What is professionalism? Well, truthfully, you’ll know it when you see it and you’ll know it if you expect it and it’s not there. I personally like Candice Solie’s definition:”Professionalism is not defined by the position held. It is defined by who you are (inner character), what you do (behavior exhibited) and how others perceive you (image projected).”

Evaluations, Inc. E-professionalism, then, is a natural extension of professionalism to all things electronic. In fact, according to Tracy Evans, Director of Career Services at Louisiana State University Law Center, and Amy Gerwitz, Associate Director, Alumni Counseling and Relations, at Pace University School of Law, “Electronic professionalism encompasses so many different areas it is almost overwhelming at first.”

In today’s economy, you need all the help you can get to land a legal position. Don’t let your lack of e- professionalism ruin your chances. You must be diligent in making sure your professionalism is evident in what you do, what you say, and who you are in person, in print and online. According to Ms. Evans and Ms. Gerwitz (along with a few tips from yours truly!) here’s how you can accomplish your e-professionalism due diligence:

1. Do a regular online search of your name. If necessary, consider hiring a company to “clean up” your online image.

itor what is being said or posted about you.

3. Do record a professional voicemail message at home and on your cell phone. This includes a professional sounding ringtone on your cell phone.

A simple “Dear Mr./Ms. [last name]” if it’s an employer, alumni or other professional or “Hello [name] ,” will suffice if it’s someone with whom you are more familiar!

5. Do use professional online networks such as LinkedIn as a way to market yourself professionally.

6. Do make sure personal web pages are cleaned up.

7. Do use the internet to research potential employers, professionals or alumni so that you know something about them before you meet them.

8. Do follow up on electronic communications. They are not always reliable.

9. Do check your e-mail and voicemail on a regular basis. Have your valpo.edu mail forwarded to your gmail, yahoo, or other account so that you can receive important information concerning the law school.

10. Do use your work computer for professional uses only.

YouTube, etc. Also, make sure friends/family/co-workers/fellow students are

not posting inappropriate content that includes your name or picture.

profile settings are private that employers and others may not see them.

3. Don’t assume that employers are not conducting electronic background checks on you – they are.

4. Don’t over blog – make sure content is professional and DON’T blog about your employer.

5. Don’t put inappropriate content in your home or business e-mail.

6. Don’t have an inappropriate e-mail address and don’t use the same e-mail for your resume that you use for your online presence unless your online presence is completely appropriate and positive. Also, don’t give documents inappropriate names, especially those you may be sending to employers.

7. Don’t click send on an e-mail without double-checking to make sure you’re sending it to the correct recipient and without reading the content, especially for the “reply all” messages.

8. Don’t use capital letters (it means you’re shouting) in e-mail correspondence and don’t send multi-colored e-mails.

9. Don’t include quotes in your e-mail signature box. Or, if you do, have separate signature lines depending on who’s receiving the e-mail. If you keep your signature line basic, with just your name, title, employer, address, phone, fax and e-mail address, you won’t inadvertantly offend potential employers!

10. Don’t wear a Bluetooth accessory in a meeting, at a lunch, or in other business settings. Also, don’t set your cell phone on a desk, table, etc. when you’re meeting with an employer, alumni or other professional.

11. Don’t text in the middle of meetings, lunches, etc.

12. Don’t wear your iPod while working.

Should you have any questions about these tips or general questions about e-professionalism, please visit the Career Planning Center (Room 125) or contact our staff to make an appointment at (219) 465-7814 or careerplaning.law@valpo.edu