Manage Your Image,Make an Impression,Get the Job!

Lakeya CherryThe Network for Social Work Management

Michele Clark University of Southern California

Rachael Wiener University of Michigan

ABOUT THE NETWORKThe Network for Social Work Management is a professional, international organization focused on strengthening and advancing social work management within health and human services.  Our MissionAs a group, we work together to develop and create a future in which all social organizations across the U.S. and overseas can become purposed, high performing systems of service and influence. The goal of the Network is to bring together prominent managers and leaders, aspiring managers, and students within the field to share ideas and discuss challenges to enhance their skills. 

ACTIVITY: My Leadership Goals

Manage Your Image

ONLINE IN THE OFFICE

OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE

PROFESSIONALLY PERSO

NALLY

Manage Your Image

online• Google yourself! See what

the world can see

• Stay up to date on all of our social media privacy settings

• Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your parent to read!

in-office• Cultivate an approachable

presence with your colleagues

• Always dress for success. Better over dressed than under dressed

• Spend time getting to know what your colleagues are working on.

out-of-office• Research how to dress for the

job you want, not the job you have

• Network and make professional connections in your field and beyond

• Seek diversified perspectives

Manage Your Image

Manage your Social Media Presence

This will shape other’s opinions of you before you’ve even had a chance to meet!

• Maintain a positive, professional presence

• Curate and monitor

• Be strategic about what share with the world

Professional Image

• Dress for success

• Practice your greeting

• Smile!!

• Be mindful of body language

Make an Impression

Make an Impression

• What are some ways you make an impression?

• Positive impressions you’ve experienced

• Negative impressions you’ve experienced

ACTIVITY: First Impressions

Tips for Positive First Impressions• Prepare talking

points

• Beware of your body language

• Play to your strengths

• Find something in common

• Engage and be engaging

• Follow up

Effective communication begins with making a good first impression.

First Impressions: Networking

First impressions mean a lot, especially when you are

professionally networking, so make it count.

Overcome a Bad First Impression

• Surprise people

• Overcompensate over time

• Get closer to people

• Wait it out

Get the Job

ACTIVITY: Translating Your Skills

Distinguishing Yourself from

Others

Social Workers are agents of change and skilled in their ability

to observe others, assess situations, and

intervene.

Social work training lends itself to:

• Communicate clearly

• Actively listen

• Build relationships

• Develop trust

• Be self aware and show cultural competence

• Work in interdisciplinary teams

• Exhibit problem solving skills

Utilizing Connections

Alumni Resources

Current Campus Resources

Friends and Family

Current and Former Colleagues

Mentors

Cast a Wide Net

• Think Outside the Box

• Job Banks/Career Centers

• Diversify your network

Social Mediao Twitter

o Facebook Groups

o LinkedIno Contactso Emailo Groupso Recommendationso Search

Networking

• Conferences

• Local/Non-Local Events

• Local, Regional, National Groups

• Social Media

Now What?

• Stay in touch! • Answer phone calls, return emails and make

invitations

• Be self-aware• Don’t pester or overshare. Respect professional

boundaries

• Be authentic!

Turning Network Connections into Professional Relationships

Set a goal for this

Conference

What is something you can do today to

improve your professional networks?

Goals for the next 6 months

Be intentional about a plan to improve your professional

relationships over the next 6 months.

Action Steps to Achieve Your Professional Goals

Thank you for your attention

Contact us 213.553.1870905 E. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90021info@ socialworkmanager.org