Scene by Carson: A note to college grads

Editor’s note: Amanda Carson recently graduated from Ole Miss where she wore a cocktail dress and high heels to football games at which tailgating was conducted in a tent adorned with a chandelier. Prior to this she attended a private school in Memphis at which Southern manners and etiquette were stressed — which does not explain her football game decisions. Anyway, Amanda will attempt to infuse her Southern experiences, exposure and education into the arts and entertainment scene in the Fort Smith/Van Buren region.

In lieu of graduation and a competitive career market, here are a few tips to help you stand out in a positive way.

No, these tips are not to triple check your resume spelling and make sure you have sound references, you should know that already. These are practical, common sense practices so often over looked for some reason.

If you have just graduated, most likely there is nothing in your resume or anything your references may say to help set you apart from the other 15 some-odd people interviewing for the same position. Now it all falls on your shoulders. How do you handle yourself? Do you portray professionalism?

First off, always act as though someone is watching you. Of course you know you should be early to any kind of interview, but don’t show up early just to sit in the parking lot and tweeze your nose hairs or put on your deodorant as your potential employer watches you from their window.

This rule should hold true throughout life as well. For example, you go to a concert the weekend before and feel like all the band members need to see your boobs, piercing and butterfly tattoo, all the while sticking your neon thong in your perspective employer’s face, who is just trying to enjoy some good music.  Well, I know who’s not getting that job on the following Monday. At the end of the day, your reputation is all you have, so make it a good one.

Second off, dress professional appropriate.

Guys, don’t be lazy and just throw on khakis and a polo. Wear dark slacks, a button-up shirt tucked in, a belt, nonclip-on tie and a jacket if weather permits.

Yes, it is true that cute girls get more. This holds true at the bar, with work and in life. It pays to be cute, so girls, it’s OK to have a little vanity and take care of yourself hygienically. And for heaven’s sake, don’t think you can get away without wearing make-up, because you can’t no matter how naturally beautiful you think you may be. To quote Miss Congeniality 2, “people care about people who care about themselves.” Hear me now, this in NO WAY means dress slutty; dress professional classy and that will always come across as sexy, but not in a skanky way.

Third off, remember that a handshake tells a lot about a person. Too hard, and you’re a controlling overzealous prick. Too soft gives off a creepy limp fish vibe; it’s got to be just right. Make it a whole handed hand shake, none of this wimpy finger grabbing. Weird. Palm to palm is how you do it. Make it a firm professional shake, look the person in the eye, count to “one Mississippi” and let go. Don’t come across as Joe the hand molester.

Lastly, just as an extra professional tid-bit that shows you know the ways of the business world. Your name badge should be worn on the right side of the chest. That way when you shake hands your arm provides a visual line towards your name badge.

So take these few tips and heed them wisely. Set yourself apart from the pack of unemployed in a positive way. Even if you have been gainfully employed for the past 10 or 20 years, there are oh-so-many who forget these simple things; brush up on it! That way you can come across classy and not trashy.

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Even though she graduated from Ole Miss, Amanda is comfortable using e-mail. You can reach her at [email protected]