Yes, these all sound obvious, but like it or not, nobody should be calling anyone “dude” in the work place.

3. Distracted by Social Media
Young professionals, particularly in the PR and Marketing industry where social media tactics and tools are employed daily by clients and peers for the greater good of the company and/or marketing campaign, have grown up with a different mode of communication—email-texting-Tweeting-Facebook—but this style does not always translate well in the business world.

Common employer complaints include cruising Facebook or Twitter and or receiving personal texts during the work day. Advice for young professionals: turn off your cell phone during meetings and adhere to company policies and culture regarding social networking.

4. Dressing Inappropriately
Yes, professional dress has evolved during the years, but young professionals need to see themselves through the client’s eyes. Common issues include showing too much skin, or clothes that are wrinkled and worn, too tight or see through.

Don’t for a second think that business casual means cargo shorts and flip flops—after all, your appearance is a representation of the company and its values.

5. Lack of Business Etiquette
Among all else, young professionals must remember that basic politeness and manners go a long way.

• Don’t share too much personal information or use inappropriate slang
• Watch table manners and alcohol consumption
• Consider lunch time subjects—avoid the taboo topics like politics and religion

In closing, as a young professional navigating his/he career finding a mentor can help you find your way and to set you on the right path early in your career. Having somebody you can trust, give you honest feedback, and understand you will undoubtedly have life-long positive impact.

Part of a continuing series

Your public relations or communications internship may be the first time you’ve worked in a professional setting. The rules are different among firms, so you must figure out the appropriate code of conduct—from dress, to culture, to formal company policies and reporting.

Public relations, advertising, and marketing, is all about perception. What you wear determines how others see you and help others determine how you see yourself. And believe it or not, your attire will help determine your career success.

93 percent *of public relations managers polled said a person’s style of dress at work influences his or her chances of earning a promotion; among them, 33 percent said on-the-job attire “significantly” affects an employee’s advancement prospects.

This is important for public relations or communications interns hoping to move into a full time job with the internship provider.

There are three levels of business attire: Traditional Business Attire; Business Formal; and Business Casual. First and foremost, ask what the dress expectation is and then look to your mentors and supervisors to set the standard.

A good guideline: follow what your peers wear. Never be the least casual dresser and always dress better at the beginning of your internship until you get an idea of the office climate.

Most firms from Boston to Portsmouth NH to Portland Maine have moved to Business Casual.
So what is Business Casual?

The definition varies significantly across companies. The word “business” is still the primary focus. Casual as it relates to apparel merely means “informal”. Being too casual in business can sabotage your career.

While ties are usually not required for men, the range for business casual includes suits worn with dressy sport shirts or dressy collared sport shirts that do not require a tie to khakis, chinos, and knit golf shirts. To command respect, wear all-leather belts and shoes; sandals and sneakers do meet a true business casual standard. It.

Business casual is harder to define for women–tailored separates, such as skirts, slacks, blouses, sweaters, sweater sets, and jackets. A complete accessorized look is encouraged, including closed-toe/closed heel shoes or slingbacks to maximize the businesslike aspect.

Other considerations:

• Think comfort. While you want to look professional, those high heels might have you limping by the end of the day.
• Think about the jewelry you wear –both traditional and non-traditional (body piercings, etc.).
• Tattoos should also be covered up whenever possible.
• Keep in mind hair styles and facial hair in the work place.

So when you start your internship this month, be sure to inquire—please comment below with tips to encourage our readers and interns on how to dress for success!

National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2007

As you know, July 16th marks the end of summer…well just about.  In a panic, the kids are starting to take seriously their summer reading requirements. In that vein, I have created my own summer reading list. Enjoy! Continue Reading