If you ask hiring managers in the golf industry if they believe professionalism is important in selecting job candidates, they will assuredly respond with a yes. In fact, in a recent National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook survey, 86.9% of responding employers say professionalism is not only important but very or extremely important. However, even though we know it can be vital in tipping the scales toward the winning candidate, professionalism can be difficult for employers to define and challenging to isolate.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, professionalism is defined as “the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well” — basically, a combination of know-how and actions all packaged together. Unlike typical qualifications and experience listed by candidates, professionalism is nuanced and must be demonstrated during the hiring process. In this month’s Career column, we will unpack three concepts to help you embody professionalism and land your next job.
Suitable. I don’t mean just wearing a suit. Rather, are your résumé, cover letter and other correspondence respectful of the audience and suitable in this situation? Many times, your first impression with a hiring committee is through your written communications as part of the application process. This is your chance to demonstrate professionalism through your seriousness in crafting well-written and carefully planned documents. Are your documents error-free and visually pleasing? The appropriate tone and format of your communications should be formal in nature and respectful of the employer’s time, perspective and role as decision-maker. Ensure your message is clear and geared toward the specific golf facility you are targeting. Finally, good old-fashioned etiquette can go a long way if you apply it in your written correspondence, digital communications, phone interactions and personal encounters to heighten your professionalism score.
Appearance. A Forbes survey found that 95% of employers factor in an applicant’s appearance when making hiring decisions, and 71% of companies admitted to rejecting applicants who were not dressed appropriately. Even in our era of business casual dress becoming more accepted at golf facilities, this doesn’t make appearance any less important. Regardless of your credentials and experience, image and attire are powerful factors in cultivating professionalism. Beyond just following dress code, your appearance and behaviors are another way to display your understanding of the target golf facility’s work culture, customers and unique characteristics that make it a great fit with you and your career. Don’t forget the basics. Are your clothing, shoes, hair and accessories appropriate and in good order? Does your appearance demonstrate that you are a professional in the golf industry and merit trust as part of the leadership team for their facility? If you are unsure of your answer to these questions, seek help so your appearance will substantiate, not hinder, your professionalism.
Professional presence. Transcending clothing and appearance, be intentional with the image you project through your nonverbal communications. In Korn Ferry’s 2024 talent acquisition research, it found that, “The candidate who appears prepared and professional before speaking a word has already begun to make their case for employment.” How do you take advantage of this to get a jump-start in landing your next job? In addition to your experience, education and achievements, intentionally create an image that conveys confidence, competence and credibility as you aim to connect with the hiring committee on a more human, personal level. Picture in your mind a person who is walking into a room to be interviewed by a golf facility hiring committee. Next are handshakes, introductions and then being seated at the table. What body language, posture, cadence and facial expressions demonstrate a professional presence and personify professionalism? Write down what comes to mind as you envision the interview unfolding. And then practice these nonverbal cues through mock interviews and get candid feedback from mentors and professionals you trust.
The next time you conduct a job search, remember that even though professionalism may not be listed in the job posting, it will play a key role in candidate selection. Use it to your advantage and take steps to improve your professionalism and yield big results.
Carol D. Rau, PHR, has been a career consultant and speaker with GCSAA since 2005 and specializes in golf and turf industry careers. Rau is a frequent speaker at national, regional and local GCSAA conferences and teaches GCSAA webinars.