24 Principles of Floral Design Be sure to dress appropriately and conservatively for the interview. Arrive on time, and do not forget to bring your résumé and portfolio, Figure 1-20. Be confi dent and courteous to the interviewer and to any other employees to whom you are introduced. After the interview, thank the interviewer. You may also want to send a thank-you letter. After a week or two, if you have not heard from the company, you may want to follow up with a phone call to be sure the company knows your interest. Do not make a pest of yourself, however. Some companies, especially larger ones, may take a while to make a decision. Succeeding in the Workplace Your employability is the sum of your knowledge, skills, and personal attributes that make you a valuable employee. Employers look for positive personal characteristics when you apply for a job. If you are hired, you will be expected to behave in a manner that benefi ts the business. Employers expect you to demonstrate good work habits, manage your time effectively, show initiative, have a good attitude, and work well with others. In the fl oral industry, you may be asked to perform a variety of tasks that are seemingly unrelated, such as processing fresh cut fl owers and maintaining payment records in a small fl oral shop. You should perform each task effectively and in a professional manner. Professional Behavior The best way to leave a lasting impression on your employer, coworkers, customers, suppliers, and industry peers is to project a professional image. This starts with maintaining a professional appearance through good grooming, hygiene, attire, and manners. As in most retail industries, many careers in the fl oriculture industry inv olve working face-to-face with customers. For this reason, you should pay close attention to your appearance and hygiene. Always come to work clean and keep your hair washed and combed or styled. If your employer has a particular dress code or uniform, be sure to follow it. If there is no required dress code, you should always dress neatly and conservatively. Wear clothes that are appropriate for your job duties. Whatever your personal tastes, while you are on the job you should have a neat, clean, and conventional appearance, Figure 1-21. Remember that whether you are working with customers or suppliers, you represent your company and contribute to its success by your behavior. Lilja Malanjak/Shutterstock.com Figure 1-20. To make a good impression at your interview, dress conservatively, be polite, and be prepared to show examples of your work. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.