In today’s business climate, with unemployment at all-time high, you can run the risk of trying to be someone else. Judy Garland said it the best, “Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of the second rate version of someone else.”

Begin to take inventory of what is it that you want and how you want to come across in an interview. The basics do not change. They are to engage your interviewer and be honest in your communications.

If something does not sound right, ask a question to confirm you understand what is being said. In other words, what you hear is what it means to you. Keep these things in mind and you will be a first rate version of yourself.

Carrying personal calling cards appears to be a new practice for many. But, what should be on it? Should it be a simple card or contain a design? If you have a second career or hobby should the personal card reflect it?

A card also provides information so the recipient of the card has information on how to contact you. Miss Manner’s recent advice is that the simpler, the better. Design the card with the end in mind.

If you use the card for contact information only, you can choose a different color paper or ink to jazz it up. Of course, or you can never go wrong with black print and white stock. A quality appearance is important.

If the card reflects something you are promoting, it should contain information about the product or service. The bottom line is that a personal calling card should describe what you want the recipient to know about you.

The tweet can be your best friend or worst enemy. In today’s 24 to 48 hour new cycle – negative things spread like wild fire. Never tweet when you are emotional and want to share a grievance. Use Twitter to promote positive thoughts. I know some of you want the world to know what you are up to. That’s ok if you always do it in a positive manner.

Today’s job market can be grim for jobseekers. So when you are fortunate enough to receive an interview, highlight what you have done.

However, what is more important is where you want to go and why. Present a vision. Support it by describing the steps on how to get there, what you bring to it and how you will bring others there.

Passion is critical. Love what you do and use that to create the ladder to your vision.

In the US it is considered the norm to offer a handshake when first meeting someone. In some cases a hug may also be appropriate. However, in other countries greetings are different. Since business is international, it would be good to know the greeting customs used in different countries.

Here are some examples:

India

This is land of Namaste. Place your hands in a prayer position at the chest, point your fingers upward and bow slightly while saying “Namaste” (nuhm-uh-stey).

South Africa

The traditional South African greeting is a standard handshake grasp followed by a shift of hands to an upward position, then back to the standard grasp – all in one fluid motion.

Japan

One bows from the waist with palms on the thighs and heels together. A bow ranges from a nod to a 90 degree bend at the waist. Levels of respect are indicated by the depth and duration of a bow. A small head nod is casual and informal.

When you visit these countries, using their greeting customs will be noted as a sign of respect.

The primary purpose of business holiday parties is to celebrate and strengthen relationships. But, they can also be a gregarious time where too much information is shared and too many alcoholic beverages consumed.

Conversations at these events are best when the discussions are about current events or safe subjects like best restaurants, movies or books. Also, maintain a strict two cocktail limit.

Keeping these things in mind will help ensure the holiday parties work as positive relationship strengtheners.

Your e-mail presence has the same impact, if not more than, a face to face meeting. I often receive e-mails without a signature or sometimes with just a first name.

I am not speaking about emails between family or close friends. This is about your professional e-mail presence.

Email basics:

The basic email signature is at the end of the communication. It lists your name, company name and phone number.

Avoid a color or patterned background because the text may be too difficult to read.

Keep the fonts simple (sans serif like Calibri or Arial is better on email) and at least 12 pts.

If you decide to use a picture – test it by emailing it to yourself. You want to make sure the image looks the same to the receiver

Using these guidelines will validate your professional e-mail presence.

In Wednesday’s Tribune, a ChicagoLandExtra article talks about TMAY developed by Wayne Gru, an adjunct professor at Robert Morris University. He uses this technique to help students talk about themselves. They write a script containing personal information and speak it out loud several times in a conversational manner.

This helps the students present themselves in a more confident manner when meeting new people. This exercise is critical for everyone when networking and especially when interviewing for a job or presenting in front of a group.

The main key for most adults is to recognize that we need several scripts to exude confidence for the appropriate audience. Practice and keep notes on how effective each TMAY is for your different audiences. It will increase your confidence.

In a recent “The Good Wife” episode, Alicia Florrick was being coached by Eli Gold (Peter’s campaign manager), for an interview about her husband’s indiscretions.

He suggested that people do not always listen to words. They watch your facial expressions and body language. They want to know if you show confidence and look comfortable and sincere.

So, when you are being interviewed face to face, remember, it is more about body movement, facial expressions and a projection of sincerity. If you can convey this, your audience and interviewer will be engaged and connected to you.

Change, as we all know, is difficult. It takes time and patience. Keeping a daily log on a particular habit you want to change is a way to ensure that you stay on track.

Start by writing the habit you want to stop on a piece of paper. For example, let’s say that you have a habit of filling dead space when you speak with “ahs”. You would like to remove the “ahs” out of your speech. So, each day, log how many times you say it. The goal the next day is to reduce the number. (Note: A tip to replace the “ahs” is to pause when you know one will come out.)

Keep this log for a month. Check it each week and note your progress. This is a sure way to feel a sense of accomplishment by making a change one step at a time.