ENG IP4 - Admission/Application Essay Example

In our daily lives, we always tend to portray a positive image by shaping the perceptions of others towards us. For example, the sales people shape our perceptions by portraying a positive image of their products. In the same way, you can change the perception of an interviewer towards hiring you or the perception of your boss if you are late by portraying a positive self-image. This essay will thus focus on ways you can use to spin positive image of yourself and how it is similar in the way you try to shape perceptions in essays.

According to the attribution theory of perception, the perception and judgment of a person’s action is influenced by the assumptions we make about his internal state. A behavior can thus be attributed to either internal or external causes by this is determined by distinctiveness, consensus and consistency (Robbins, 120). Internal causes are those attributed to individual control while external causes are attributed to situations outside the control of individual or to the situation. In this sense, one can blame lateness to external factors such as traffic or internal factors such as laziness. . If you keep getting late, then the boss will form a negative image of you and always attribute your being late to laziness rather than other causes such as traffic jam.

The supervisor will also try to find out any associated behaviors in a different situation. For example, if the lateness is also a source of complaints by other employees for being lazy, then it is difficult to change the supervisor’s perception of you and to create a positive image. Another determinant according to Robbins (120) is consensus. Those who face similar situations are assumed to respond the same way. If you tell the supervisor you were late due to traffic, other employees who follow the same route should also be late otherwise your boss will assume you are lying and have a negative perception of you.

Consistency is also important. The boss will want to know if you respond the same way over time. If coming to work late is a consistent behavior, then he/she will attribute it to internal causes thus destroying your image. However, if you have an outstanding characteristic, the boss may allow that trait to influence his impression of you in what Robbins (121) calls Halo effect. One should therefore, try and build on his/her strengths in order to influence the perception of supervisor. For example, if you always meet deadlines, are innovative, and a high performer he/she may overlook your being late.

Your attitude also matters as it influences perceptions (Stulz et al. 27). Being polite and apologizing for lateness may help to create a positive image to the boss. Attending a job interview is a critical stage in ones life thus needs to be handled with utmost care. The perceptions