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Culture Notes

Body Language and Personal Appearance

When you meet a manager, your English language is important, but your body language is important, too. For example, if you smile, the manager will think you are friendly. If you make eye contact (look at the manager’s face) and stand straight, the manager will think that you are confident.

Your personal appearance also says something about you. For example, your hair should look nice, and your clothes should be neat and professional. If you are careful with your personal appearance, the manager will think that you will be careful with your job, too.

You can wear different kinds of clothes for different jobs. It is a good idea to find out what people usually wear for the job you are applying for. When you meet a manager, always wear clothes that are a little nicer than the clothes people usually wear for that job. Women usually wear a dress, a skirt and a blouse, or a suit. Men usually wear a jacket, tie, and nice pants, or a suit.

Here are some things to remember when you meet a manager:

• Look professional. Wear conservative clothes, jewelry, and makeup.
• Smile and make eye contact.
• Give a firm handshake (not too soft, not too hard).
• Stand two to three feet away from the manager.
• Speak clearly. Be enthusiastic.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Team Work

• What do you think about their clothes, jewelry, hair, makeup...?
• What are they doing with their eyes, hands, legs, head, shoulder...?
• Do they look enthusiastic and friendly? Why or why not?
• Are they doing anything that is not polite?
• Are they standing too close or too far away from the manager?

Role Plays

• Student A
• Student B