Perception

Feedback is a standard part of our work experience, whether it be via an annual review or a more
frequent occurrence. But usually this feedback is focused on work performance. Performance generally
isn’t the deciding factor between the employee who gets promoted and the employee that doesn’t. The
difference is perception.  According to Garfinkle, “Perception matters because only those who are seen
in a favorable light by their bosses, peers, and subordinates will continue to move ahead in their
careers.”

So how do you improve your perception? The first step is knowing how you’re perceived – by bosses,
peers, subordinates, customers, etc. While this is a simple concept, it doesn’t mean it’s easy.  It requires
committing yourself to asking people feedback — but for once, that’s not about your performance, but
about how people see you.

Asking for this feedback can be hard or uncomfortable. It requires vulnerability. But it’s a commitment in
your future and your advancement. Garfinkle has several strategies to help – such as picking three
people to whom you will reach out to by the end of the week to ask for feedback. Or try a more informal
approach, such as asking someone after a presentation “Hey, how did you think that went?” in order to
make any needed changes to your perception you first have to be aware.

People learn how to perceive things as they grow up by what they see, experience and hear. For
instance, a person’s experiences and how they deal with them will all have an impact on that person’s
individual perception. In the world of employment, there will be many opportunities and different ways
to perceive a particular situation. Quite often, how a candidate perceives a situation can be completely
different from how a recruiter sees them and how they answer the interview questions. Don’t let your
become of one of those unprepared candidates. You cannot afford to risk having a poor interview
performance in this tough economic climate and job market.

efore my internship took place I truly did not know what to expect. My perception was that I
would be undertaking 'internship tasks' such as work which did not come with the guarantee of
being used or little jobs to assist in what was already being done. It may be a silly thought, but I
did believe that this could be how internships would perform as it is common for employers to
give this opportunity. However, I can only speak for my own experience but this is definitely not
the case! 

This is where my expectations have been exceeded, as I have been taken very seriously in how I
can benefit the University and industry partners, with the content I product. As written before, I
am currently undertaking a project for an Architectural company who the University of Laval
believed my work would benefit. Through this experience I have been able to obtain real
international client experience, which is a hugely exciting prospect. To be involved in creating
content to help support the proposal of an architectural building which may be built in Canada, is
a huge accomplishment at the age of 22. 

Through this I have gained additional experience such as client meetings, working to a real brief
and increased confidence within my knowledge and application of this sector.