Assignment 5: Communication

The main difference between communicating with friends and family compared to a potential employer is the level of relationship, casual verses professional. When speaking to a friend you have a personal relationship with them and they are not actively critiquing you. Therefore, there is not a need to stress about body language or vocabulary. Your family knows you best, they are likely the people you are most comfortable with so the same applies; there is no stress to impress. On the contrary, an interviewer's job is to asses your skills. The communication should be professional avoiding casual habits.

When conversing with a friend or family member you expect them to react benevolently. You can be friendly in an interview and should be, but be careful not to cross the line of unprofessionalism. The interviewer expects the interviewee to carry themselves with confidence and expertise.

When speaking to my mentor I am sure to appear professional in every sense. Non-verbal is large part of this, I stand when they enter, maintain eye contact, give a firm handshake, stay aware of my hand placement and keep a pleasant face. When verbally communicating I attempt to rid my vocabulary of empty words such as, "um", "like" and "well". All of these things can be overwhelimg to stay aware of all at once, but practicing these skills will be essential to be successful in the professional world.