Dressing for Success

Inappropriate dress and conduct sends the wrong message in the workplace.  People form opinions based on how a person dresses and speaks.  Some businesses have dress codes that everyone must follow.  However, most of the time the dress code is "unwritten."  Students may have difficulty deciding what to wear when there are no written rules.  In those situations, it is important to use good judgment. Advise your students to always look well-groomed and professional.

Following the Rules

Students need to understand that rules exist for a reason.  Most places of business provide some kind of service.  This is why it is important that one's personal time does not interfere with what needs to be done on the job.   Students need to be informed about keeping personal phone calls and personal business to a minimum while they are at work.  Some companies limit personal phone calls to 5 minutes.  Some do not even allow personal phone calls, except for emergencies.

Students should always ask to see the policies and procedures manual when they are hired for a new job. This will help them understand the rules they are expected to follow.  As the VPI instructor, you may want to brainstorm with students the "why" behind certain types of workplace rules, such as:

• Limitations on phone calls
• Dress codes
• Chain of command
• Safety procedures